Cuba's Real Estate Resident Visa (Clasificación Migratoria de Residente de Inmobiliaria) allows foreign nationals and stateless persons to reside in Cuba by purchasing or leasing property in authorized real estate complexes built and administered by Cuban state entities. The program is administered by the Directorate of Identification, Migration and Foreigners / Specialized Foreigners Center (DIMEC) of the Ministry of the Interior, with the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) and the authorized real estate complexes coordinating the application file. It targets foreign investors and retirees who wish to own or lease property in Cuba's authorized real estate developments.
The program has been overhauled by a new legal framework. A new Foreigners Law (Law 173/2024) replacing the 1976 law, together with its implementing regulation (Decreto 137/2025), was published in Gaceta Oficial No. 39 on 5 May 2026 and enters into force around 1 November 2026. The new framework keeps the real estate resident classification but materially changes its terms — most notably extending the residency term to five years (renewable every two years) and adding an economic-solvency deposit requirement.
Currently the visa is granted for 1 year and may be renewed for successive 1-year periods. Renewal applications must be submitted before expiration and require a Ministry of Tourism request, payment of the document tax, and identity photographs.
Under the new Foreigners Law (Law 173/2024) and its regulation (Decreto 137/2025), in force from around November 2026, the real estate residency term becomes 5 years, renewable every 2 years. The foreigner identity card itself is issued for 1 year for real estate residents (5 years for permanent residents).
Holders who remain abroad for more than 12 months without an authorized extension may lose their resident status. The new framework introduces the concept of "effective migratory residence," maintained by accumulating at least 180 days per year in Cuba or by demonstrating roots (family, employment, investments, property, bank accounts, or tax compliance).
Real estate residents may transition to Permanent Resident status. Under the new framework, foreigners who have resided in Cuba for more than five years under one of the residency classifications may be granted permanent residency. Additional permanent-residency pathways exist for foreigners holding significant patrimony (abroad or in a Cuban bank) and for those investing in priority development projects.
Foreign family members of the principal applicant who reside in the same property may obtain the same Real Estate Resident classification. They are included in the initial application and must provide passport copies and photographs. Family members' resident status is tied to the principal applicant's continued property ownership or lease.
Foreign residents in Cuba are subject to Cuban tax law under Ley No. 113 del Sistema Tributario (2012). Tax obligations depend on the nature and source of any income earned in Cuba. Cuba's tax framework for foreign residents is complex and applicants should seek specialist advice.
Only properties in authorized real estate complexes built and administered by Cuban state entities qualify for this immigration status. Properties must be acquired from authorized Cuban real estate entities — general private property purchases between individuals do not qualify. Authorized developments are found in prime locations such as Havana's Miramar district; prices in these complexes typically range from approximately USD 100,000 to over USD 500,000 depending on location and property type.
Real estate resident status does not by itself grant the right to work in Cuba. Holders who wish to engage in any professional or labor activities must obtain prior authorization and a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.
The application is filed through the administration of the authorized real estate complex where the property is located, which prepares the file and routes it via the Ministry of Tourism's Office of Procedures (Oficina de Trámites) to DIMEC for decision. Required submissions include the written request, passport and visa copy, proof of payment of the document tax, the ownership title or lease contract, a work/business permit where applicable, and (under the new framework) proof of the USD 1,000 solvency deposit per resident.
Upon approval, the holder obtains a foreigner identity card (Carné de Identidad de Extranjero) and must register in the Foreigners and Immigration Registry within 10 calendar days of entry. Holders must carry identification documents at all times. Under the prior resolutions, total processing was approximately 13 business days.