How to start-up
your business in Cuba

Setting up a business in Cuba

Change in the Cuban/US relationship favors foreign investment

17^th December 2014 has been a significant milestone in normalizing the diplomatic and trade relations between Cuba and the United States. Presidents and governments of both countries have made far reaching concessions to end the over 50 years lasting era of ostracism and blockade.

We are witnessing times of liberation of a 68 billion USD state controlled market with annual growth potential of 5%. There is still a long way to go, but now the road is paved for new opportunities and economic growth.

To succeed as an entrepreneur or investor in Cuba you are faced with the normal challenges of setting up a new business, plus the obstacles which are unique to Cuba's socio-economic system. If you are not familiar with the Cuban (business) culture, please look for guidance and assistance to avoid unnecessary set-backs.

You can find practical tips on our blog.

Our service

Sharing insight with professional legal consulting

On our blog you will find some useful insights, tips and reflections on recent developments.

Our professional services are tailored to individuals and companies seeking business opportunities in an exciting and widely untapped market. Overcoming cultural barriers, we connect you to business partners in Cuba, do the necessary due diligence and legal ground work for you to concentrate on starting up your business. You can expect from us:

Legal consultancy - understanding latest legislation changes, we find legal solutions best suited to your business
Market insight - utilizing our Cuban network, we conduct market research from the inside
Immigration guidance - we guide you through the process of obtaining business visa, temporary residence and work permits

Trading

Cuba opens to international traders

International traders have turned their eyes to Cuba, not only because of the most recent legal changes, which simplify import & export to the island, but also because of its new infrastructure: the in November 2013 inaugurated Mariel port with the connected special development zone (ZEDM by its Spanish acronym). The new port and ZEDM provide facilities and possibilities Cuba has never seen before:

Professionally managed hub-port (operated by PSA Singapore International), which is 980 miles close to the Panama canal and 90 miles close to Florida.
Foreign companies established in the ZEDM will be exempt from tax when importing raw materials and reinvesting earnings in Cuba.
Contrary to the rest of the country, producers and traders based in the ZEDM can import & export without geographical limitations.

Learn more on our blog.

Investments

A host of business opportunities

In order to boost its economy, Cuba has created a portfolio of investment opportunities for foreign investors. On our blog you will find an overview of the government's investment portfolio with more details on ROI. It will give you a taste of what Cuban government officials regard as currently most needed.

If you have more valuable and lucrative business ideas, you can also submit your own business plan for approval to the ministry of trading and foreign investment in Cuba. Find more details on our blog.

E.g. the wholesale business in Cuba is currently incapable of supplying basic consumer goods with reasonable quality, but the demand and spending capacity is relatively high. This imbalance is reinforced by the embargo, Cuba's underdeveloped infrastructure and low tech capabilities. Any investment strengthening these weak spots and bringing know-how and technical solutions to the country, will be welcomed and supported.

About us

Finding opportunities where both sides win

Our mission is to open doors to a market which is new and unknown to many. We are here to support businesses and entrepreneurs venturing into an exciting Caribbean world, without losing sight of the needs of the Cuban society.

Cuba Start-Up's founder, Yanoidis Mejias Mendoza, has been born and raised in Cuba. Before moving to The Netherlands in 2007, Yanoidis enjoyed a career as legal consultant in Cuba, providing legal advise to businesses in a variety of industries, such as oil & gas, agriculture, retail, real estate, construction and manufacturing. Yanoidis studied at the University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba and holds a degree in corporate law.

Commuting between Amsterdam and Havana, we maintain local presence in Cuba through our Havana based partner Scenius, who is optimally positioned for in depth market research and financial services. Furthermore we maintain a wide network of public service officials and local consultancies.

Contact us

If you wonder what opportunities Cuba has to offer to you and your business, please do not hesitate and get in contact. We value your initiative and we will answer your questions in a timely manner. To service you swiftly and to the point, we do require some basic information:

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