Cuba is a charming and hospitable island in the Caribbean with luxurious beaches, unique landscapes, and colorful culture. This is a great place for a tourist trip, as well as a vacation. However, if you are considering the country for employment, you should be prepared for certain restrictions. It is difficult for a foreign tourist to find a job in Cuba, but it is possible. Especially if there is considerable experience in a profession, high qualifications, and knowledge of the language.

How to get a job on the island, what is needed for this, and what prospects are offered to foreigners - this is discussed further in the material.

What needs to be done to come to the country to get a job

The situation with the labor market in the country and the employment of labor migrants remains unstable. There are not so many jobs for foreigners, and even if you find a job, you will have to face several restrictions. Nevertheless, Cuba is a great destination for skilled professionals looking for new and exciting experiences.

Before moving to the island for employment, it is worth looking for a job. It is better to apply directly to international companies whose branches operate in the country, or to search on recruitment sites, for example:

• Career Jet; 

• Computrabajo; 

• Go Abroad; 

• Linkedin. 

To start working in Cuba, you must first obtain a certain type of work permit, as well as a business or work visa. For this, it is necessary to have an invitation from the employer.

Before planning a trip, we recommend that you check with your employer or embassies and consulates all the details regarding the necessary documentation, requirements for entry and stay, as well as conditions. The list of consulates, embassies, and representative offices in Cuba is available at the link.  

Terms  

As already mentioned, a mandatory condition for employment in Cuba is the presence of an employer's invitation, a work permit, and a work visa. It is also necessary to prepare certificates or other documents confirming the availability of relevant skills for the chosen position.

You need to apply for a visa in advance and choose the type that suits your profession. There are several subcategories of work visas available for Cuba:

• D-1 visa – for specialists who have technical, scientific, or other special qualifications;

• D-2 visa – for students and scientists;

• D-3 visa – for artists;

• D-4 visa – for athletes;

• D-5 visa – for refugees;

• D-6 visa – for journalists;

• D-7 visa – for traders and business people;

• D-8 visa – for religious figures;

• D-10 visa – for medical tourists.

If you are applying for a prestigious and professional position (for example, in the field of health care or education), you will need to submit proof of higher education, technical and practical skills, experience, qualifications, etc. It is worth remembering that even with a work visa, the length of stay in the country may be limited to 2-3 months. However, it is not a problem to extend this period later.

We recommend that you take out medical insurance before your trip. This can be done at any verified insurance company.

Documents required

To obtain a work visa that allows you to work in Cuba, you need to submit the following documents:

• certificate of residence and employment permit in Cuba (can be obtained at the Cuban consulate);

• certificates, diplomas, or other documents confirming the availability of qualifications and experience;

• a certificate confirming the financial ability to live in Cuba;

• two passport-size photos;

• certificate of no criminal record issued in the last three months;

• medical certificate with examination results, including blood test, AIDS test, and X-ray;

• valid passport;

• confirmation of visa fee payment to Cuba in cash or via bank transfer.

Before applying, check with the consulate or other competent authorities for details on the required package of documents and other requirements.

Taxes

According to the law, foreign workers in Cuba must pay monthly income taxes. For migrant workers, this is 15% of the income received in the territory of the island.

Work prospects

Experienced foreign professionals have every chance to get a great experience in Cuba. However, job choices, prospects, and opportunities are still limited for migrant workers. One of the reasons is that priority is given to local workers on the island. Nevertheless, foreigners often find work as guides or tour operators. Also, many foreign journalists, freelance writers, businessmen, volunteers, and photographers work on the island.

For qualified specialists, it is more reliable to get a job in international companies in Cuba. If you have experience and know Spanish, you can expect to work in agriculture, as well as in the fields of tourism, medicine, and engineering. If you have a TEFL certificate, you can start teaching a foreign language on the island. Many English-speaking teachers and tutors are working in the country. Most of these jobs are concentrated in Havana.

When applying for a job in Cuba, you need to understand that salaries in the country are low. In some positions, employees earn only $60 per month. However, despite the limited vacancies or low income, working on the island will be an excellent and interesting experience, for which it is worth trying your hand in this bright country.