Apply for permanent residence in Cuba

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Apply for permanent residence in Cuba

by Liz
(Ontario, Canada)

I am a Canadian citizen and want to live in Cuba with my boyfriend. He says that if I marry him, it is fine if I live with him in Cuba. It is too difficult and an expensive process to sponsor him to come to Canada. If I apply for permanent residence in Cuba, can I leave Cuba at any time I want? (I don't want to be trapped in the country like the Cubans) Also how can I support myself there? It's around 700 CUC for a decent apartment.

Answer by Vic, webmaster Havana-guide.com
As a Canadian citizen you are privileged. The Cuban tourist visa for a Canadian citizens is valid for 90 days and can be extended once for another 90 days period, than you have to leave the country for at least 48 hours and can start with a new tourist visa. As a matter of fact you can stay almost half a year in Cuba on your tourist visa, of course you have to leave the country after each period of 180 days. Most foreigners travel for a weekend to Cancun (Mexico) or to the Bahamas. (air tickets round 350-500 cuc). Note that other foreigners have to leave Cuba after a period of 60 days (2x 30 days). There are foreigners living in Cuba who travel six times per year back and forth, after time it is expensive, so a permanent residence in Cuba can be a solution, but has its disadvantages too, there is a lot of red tape!

1) You have to make a deposit of 5,000 CUC in a Cuban bank as a guarantee.
2) Officially married to a Cuban citizen.
3) Pass a medical examination.
4) Prove that you have a residence, normally the house of the "Cuban partner".
5) Prove that you have sufficient income to live in Cuba (e.g. Salary, pension, income from abroad.
Note: when you get a Cuban permanent residence you are subject to Cuban laws, you get a Cuban identity card (carnet), a libreta (ration book) are allowed to pay in CUP (peso national) BUT,... to leave the country you need to apply for a Cuban exit visa. You can negociate a long term rent of a "casa particular" starting from 650-700 cuc per month, don't expect any luxury for this price.
In general Cuba is not a cheap country for foreigners. Your major problem will be your income. Forget it to find work in Cuba
read this
work in Cuba
Even if you can find work in Cuba you are paid by
the Cuban government according to Cuban standards,
this means 400-600 Cup per month (10-25$). Before
you jump be sure to have a decent income source from abroad. GOOD LUCK!

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Apply for permanent residence in Cuba

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Dec 06, 2011
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new import policy
by: Anonymous

raul castrol announced that foreign residence can import 2 vehicles to cuba.
whats cost of insurance and registration for a yr for a car? and for a motorcycle?

and low speed electric scooter w/bicycle pedals, those types are free to use without insurance,registration?

does having a g/f and a kid and living there half the year count me as one?

2nd question is, can i bring a motorcycle or electric scooter to cuba, as a tourist? or as a gift to a cuban partner?

thanks for response,

Nov 10, 2011
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can i go to cuba?
by: Anonymous

i'm english... can i live in cuba? do i have to marry?

Answer by Vic Webmaster

only with a permanent residence visa
read: havana-guide.com/workinhavana.html
Yes, you have to marry to a Cuban citizen.

Jul 06, 2011
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Changes to Cuban PR Relations ??
by: Eduardo

I am a Cuban Permanent resident, but at the present time I am living in Vancouver taking care of my 15 year old daughter, but hope to return before my 365 days have expired which will void my Permanent resident status in Cuba.
My wife in Cuba has informed me that there has been some changes to the Permanent Residency laws in Cuba and it is now more flexible,....????

Does anyone know what these changes are ????

camajan@live.ca

Feb 02, 2011
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Apply for permanent residence in Cuba
by: PALESTINO

MANY CUBANS LIVE VERY COMFORTABLY IN CUBA AND IF YOU GIVE THEM THE WHOLE CANADA OR ANY OTHER COUNTRY THEY ARE NOT INTERESTED BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT HAVE THE SAME CONFORT THEY HAVE IN CUBA.

I HOPE MY COMMENT CAN BE READ BY CUBAN GOVERMENT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE EXIT VISA LAW AND CUBANS AND FOREIGN PERMANENT RESIDENTS CAN JUST PAY THE MONEY FAST AND EASY WITHOUT GOING THROUGH DIFFICULTIES. THIS CAN BRING CUBA MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FAST. THINK ABOUT IT RAUL. SALUDOS

Feb 02, 2011
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permanent residence in Cuba
by: PALESTINO

IF IMMIGRATION OFFICE IS NOT IN YOUR TOWN WHERE YOU LIVE, YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR HOME TO GET TO THE OFFICE LATEST AT 7:30 AM AND THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR ONES LIVE IN THE COUNTRY SIDE.YOU HAVE TO SUBMIT TWO FOTOS AND FILL OUT FORMS AND BOUGHT AT BANK A STAMP THAT COST 150CUC. AFTER ALL THAT YOU HAVE TO WAIT 3 WEEKS BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR PASSPORT WITH AN EXIT VISA. ANOTHER PROBLEM OF THIS EXIT VISA IS HOW MUCH TIME IMMIGRATION PERMIT YOU TO STAY OUT OF CUBA THIS CAN BE FROM ONE MONTH TO A ONE YEAR. IN CASE THEY GIVE YOU ONE MONTH AND IF YOU STAY MORE THAN ONE MONTH OUT OF CUBA, YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE CUBAN CONSULATE WHERE YOU LIVE AND PAY 60 DOLLARS FOR EACH MONTH UP TO 11 MONTHS.AND IF YOU STAY OUT OF CUBA MORE THAN 11 MONTHS 29 DAYS YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOOSE YOUR RECIDENCY.IF YOU STAY MORE THAN YOUR PERMIT OUTSIDE OF CUBA MORE THAN ALLOWED WITHOUT PAYING EXTENDING.(LESS THAN 11 MONTHS TOTAL)WHEN YOU GO BACK AT THE AIRPORT YOU HAVE TO PAY THEM IN TOTAL OR THEY WONT ALLOW YOU TO ENTER CUBA OR THEY WONT GIVE YOU ANOTHER EXIT VISA UNTILL YOU PAY THIS IN FULL.

I HAVE KNOWN THOUSANDS OF FOREINERS FROM CANADA AND MANY OTHER RICH COUNTRIES WITH NO FINANCIAL PROBLEMS OF INCOME WHO WANT TO MARRY WITH CUBAN, HAVE FAMILY,KIDS,AND LIVE IN CUBA, JUST FOR THIS EXIT VISA PROBLEM, DONT WANT TO DO IT AND THIS IS A BIG FINANCIAL LOSS FOR THE CUBAN GOVERMENT.

CUBAN GOVERMENT HAS TO KEEP THIS IN MIND FOR ITS OWN GAIN. A FOREIGN FROM A RICH CONTRY WHO IS NOT USED TO GO THROUH DISCOMFORT OF WAITING IN LINE UPS WITH CUBANS. ANOTHER POINT CUBAN GOVERMENT HAS TO LOOK IN TO IS A FOREIGN FROM A RICH COUNTRY IS NOT GOING TO GIVE UP HIS COMFORTABLE LIFE TO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN CUBA.

CUBA CAN BE A VERY ATTRACTIVE PLACE FOR A CANADIAN TO GET AWAY FROM CANADIAN COLD WHEATHER
CUBA IS A VERY SAFE COUNTRY FOR FOREINERS
YOU CAN EAT ORGANIC FOOD ALL THE TIMES
FRESH SEAFOOD AND BEACHES ALWAYS ACCESIBLE
YOU CAN HELP MANY PEOPLE IN NEED WITHIN YOUR CAPACITY
YOU FELL LIKE BEST LOOKING MAN OR WOMAN IN THE WORLD BECAUSE YOU ARE WANTED (FOR YOUR MONEY AND GET OUT BUT IT IS NORMAL JUST IGNORE IT AND DONT GET EXPLOITED BY NOT LEARNING WHAT REALLY COST TO BUY THINGS IN CUBA)
DONT GET INTO POLITICS AND RESPECT THEIR LAWS AND RESPECT REVOLUTION FIDEL CHE AND THEIR PARTNERS.

DONT THINK ABOUT LIVING IN CUBA MARRIED TO A CUBAN BEFORE SPENDING ALOT OF TIME THERE STUDYING SPANISH,ECONOMY,MENTALITY,BACKGROUND OF YOUR CUBAN PARTNER.

CUBANS NO MATTER THEY LIVE GOOD OR THE WORST WILL COMPLAIN ABOUT HIS OR HER LIFE TO MAKE YOU FEEL SORRY FOR. USE YOUR COMMON SENSE TO DETERMINE IF THIS PERSON REALLY NEEDS YOUR HELP.

Feb 02, 2011
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EXIT VISA FOR FOREIGN PERMANENT TESIDENTS IN CUBA
by: PALESTINO

CUBA RULE
I AM NOT AN ORIGINAL CANADIAN BUT HAVE BEEN LIVING IN CANADA FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN CUBA AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT FOR 7 YEARS.

GETTING AN EXIT VISA FOR A FOREIGN PERMANENT RESIDENT CAN BE VERY FRUSTRATING.

Dec 30, 2010
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HELP in Cuba
by: Greg C

Like you my friend I have a girlfriend in Cuba and we are going to get married as soon as she is released from the detention place she is in (Holguin) I think she was arrested for prostitition and convicted in Aug, of this year, so I guess now she can not come to Canada, I have to find out what she is or was charged with before I can act. My question is can I live with her and her family that have there own house in Mayari after we get married, I think I need a A2 form, which I can get off the computer, do I take this form to the immigration in Mayari , and then what happens.??? I have spent so far a $1000.00 canadian dollars and I know I will have to spend another $600.00 dollars to marry her in Cuba, and after that can I live with her in her casa. ???? My name is Greg from Canada.
ANSWER by Vic webmaster Havana-guide.com
It's not that easy as you think it is! To get the A2 visa, you need to proof that she has a relation
with you (a marriage certificate or a written intention that you both are engaged and will marry soon, this is an official document from a Cuban notary. Note that the A2 visa is temporary and no permanent residence!
When she has done some time in prison she can't leave Cuba for at least 5 to 10 years depending on the delict she has committed. She will get no exit visa! One of your main problems will be ...money. Can you support the family and yourself? Not easy, I have seen foreigners going broke in Cuba, without a regular income from abroad. How big is your nestegg? Think before you jump! Read the requirements for a permanent residence on this site under the tab - "Work in Havana". The whole operation can cost you 5,000-10,000 USD (included 5,000 Cuc security deposit for your permanent residence!!)
and lots of time 1-2 years - Good Luck!

Aug 21, 2010
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hey
by: nato

Hey understand all Cubans wanting to leave Cuba, it is a country living in not only corruption but it may as well be in the stone age.
I am happily married to a Cuban girl, and i am from Australia, we have been married for 3 years, and the process is so frustrating i actually contemplated moving to Havana myself. I have been to Cuba so many times now i have lost count,and i agree be very careful whom you meet, as the majority want a free ticket out! But if you are not a complete idiot you can usually tell when you are being scammed. But to the girl who was trying to get her boyfriend to Australia, my advice.Forget it! I applied for three tourist visas for my at the time girlfriend,(now wife)and they were all rejected. The problem is that the Australian government accepts people on a percentage basis. If the country the applicant is coming from has a bad record of people not returning home, well that is how they make there decisions. Not of course the basis on rejection.But it is a critical basis. I was told this by the local member for parliament, as i was so mad at applying for three visas all to be rejected.But my wife and i decided to get married, i married in Havana. And it took approx 1 and a half years for her to get the visa to enter Australia as a permanent resident. Though i was fortunate to have a friend who is a political advisor to the then coalition government, so i found no trouble in the process. But it is very very EXPENSIVE! But in my case it is worth it, i love my wife with all my heart, and it has been the best decision i ever made. So i guess not all love stories from Cuba are Dreadful stories. But i really believe i am lucky and an exception, i know from people i have met in Cuba that the majority of relationships are not going to last.
But please if i can be any help to anyone,just reply.

Jun 20, 2010
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you must be crasy, girl
by: Anonymous

Your boyfriend and all cubans say the same, that if you do not want to marry him or her, go to live in cuba, it is just an strategy, so will agree to marry him and then he will dump you as a dirty cloth. Believe me they all just want to get out of their prison... my biggest mistake was marry a Cuban. I am Nicole, you will remember me if you marry a cuban. it will be better if tyou burry yourself alive.

May 27, 2010
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A Monumental Step To Take
by: Alce

Hi Liz and Angie,

I read your comments and can symptathise. Making the decision to marry a Cuban and all the expense that it entails or choosing to live wth them in Cuba is equally a difficult choice. Because it's life changing.

How many of us want to leave our friends, family, job, apartments, to go an live in a Communist country and live with all that it entails.

Angie I really felt for you because I know know from you previous posts how much you love your Cuban boyfriend. You have spent a small fortune in trying to get him to Australia and he did not even receive the visa which cost you a lot. That must have been so frustrating and heartbreaking too.

However I think that sometimes happen for a reason. It is all pre-ordained. I have two friends who have married Cuban men.

Let me tell you they rarely settle outside of their own unique culture. A cold climate is alien to them. they miss their family friends way of life and it does bring out the worst in them. Both of those women now have a life of misery and regret the decision they made.

I met a Cuban man, we really got along, there was a real bond of friendship. We communicated for almost a year. He begged me to live there. He loves Cuba and does not want to leave.

However travelling to Cuba is expensive. Long distance romance is very expensive.

Sometimes we come to the conclusion or ask ourselves 'Is Love Enough'. Enough to compensate all the other hurdles and set back that a romance with a Cuban can present.

Of course there are never any guarantees in life and lfe is all about taking a chance, a risk even. But deciding to live in Cuba is one decision I have yet to make.

Whatever you ladies decide to do I wish you both the best.

Lots of love and happiness. You deserve it. We all do.

May 26, 2010
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hey
by: angie

hi there,
I have exhausted every avenue of this area i am australian and to immigrate my man out of cuba was basically impossible i spent 1000 dollars on invitations and the start of processing 3000 on phone calls and lawyers and got nowhere it just goes on and on and then your responsible for them and will they really be happy in our world? then i couldnt even get his visiting visa safely to him as i had to pay it in australia and send it to him and he never received it..i payed he never received.. i also thought of living in cuba as i truly love him and love cuba .. but you have to realise you have to give up your life you will have to live like a cuban and ask to leave you will not have the luxurys that you have now which seems in the beginning romantic but be true to yourself can you live like a cuban?... and there government wont let you work there its imposible and if you manged to somehow probably illegally which is dangerous and once your under there rules they control you remember that its not a democracy can you live off 10-25 cuc a month honestly? you can not own an apartment and you will pay the price to rent one... the only way is to work 6 months in canada and stay 6 months in cuba but this is endless to and you want to have a good paying job as i tried to work this out and how do you leave jobs for 6 months a year.. the only way is if you have a pension or a thriving businesss that pays you when your not at work and if you have this lucky you... good luck i wish you the best.... i finally after 12 months said to my man i cannot do this i do not have the money or means to achieve this miracle cause this is what it is ... i wish you all the best good luck ....
ANSWER
Note that sending a visa or any other document to Cuba, is allways a risk, most of the post is opened or does never arrive. Only one reliable solution: use DHL courrier service, you have internet tracking and get a receipt.
Normally a Cuban citizen is allowed to leave Cuba.
When he/she get no permit to leave, there's a reason. Skilled people e.g. doctors, nurses, teachers, computer technicians etc. may only leave after 5 years. The rationale is that the State has invested a lot in their education.
When a Cuban has a criminal record he/she can only 10 years after the facts leave the country.
Note: criminal can be "activist", drug trafficking, jinetero, meat smuggling, blackmarket etc etc. When the Cuban does not get a visa from the inviting country, he will not get the Cuban exit visa. So there can be plenty of reasons.

May 26, 2010
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moving to cuba
by: Anonymous

i thought one cannot buy real estate in cuba? i thought the home system was one of bartering? is 700 cuc a monthly rent?
and are u saying the average cuban income is between 10 - 25 dollars a month?

ANSWER
Indeed, a foreigner can not buy property in Cuba.
Cubans do swap their houses the so called PERMUTA
Several Cubans are owner of their house but are not allowed to sell it, only a swap is permitted.
The 700 CUC is the monthly rent a FOREIGNER has to pay for the rent of a casa particular. A foreigner may not live with a Cuban family unless he/she is married to the Cuban and has a A2 visa (family visa)

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Apply for permanent residence in Cuba

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Apply for permanent residence in Cuba