Of course, emigrating to Liberty Island is less popular than emigrating to the US or Europe for permanent residence. Nevertheless, quite a few people from all over the world choose to live in the Caribbean as an alternative to their home country. The most common option for permanent residence, or unrestricted visit to Cuba, is to obtain a residence permit. Thus, the residency status is almost similar to that of Cuban citizenship.

How do I get Cuban citizenship?

You can be born in Cuba. Children born in Cuba automatically acquire Cuban nationality regardless of the nationality of their parents. An exception is the children of foreigners who are in Cuba in the service of their government or international organizations.

From Cuban parents. Children born outside the island acquire Cuban nationality if at least one of their parents is a Cuban citizen.

Persons born abroad to parents who were born in Cuba but have lost their citizenship, or who serve the Cuban government abroad, may also obtain Cuban citizenship.

By naturalization. Many islanders do not obtain citizenship because obtaining Residente de Permanente gives them the same rights and responsibilities as Cubans. With the Residente de Permanente, your child will be free from medical and educational expenses and will be able to buy property and cars and conduct business on the island.

However, under Decree No. 358 of 1944, naturalization is possible if you have lived permanently in Cuba for at least five years and speak Spanish.

Naturalized aliens include those who have been deprived of their citizenship in their home country. However, this type of naturalization is only allowed at the discretion of the Cuban president.

You can obtain a residence permit in Cuba in the following ways:

• An employment contract;
• Studying at a university in Cuba;
• Medical practice and volunteer work on the island;
• Family unity;
• Marrying a local;
• Investing in real estate.

Depending on how you move to Cuba, foreigners are granted temporary or permanent residence. Temporary (Residente de Temporal) is fixed for 3 months and you cannot buy a property or a car, or run a business. Permanent residence is granted indefinitely. 

Documents required:

To obtain residence through marriage with a Cuban citizen, present your passport and a certified translation into Spanish of the required certificates. List of required documents:

1. Foreign passport.

2. Birth certificate.

3. Certificate that you are not married. In the case of married couples, a certificate of divorce or death is.

4. Certificate of unmarried status. For those who are married, a certificate of divorce or death is.

A translation can be obtained from the Cuban embassy. In this case, no notary certification is required.

Types of stays in Cuba

Business

To start a business in the Caribbean country, you need to contact the Cuban consulate. If you are told yes, you must pay and prove your financial solvency. If so, the authorities may allocate land on the island for you to run your business.

Employment

Most work is something locals don't want to do, such as farming, or harvesting sugar cane.

This method is preferred by young people who want a more prestigious job in the future. Skilled professionals can apply to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If there is a demand for your profession, you will be invited to work.

Emigrating to Cuba by marriage

Getting married will allow you to engage in legal activities in the country. Your spouse will also have all the basic rights of a native.

However, major property acquired on the island (houses, land, cars, etc.) must be registered in the Cuban name. In this way, you could lose all your property in the event of divorce.

Refugee status

Refugee status is the most uncomfortable option, as it requires renunciation of citizenship in your home country. Cuba does not allow dual citizenship. The law in this respect is very strict. Violators are subject to administrative and criminal penalties, deportation, and an immigration ban.

Benefits of citizenship

Cuban nationals can apply for Spanish citizenship through an accelerated system. They only have to reside legally on Spanish territory for 2 years. Cubans do not have to surrender their passport; Spain recognizes dual citizenship with all of its former colonies.