Is it possible to create a business in Cuba? Work and available vacancies in Cuba. How to open a bank account

Last December, news of a historic event swept across the world: the United States of America and Cuba decided to resume diplomatic relations that were severed in 1961. In May, the United States removed Cuba from its list of “countries that sponsor terrorism,” where it had been included in 1982. And this summer, diplomatic missions of both countries were opened in a solemn ceremony.

Negotiations are underway to resume air traffic between the two countries.

The era of change is always an era of new opportunities. Perhaps the “Cuban Thaw” is exactly the moment that needs to be seized?

Cuba goes online

Cuba is a country of contrasts: on the roads there are still cars “originally” from the fifties (and often from the USSR), and the information space has finally stepped into the 21st century, following the introduction of public Wi-Fi.

Historically, Cuba has had the worst internet access in the hemisphere. Apparently, now, in an era of great change, the government has decided that wide access to the Internet is an integral part of the modern economy.

Just last month, the Cuban government said it intends to open 35 public places with Wi-Fi connectivity in 16 cities across the country. And by 2020 it is planned to provide access to the Internet for all residents of Cuba. Today, according to the International Telecommunications Union, only 3.4% of Cuban households have Internet access, one of the lowest rates in the world.

For a country where the government has long exercised very tight control over the dissemination of information, the spread of the Internet is an unprecedented step. This may sound strange to Europeans, but it was only recently, in 2008, that Cubans gained the right to use mobile phones. The use of computers was allowed a little earlier - in 2007.

Currently, there are approximately 150 public Internet cafes throughout Cuba. Prices for visiting them can reach 7-8 US dollars per hour. Cubans can also use the new Wi-Fi hotspots provided by the state-owned Etecsa: $1.50 per connection, plus an hourly rate.

Unfortunately, even $2 an hour is sometimes too high a price for most of the inhabitants of Liberty Island. Much of what is needed for life - food, education, medicine - is provided by the state here, and the average salary is about $20 a month.

Foreign investment in Cuba

A year ago, a new foreign investment law came into force in Cuba. The government has compiled a list of 246 investment projects, their total cost is about $8.7 billion. The list included a wide variety of projects - from poultry farming to the installation of wind power plants.

The Chinese and Europeans are actively interested in the Cuban market, for whom the rapprochement between Cuba and the United States can only benefit. Spanish tourism concerns are especially active, preparing to expand their business. The British, French and Chinese are also looking at Cuba. In this competition, the United States may turn out to be an unexpected outsider, which is still more focused on solving problems that have accumulated over the years, including those of a political nature, rather than on fighting for its place in the new market.

New law on foreign investment allows investment in all sectors of the economy, including: public utilities, real estate (buying, selling and leasing of homes and offices), hotel management and professional services. The law also provides for investments in stocks and other securities or bonds, public or private, that do not fall within the definition of direct investment.

Foreign investment in health, education or any branch of the military is prohibited. In addition, foreign investments that may threaten national security and defense, the safety of national resources and the environment are prohibited.

In addition, the law on foreign investment:

• cuts income tax in half - from 30% to 15% for most industries, and also abolishes the 25% tax on labor costs.
• allows 100 percent foreign ownership, which, although previously legal, has never been put into practice.
• investors in joint ventures will receive an exemption from all income taxes for a period of eight years.
• real estate investments can be in the private sector.
• new controls are proposed to assess, in particular, compliance with legal regulations and conditions approved for the creation or implementation of any business.
• stricter environmental management measures are in place. Individuals or corporations responsible for environmental damage will be required to restore the previous environmental situation and, if necessary, repair the damage or pay appropriate compensation.
• The rights of a foreign investor to intellectual property and technological innovation are recognized.
• All forms of investment must be officially registered by a government agency, then by a notary, and added to a special register.

After the flow of financial assistance to Cuba from the USSR has dried up, the issue of attracting foreign investment is more than relevant for the island. However, there are still a large number of problems, for example, Cuba does not yet have the right to conduct monetary transactions in US dollars, many types of credit cards are not authorized on the island, etc.

In addition, we cannot completely write off political risks, which, although they have decreased recently, have not yet disappeared. After all, Cuba is the Island of Freedom, and freedom is so unpredictable!..

Socialism in Cuba makes it difficult for both locals and visitors to find work. Job openings for those wishing to work in this country exist, but in rather limited quantities. You can find work in tourism, on sugar cane plantations, and in business. For Russians and Belarusians, who are considered friends of the local population, finding work in Cuba is problematic.

Knowledge of the Russian language will not surprise anyone, since the majority of the country’s residents know it. They work on plantations as guides, tour guides, and translators for entrepreneurs who have opened their own businesses here.

Working in Cuba for which money is paid is a privilege for the children and relatives of military and political leaders. For those who were able to get a job in a more or less decent company, they immediately fall under the supervision of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution. Another part of the population is forced to work planting and harvesting sugar cane.

Despite the difficult employment situation, foreigners still come to Cuba in search of exotic experiences and earnings. not difficult.

For Russians and Belarusians there are still different opportunities in one area or another. Many of them, even before leaving for the island, study working conditions, the situation with wages and competition. Therefore, citizens of other countries are looking for either seasonal part-time work or permanent work, which can only be obtained by running their own business.

Jobs can be found in agriculture, where workers are constantly needed for cane plantations. The salary here is small, but the competition is huge. However, this is one way to penetrate the Cuban labor market and learn about Cuban history, culture and traditions. One of the popular trends last year was hiring workers for flour production. This is a physically difficult job, as it requires certain training from employees. It involves the need to carry bags and operate millstones.

A large number of foreigners turn to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when looking for work. Its employees have information about the most current offers that exist in various regions of the state. Among them, the most popular are:

• teachers;
• culinary workers - cooks, waiters, hawkers and food deliverers;
• car mechanic;
• translators of various European languages;
• doctors, nurses and orderlies;
• drivers of various types of transport.

Using the services of this department has several pitfalls. Before offering a job in Cuba , information about applicants is entered into a special database. Having studied the candidate literally from all sides, he may be offered an interview at one or another company, school, or hospital. This could be Cuba, or maybe one of the neighboring countries. Most often, these are not very developed countries. This is where one of the pitfalls lies. If a person refuses the proposed job twice, then information about him will be completely deleted from the database.

It is considered quite promising if visitors from other countries managed to get a job as a representative of a particular company. This will allow people to receive official employment, a social package, a higher salary, the opportunity to use company housing and other benefits.

Although there are some disadvantages to such work. For example, higher requirements for employees regarding qualifications or level of education. In addition, a person who gets a job as a sales representative is required to study the peculiarities of the market and marketing. You also need to know the company’s activities in order to help attract investors to Cuba.

KamAZ organizes assembly and repair of trucks in Cuba

Local laws allow you to open your own company in the country, information about which is available on the websites of various ministries and embassies.

There are also quite interesting job offers that immigrants from post-Soviet countries agree to. In particular, for Belarusian students who dream of going to Cuba in the summer. These offers involve free execution of various orders from employers. Such work is considered free of charge and goes to the benefit of this revolutionary country.

Investment opportunities

Fidel Castro passed a law to encourage foreign citizens to invest their own money in the Cuban economy. The goal of this approach is to create a favorable investment climate in the country and expand the number of investors in various areas. Often many people decide.

For those who want to open their own company, special conditions have been created in Cuba:

• People have the right to buy or rent real estate; for this they are issued a visa valid for one year;
• Relatives of the entrepreneur can receive the same visa;
• Get housing in elite resorts where there are many vacationers. This should attract citizens interested in golf and yachting;
• Citizens buying real estate in Cuba can engage in various types of business, including tourism. As soon as the housing is sold or returned to the owner (if the foreigner had it on lease), then the visa is cancelled. The same principle applies if Cuban laws have been violated or the person has been out of the country for more than a year.

Foreign citizens, in addition to tourism, can actively develop other areas of business. In particular, they create warehouses where finished products are stored. It is brought across the sea to be distributed among the local population or residents of neighboring countries. In addition, enterprises engaged in light industry or food production are opening.

But this type of entrepreneurship requires significant capital investments, the purchase of expensive equipment and the formation of a staff. Therefore, citizens prefer to open small cafes or restaurants, where foreigners act as investors, and the actual owners are their Cuban friends or relatives.

example of a cafe interior in Cuba

Brings good profit own business in the field of tourism - provision of a full or partial set of services:

• Buying or renting housing on the coast, and then renting it out to tourists.
• Organization travel companies operating on an all-inclusive basis. The owners offer accommodation in hotels, private houses or apartments; transportation to and from the airport, excursions.

Varadero

Blogger Boris Smirnov writes:

Living well in Cuba is not difficult, you just need to know how to do it. This article is the summary of my impressions from 2 years of living in Havana.

There is only one word that can describe everything that is happening in Cuba today - “we are waiting.” In Cuba, everyone is waiting for something. Cubans are waiting for a passing car to get to work, they are waiting for food cards to be purchased, they are waiting in numerous lines in stores, hospitals and government offices, frontline workers are waiting for the right to buy a car, the most active Cubans are waiting for the right to buy a car. to leave the country, of course everyone is waiting for the end of the working day so that they can go out into the street and start waiting for a ride that will stop and give them a ride home. Everyone is waiting for at least some changes. A year ago, I turned to the US Embassy in Havana (there it is called the US Interests Mission) with a request to extend my American visa - I was offered to wait 1 year and 8 months in order to come for an interview with the consul - previously he had all his days booked.

Cuba is the most popular and largest island in the Caribbean. Because of its beauty, Cuba is often called the "Pearl of the Caribbean" and boasts hundreds of kilometers of stunning landscapes, majestic mountains, awe-inspiring landscapes and stunning cities. There are more than 300 pristine beaches, coves and bays, surrounded by the most beautiful, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea - all this has always been the main advantages of the island.

People in Cuba are warm-hearted, hospitable, fun-loving, have a good sense of humor, they know how to enjoy life and often get together to sing and dance. Cubans are extremely accommodating and kind people. They are friendly, responsive and always ready to help. This is often perceived as a desire to earn tips, but in most cases this is not the case.

Cuba has a unique “two-tier” currency system. For Cubans in the country there are one price, for foreigners - another. It's an idiotic system, but everyone knows that Cuba's entire economic system is one. The same services in Cuba cost differently for Cubans and foreigners. If you are a foreigner, then all services for you cost 24 times more than for Cubans. Of course, if you are not a tourist, but live in Cuba permanently, you will learn to bypass this system, but only where possible.

Currently, tens of thousands of foreigners live permanently in Cuba. There is no law in Cuba prohibiting foreigners from living there, and it is not difficult to live well in Cuba, you just need to know how to do it and accept some Cuban characteristics.

For more than 15 years, many Canadians and Europeans have spent the winter months in Cuba. There are about 300 sunny days a year here. The mild climate suits most people, and life expectancy on the island is higher than in most developed countries. The healthy lifestyle of Cubans is simple and low-calorie food, sports and physical work, the cheerful disposition of Cubans, as well as developed Cuban medicine.

I communicated with many foreigners who permanently live in Cuba, mostly European pensioners. All of them are quite satisfied with their lives and are happy, because Cuba can give a lot of things that no other country in the world gives. Of course, Cuba has not yet become a place of universal immigration, but for a certain kind of people this place can be damn interesting.

Cuba is one of the safest places to live in the world, and here your personal life is truly private (unless you are spying or involved in activities that harm Cuba, the Cuban authorities will not be interested in you at all). Cubans are incredibly friendly and the police are incredibly helpful. In Cuba you will never see police pressure, armed robbery, rape, violence or a hostile atmosphere. During the 2 years I lived in Cuba, the police never fined me, although I, of course, broke the rules.

Now in Cuba, small businesses are beginning to take their first steps, foreign investment is widely welcomed, which means that Cuba is ready for entrepreneurship. Since investment laws were relaxed, Canadians and Europeans have been investing in the country. The new investment law allows foreign businessmen to have their own businesses, offices and housing. Cuba has put the Cold War behind it and is now ready to participate in shaping the global economy. Very soon, a gold rush may begin in Cuba, and hordes of entrepreneurs from all over the world will begin to fight for spheres of influence on the island.

In Cuba, you only have to deal with one partner - the government. It is possible to adapt to the Cuban economic system. I've met plenty of people who have done this. There are many foreigners in Cuba who have opened successful businesses. Of course, you need to spend time and learn how to work in the Cuban economic system. Many of the laws in Cuba are completely idiotic, but the good news is that the laws are enforced and there is almost no corruption (small gifts to officials don't count), and once you figure it out and accept these Cuban laws, you can work there.

Cuba is hungry for investment and foreign investors are welcomed almost everywhere. An additional advantage for foreign investors is a highly educated and disciplined workforce, huge untapped tourism opportunities and improved infrastructure. The most important thing is to understand how everything works there. Be prepared that this may take years.

There is no need to flatter yourself. I know dozens of people who have been trying to do something in Cuba for many years, but they have not succeeded. In addition, in Cuba you will have only one partner - and if you do not agree with him, you will have nothing else to do in this country.

In Cuba, as in any other country in the world, it is important to wait a little and understand how best to live and work. I have met many entrepreneurs who came to Cuba hoping for quick results. As a rule, their endeavors ended in disappointment.

Although conditions for investing and living in Cuba are improving, no one can predict the future with absolute certainty. I know many people who have been predicting the liberalization of the Cuban economy for 20 years and are still waiting for it to happen. How many times has Fidel Castro been buried on the Internet?

New Cuba is the few condominiums in the center of Havana that are built according to European standards in places such as 5th Avenue, Marina Hemingway, Havana Club or the Malecon embankment. Apartments in such houses are freely sold and bought by foreigners, and the prices are among the most expensive in the Caribbean. Foreigners are not yet allowed to purchase other Cuban real estate.

The main problems that face any foreigner in Cuba: food, internet and transport. There are no supermarkets in Cuba with products from all over the world. Food choices are limited and imported food is very expensive. The Cuban diet consists of beans, rice, chicken and pork. Even in the most expensive and modern stores in Havana - such as the Palco supermarket - you will rarely find more than 2 types of cheese, 3-4 types of canned food, 1-2 types of yogurt. For fish and vegetables you need to go outside of Havana - to the villages. It is interesting that in conditions of a total shortage of normal products in Havana there are several restaurants with excellent world-class cuisine.

The biggest problem in Cuba for modern people is access to the Internet. It's super slow, super unreliable and super expensive.

It is almost impossible to buy a car in Cuba. I wrote about this 2 years ago.

Ultimately, these points can be discarded if they are not very important to you. By many other measures, Cuba is a damn great place to live. There is a wonderful climate, friendly people, safety, good medicine (of course, not the best in the world, as many say, but still not bad) - life can be very measured and calm. Havana has an excellent private school, the International School of Havana, where children from all over the world study, and the University of Havana, which is almost the oldest university in the Western Hemisphere.

Who mostly lives in Cuba now? Of course, there are a lot of older Europeans here: they married young Cubans, had small children and enjoy the warm climate, everyone's attention and care. A European pension is enough for a very decent life in Cuba. In addition, many people live here who want to give their children a good education. Recently, there has been more and more talk about the fact that it is the best place in the world to conduct your business confidentially around the world. Unlike Europe, no one here will poke their nose into your affairs.

Hemingway always chose the best places to live. , Key West, Cuba. He was constantly harassed by the FBI and the IRS, and this persecution ultimately killed him, just as it killed Joe Louis, Woody Herman and other American heroes. He loved Cuba, loved his home in Cuba, but under pressure from the US government he was forced to give up his home and go live in . There is compelling evidence that the move killed him: FBI accusations of communist ties drove him to suicide. If Hemingway had stayed in Cuba, he would have lived another 20 years.

And one more thing - if someone is persecuting you and you want to find refuge, perhaps Cuba is the best place for this.

Cuba has something to offer even those with the most incredible tastes and lifestyles. In June 1998, the Miami Herald published the following statement about American baby boomers: “There will be a mass immigration of retirees attracted by the low cost of living that makes it easier to live on their small pensions, reasonable medical prices and a warm climate. Due to its proximity to the United States and low industrialization, Cuba will become the most popular destination for retirement living.”

Bottom line. Cuba is incredibly beautiful. Great cigars, great rum, beautiful women, entertainment. There is a special attitude towards foreigners here, and this has always been the case - even before the revolution. It's very safe here. Cuba has great prospects for small business development. Here you can live comfortably and give your children a good education. Unfortunately, a lot here (almost everything) is organized through the ass. If you're willing to put up with it, it could be a great place to live.

The guest of the Cigar Portal is entrepreneur Sergei Nyrkov, a member of the MSK, who has just returned from Cuba.

- Sergey, you have dedicated the last ten years of your life to Cuba. Does Cuba reciprocate?
- Before, I only dealt with cigars. Now mostly coffee. Del Rio - my company - supplies Cuban coffee Cubito to Russia.
- We drank and drank - both regular and cigar - Montecristo, Cohiba...
- This is us too. All Cuban coffee, i.e. 100 percent of Cuban coffee exports to Russia are us.
- What do Cubans value most in business?
- As in all business, - efficiency, that is, access to the production of a product, making a profit. But the main thing for them is still a sincere attitude towards Cuba. I saw many businessmen who came with the desire to make quick money. In this case, Cubans treat the person with great caution. The main thing is the quality of the partner, how honest he is. They don't care how cool and rich you are. What matters is whether you inspire trust.
- I remember the story when you were received by one of the top Cuban leaders, and a famous Russian businessman, who had flown to Cuba on his plane, had been sitting in his waiting room for an hour.
- This is significant. If the Cubans believed in you and understood that you are a friend, then the doors of many offices open to you as if by magic. I try to do business in Cuba with love for Cuba. First, just this, and then profit, loss.
- Loss?
- Don’t be surprised, this happens in Cuba. Something must be done because it is necessary, and not because it will bring money. That's why I say - it's more like a friendly relationship than a business in the classical sense of the word.
- You have been to Cuba many times in recent years. How is the Cuban economy changing?
- Externally - very strong: many private businesses are opening. In the sphere of trade, tourism services, and the agricultural sector, you can take land, grow tobacco, coffee, but hand over the product to the state at prices set by it.
- So, by opening up to private initiative, Cuba maintains state control?
- This is the most fundamental difference between the Cuban economy and ours, for example. They don't want a repeat of our experience. State control is quite strict. And here the reason is not only the reluctance to lose economic control. They want to remain a social state, they want to maintain a balance between public and private. They are afraid of ideological erosion.
- A difficult task - a private owner will always want to work primarily for himself. And a Cuban here, most likely, is no different from a Russian, German, or American. Agree?
- I don’t know, a Cuban may be no different. But the Cuban state is different. It seems to me that they are smart enough not to repeat the bitter experience of Russia. But their economy will be different, not similar to ours. Maybe there will be more capitalism there, but not wild, but this kind - Swedish, Finnish, in general, human.
- Let’s hope, although it won’t be very easy to do.
- Well, well - Cuba over the past 20 years has many times refuted dozens of predictions from both the right and the left. And it remained Cuba - the same as it was when you and I were still going to school.
- Now about the cigar. Every time you come to Cuba, you visit your friend Irochi Robaina...
- Previously - Don Alejandro and Irochi, now Irochi, head of the House of Robaina...
- Did you get out this time?
- On your birthday. Irochi had, as usual, a large international company - Americans, French, and others. In my honor, one Cuban organized a small concert - songs with a guitar. Then I played. You know, I once traveled around the country giving concerts. Then I didn’t know what to do - write poetry, give concerts, play in the theater. But he went into business. When I sang with Irochi and began to return the guitar to the Cuban, he refused: no, Sergei, he said, I can’t perform after such a professional. It was nice.
- What's new with Irochi?
- He has a new homemade cigar. The format is fancy - a little shorter than robusta and a little thicker. I brought it for you, you can try it. Another new thing for Irochi is that he is developing his foreign contacts. I was recently in China and will soon be going to Hong Kong. He’s not going alone - together with Ernest Milanes, the world’s most famous Cuban creator of designer humidors, Irochi’s friend, they live nearby.
- Good company - the world's most famous Cuban tobacco farmer and the most famous Cuban creator of humidors. Won't they come to us from Hong Kong?
- I would suggest another option - to invite Irochi and Milanes to the Central Cigar Event 2014. Irochi with his cigars, and Milanesa with her humidors. They are in the collection of Depardieu, Denis DeVito, and many cigar makers around the world. Now they may appear in Russia.
- Good idea, let's think about it.

Andrey Loskutov

For business, Cuba is a pristine and promising market. Only last year small and medium-sized businesses were legalized there. The number of foreign tourists on the “Island of Freedom” is growing at a rapid pace, and international corporations are just starting to work. If you intend to do business in Cuba, consider four important nuances.

Companies without a face

Legislation in most countries around the world treats companies as separate legal entities with guaranteed rights and obligations. It is the legal entity (and not its employees) who is responsible in case of bankruptcy and violation of the law.

In Cuba everything is different. You can start a company there, but all responsibility for its actions lies entirely with the owners and employees.

Good old co-op

Of all the forms of organizations in Cuba, the closest to us is . This is an enterprise with a special legal status. Initially, cooperatives could only be created in the sphere Agriculture, but now the country’s authorities are extending this practice to other industries.

The main advantage of a cooperative is tax benefits. This form of organization does not provide legal protection - the owners and employees still bear responsibility. But the modernization of the country continues and further liberalization of laws is possible.

Disenfranchised foreigners

Foreigners in Cuba technically have the right to legal protection, but the country's Constitution states that the interests of the state trump the rights of the accused. In addition, most Cuban lawyers work in government law offices - colectivas, and your lawyer will most likely be a government employee.

You can hire a private lawyer, but he has no right to represent you in court - only to give advice. This does not mean that a fair trial in Cuba is impossible. But it’s better to take legal considerations into account before they become a problem for you.

"Unjust enrichment"

An unexpected and sometimes intractable problem for foreign entrepreneurs in Cuba can be laws against so-called “unjust enrichment.” They are based on the provision of Roman law: nemo locupletari debet cum aliena iactura (“no one should benefit at the expense of another”). A Cuban entrepreneur can be held liable for unjust enrichment, regardless of whether it was intentional. The problem of income inequality remains acute in the country and this topic must be addressed with the utmost caution.

Of course, the risks for foreign businessmen and investors in Cuba remain high. But this is true for any new, growing market - and high risk promises good reward.