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Work in Havana Cuba
Jobs in the Caribbean
About job opportunities and work in Havana :
Can I find work in Havana?
Are there hotel jobs for foreigners in Cuba?
Can a foreigner find a job as a Tourist Guide?
Can I find jobs at Havana University?
Billboards in Havana encourage 'Work in Cuba'
"NOSOTROS TRABAJAMOS...¿Y TU?" "WE ARE WORKING...AND YOU?"
Because of the low salaries there's a growing indifference to work.
Jobs in CUBA: The Myths!
I receive several requests from people asking for information and
advice about working and living in Cuba.
Major reasons they want to "escape" to Cuba:
They were seduced by Cuba after a vacation of sun and fun and want
to
retire in Cuba like others do in Spain or Florida.
Want to escape from the rat race and are attracted by the slower pace
of life and the sun.
Economic reasons, they lost their job, house, or partner and think about
a new start in a country with a lower standard of living.
Attracted by the Cuban social life, greater solidarity and warmer society.
Before the leap: BE PREPARED!
A basic knowledge of Spanish is a must and some
Cuban slang is
an advantage. Most Cubans don't speak english, except in a few tourist hotels.
Make your homework : do your research:
You will need a visa, a house, an income, a social life and friends.
Don't expect to live on a shoestring. Cubans have a long tradition of
surviving on sugar, water and rice, they are born survivors.
You are a "spoilt foreigner" (sorry!) who is used to the luxury of a beer
a decent meal, entertainment etc.
A monthly income of 1,000 - 1500 $ wil be a minimum depending on your
life style.
MOVING TO CUBA - HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN
I have seen several expats running out of money. Without emergency money or
a secured income you are lost in Cuba, so think about a nest-egg, some
emergency money, keep in touch with family and friends or create your
own income generating website business.
Shipping to Cuba
Read more about overseas
shipping to Cuba
Work in Havana Cuba: The Work Permit - Salary and Jobs in Cuba
Havana is a compelling city, so it’s not unusual that some people want to stay on and find work there. Sorry, but you can almost forget this option, there are very few opportunities for foreigners to work in Cuba. All jobs in Cuba are distributed by the State and workers are paid and selected through a Cuban State agency.
First you have to apply for a work permit with the Ministry of Work and Social Security: not an easy task, because if a Cuban citizen can do the job, he or she has priority.
Second difficulty for a foreigner: you have to work in accordance with Cuban standards and regulations, and this means your salary will be paid in Peso Cubano, which can only be used in the internal Cuban market and surprise, surprise - your salary will be 240 – 500 peso Cubano (roughly 10 – 20 US dollars a month).
A few possibilities to work in Cuba.
You can work in Havana for a foreign company with a subsidiary or an agency in Cuba, but again Cubans will have priority, as most of these companies are joint ventures with
Cuban companies. For instance you can work as a travel representative for a tour operator or travel company, but don’t expect to work in a hotel as an entertainer or barman etc, - these kinds of jobs go to Cubans. To be allowed in the tourist industry is a privilege for a Cuban.
You can work as a journalist, freelance writer or photographer, but you’ll need a special visa and work permit.
Studying In Havana
You can apply for a student visa, which allows you to stay for a longer period in Havana, but you must take courses, and your attendance is checked.
Spanish language courses are popular, and several packages are available at the University of Havana, including hotel accommodation or a stay at the University Campus. Other popular courses are combined Salsa and Spanish language lessons and the study of the Cuban Culture.
Investing in Cuba
Information about Foreign Investments,
investing in Cuba and the legal framework provided by the Cuban Authorities.
Small Independent Businesses
This kind of business is not allowed in Cuba. In general most of the foreign companies are international companies who start a joint venture with a Cuban State owned company, with 51% Cuban participation.
Further information is available at the
CAMARA DE COMERCIO (Chamber of Commerce)
21st Street 611
Vedado
Website : http://www.camaracuba.cu
Residence In Havana
Types of Residence in Havana.
TOURIST VISA ( A1 Visa - Tarjeta Tourista)
This visa is a permission to stay up to 30 days in Cuba and is
extendable to 60 days (price 20 Cuc / 30 days).
Exception : For Canadian citizens (only) the visa is valid for 90 days and an extention up to 180 days is possible.
FAMILLY VISA (A2 Visa - Spousal visa)
A familly visa for foreigners married to a Cuban citizen. The visa allows a stay for 60 days. No extensions allowed.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
This is an annual residency, evidenced by a Cuban Identity Card (Carné de Identidad) and available to foreigners with a Cuban Work Permission.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
This visa can only be obtained if the foreigner is married to a Cuban citizen. Getting this permit can take a few months. You also have to prove your solvency by producing a certificate from a Cuban bank stating that you have at least 5000 CUC in your Cuban bank account.
Note, that by accepting the permanent residency status, you have to apply for a Cuban Exit Visa each time you leave the country.
SPECIAL VISA
There's a variety of special visa's, which can be issued for up to 2-3 months for businessmen, journalists, professional photographers, medical tourism, volunteer work etc.
Not found what you're looking for?
Search for more detailed info in HAVANA-GUIDE
Other related pages that may interest you
Love and Marriage in Cuba - What is a Jinetera ? What is a Jinetero ?
Cinemas in Havana - Film education in Cuba.
Havana Photo Gallery - Pictures of people and tourist attractions in Havana.
Life in Havana, the cost of living in Cuba. How do Cubans survive ?
Services in Havana : Internet access, electricity, post office, taxis, camel bus, viazul autobus,
health care, telephone and newspapers.
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