Cuba is a fascinating and welcoming Caribbean country with opulent beaches, unusual topography, and a vibrant culture. Both a vacation and a sightseeing journey would be wonderful at this location. However, if you’re thinking about working there, you should be ready for certain limitations. It is difficult, but not impossible, for a foreign traveler to work in Cuba. Especially if they have extensive professional experience, superior credentials, and language proficiency.
What must be done to move here and get employment
The country’s job market and the employment of labor migrants continue to be in a precarious state. Jobs are few for foreigners, and even if you do, they come with several limitations. Cuba is a fantastic location for knowledgeable individuals searching for novel and thrilling experiences, nevertheless. It is wise to seek work before relocating to the island. It is preferable to apply directly to foreign organizations with operations in the nation or to conduct a search on employment websites like Career Jet, Computrabajo, Go Abroad, and Linkedin. You need to have a certain kind of work permit and a business or work visa before you can start working in Cuba. You need a letter of invitation from the employer for this.
Terms
As previously stated, having an employer’s invitation, a work permit, and a work visa are requirements for working in Cuba. Moreover, you must prepare diplomas or relevant documents verifying your qualifications for the chosen job. Apply for a suitable visa category ahead of time, aligning with your profession. Cuban work visas come in several classifications, including the following:
- D-1 visas are given to specialists with technical, scientific, or other special qualifications.
- D-2 visas are granted to students and scientists.
- D-3 visas are given to artists.
- D-4 visas are granted to athletes.
- D-5 visas are given to refugees.
- D-6 visas are granted to journalists.
- D-7 visas are given to traders and business owners.
- D-8 visas are granted to religious figures.
- D-10 visas are given to medical tourists.
Highly regarded positions in sectors such as healthcare and education necessitate providing evidence of your advanced education, technical expertise, practical experience, and professional qualifications. Note that, despite holding a work visa, your stay duration may be limited to 2-3 months. It is possible to extend this time frame later without any issues.
Necessary documents
To obtain a work visa allowing employment in the country, you must furnish the following documents:
- Certificates, diplomas, or related documents validating your qualifications and experience;
- A declaration attesting to one’s financial capacity to live in Cuba;
- Two passport-size photos;
- A declaration attesting to one’s lack of recent criminal history;
- A medical certificate with examination results, including blood tests, AIDS tests, and X-rays;
- A valid passport; and
- A certificate attesting to one’s financial capacity to live in Cuba.
For information on the necessary package of papers and other requirements, contact the consulate or other appropriate authorities before applying.
Taxes
Foreign employees in the country are required by law to pay monthly income taxes. This amounts to 15% of the money earned on the island’s territory for migrant employees.
Work prospects
Professionals from other countries with expertise are quite likely to have a wonderful time in Cuba. However, migrant laborers still have few options for jobs and opportunities. Local employees on the island are given precedence, which is one of the causes. However, foreigners often find employment as tour guides or operators. Additionally, the island employs a large number of international journalists, freelance writers, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and photographers. It is more likely for competent professionals to get employment in foreign enterprises in Cuba. You may anticipate employment in agriculture as well as in the industries of tourism, medicine, and engineering if you have experience and a working knowledge of Spanish. You can begin teaching a foreign language on the island provided you hold a TEFL certificate. There are several English-speaking instructors and tutors employed there. You should be aware of the low pay in Cuba while looking for jobs there. Employees in certain occupations barely make $60 a month. However, working on the island will be a great and intriguing experience, therefore it’s worth trying your hand in this enlightened nation despite the few openings or cheap pay.
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