WORK IN HAVANA

Havana is a compelling city, so it�s not unusual that some people want to stay on and find work there. Sorry, 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 according to Cuban regulations, and this means your salary will be paid in Peso Cubano, which can only used in the internal Cuban market and surprise, surprise - your salary will be 240 � 500 peso Cubano (roughly 10 � 20 US dollars a month).

Still, there are some very, very limited possibilities:

You can work 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.

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

There are two types of residence: Temporary Residence for up to 30 days with a tourist visa (20 CUC) called �tarjeta tourista,� extendable to 60 days. Some exceptions are possible for persons with student visas and health tourists.
Permanent Residence, which 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.