Yes, casas particulares in Cuba require a national registration and permit to operate legally. Homeowners must obtain a government-issued license, adhere to strict hygiene, safety, and tax regulations, and display a blue sign (blue anchor symbol) outside their property to indicate it is an authorized rental. The sign will read - 'Arrendador Divisa’. If the sign is in red it means that the casa particular is only for Cuban tourists.

• Application Submission: The aspiring host applies at a local government office, providing property details, identification, and proof of ownership.
• Inspection and Approval: Officials inspect the property to ensure it meets health, safety, and quality standards.
• License Fees: A fee is usually charged for the license, and ongoing taxes may apply based on rental income.
• Regular Renewal and Reporting: Hosts must maintain compliance, report guest information to authorities, and renew their license as required.

In Cuba, the majority of casas particulares are owned outright by Cuban citizens. As such, permission from landlords is typically not a concern since the host is the property owner. However:

• Property Owners – If you own the property, the main requirement is obtaining the governmental license.
• Tenants – Explicit permission from the property owner is mandatory.
• Local Council/Neighbors – Although not typically a formal requirement, local committees or neighborhood watch groups may play a role in community oversight. Complaints from neighbors can jeopardize a host’s license if disturbances persist.

Short-term rental income in Cuba is taxable and subject to multiple layers of taxation, including fixed fees, sales tax on additional services like food, and progressive income tax rates based on net earnings. Proper documentation and compliance are critical for avoiding penalties.

- **Progressive Income Tax-**All rental income, including that from _casas particulares_, is subject to Cuba’s progressive tax system.- Tax rates range from **25%** to **50%**, depending on the amount of net income earned.- For instance, net income between **CUP 5,000 and 10,000** is taxed at **25%**, rising to higher percentages as income brackets increase.- **Fixed Monthly Fee-**Operators of _casas particulares_ must pay a **fixed monthly tax of about $50 USD** (or its equivalent in CUP), regardless of rental income levels.- This fee is mandatory and applies even during periods of low or no occupancy.- **Food Sales Tax-**If meals or food are provided to guests, there is a **10% tax on gross food sales**.- This applies to any additional services offered beyond basic lodging.- **Documentation and Compliance-**Meticulous recordkeeping is required, including guest logs, expense records, and income declarations.- Accurate documentation ensures correct tax reporting and minimizes the risk of errors or penalties.- **Penalties for Non-Compliance-**Failure to comply with tax obligations, such as underreporting or neglecting to file, can lead to fines and other penalties.- Cuban authorities may impose additional sanctions if they detect ongoing non-compliance or fraud.- **Overall Effective Tax Rate-**Due to the combination of the fixed monthly fee, the 10% food sales tax, and progressive income tax rates, the overall tax burden can vary widely.- Occupancy rates and additional revenue sources influence how much each operator ultimately owes.

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There is no tourist tax on accommodation in Cuba, the only tourist tax paid is the departure tax which has now been added to the cost of flight

Yes. Cuba requires STR operators, particularly “casas particulares,” to maintain a guest register and report information to government authorities. This helps with national security, immigration control, and tourist tracking.

Typical Requirements Include:

• Guest Identification Recording: Hosts must record each guest’s identification details (passport number, nationality, duration of stay).
• Regular Reporting to Authorities: The collected guest information must be reported promptly, often within 24 hours of arrival, to the local immigration office or relevant municipal authorities.

Generally, casas particulares must meet basic health and safety standards. While there is no single formal code widely published for STRs, owners can expect:

• Periodic Inspections – Local inspectors may check for adequate sanitation, fire safety, and building integrity.
• Basic Amenities – Clean water supply, functional bathroom facilities, and hygienic food-handling practices if meals are served.

Failure to maintain these standards can result in fines, license suspension, or closure orders.

Formal requirements specifically targeting online platforms are less publicly detailed in Cuban legislation, as the short-term rental market in Cuba historically operated through state-approved channels and local agencies. However, international platforms like Airbnb operate with limited functionality due to U.S. sanctions and Cuban regulatory frameworks.

• Compliance with National Licensing: Platforms typically must ensure listed properties have the required “casa particular” license number.
• Adherence to Local Rules: While no explicit national law compelling platforms to verify compliance is widely published, the government expects compliance from both hosts and intermediaries.

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Cuba’s Constitution and national laws emphasize equality and prohibit discrimination on grounds such as race, gender, and nationality. While not specifically tailored to STR, these general anti-discrimination principles apply to all accommodation providers, including “casas particulares.”

Applicable Guidelines Include:

• General Equal Treatment: Hosts cannot refuse guests based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or nationality without lawful reason.
• Compliance with Cuban Human Rights Standards: All businesses, including STR operators, must adhere to the nation’s commitments to non-discrimination.

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Cuba generally requires hosts to collect and submit guest information to immigration and local authorities, although it is not explicitly clear how international booking platforms must share data. In practice, these platforms may need to comply with governmental requests under Cuban law, but such obligations are not widely publicized. Airbnb, for its part, has special authorization from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, allowing non-U.S. travelers to use its services for trips to Cuba. Due to U.S. regulations, Airbnb must gather basic travel information—such as home address and purpose of visit—before completing any booking to Cuba. For further guidance on travel restrictions, visitors should consult the U.S. Treasury’s website on Cuban sanctions.

Cuba does not typically mandate a specific liability insurance policy solely for STR properties. However, operators of “casas particulares” must maintain a valid license and meet general safety and lodging requirements. Insurance products are limited and controlled by state-run insurers. Some hosts may voluntarily carry insurance for property and liability, but this is not a broadly enforced national requirement.

The Law for the Protection of Cultural Heritage includes provisions aimed at safeguarding the country's historical buildings and monuments. properties classified as part of Cuba's cultural heritage may not be easily altered or repurposed for commercial uses like short-term rentals without approval from the relevant authorities, such as the National Council of Cultural Heritage.

Common Measures Include:

• Preservation of Façades: Any modifications to heritage buildings require government approval.
• Restrictions on Usage: Some protected areas may limit STR operations to prevent over-tourism or preserve local character

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Environmental regulations in Cuba encourage responsible tourism. While there may not be STR-specific sustainability mandates, general environmental laws apply:

• Waste Management: Proper disposal of trash and wastewater.
• Energy Conservation and Water Use: Encouragement of resource conservation measures, especially in eco-sensitive regions.
• Deforestation and Reforestation Efforts: The government has set regulations on logging and new planting of trees. Casa particulares are indirectly affected as they must follow local guidelines related to land use and replanting initiatives. Sustainable Tourism Practices: Cuba has increasingly promoted eco-friendly tourism, including sustainable lodging practices. Casa particulares are encouraged to contribute to these efforts by minimizing their environmental footprint and supporting local conservation programs.
• Pollution Control: Given the environmental challenges, casa particulares are expected to align with the country's broader pollution control efforts, which may involve limiting waste, air, and water pollution

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Cuban legislation tends to prioritize long-term housing security. However, short-term rentals are distinguished from long-term tenancies. Hosts cannot arbitrarily convert long-term rentals into short-term tourist accommodations without adhering to licensing rules. Long-term tenant protection laws generally do not apply directly to STR guests but prevent displacing Cuban residents to create Casa particular inventory without proper legal processes.

Yes. Hosts must report all foreign guests to local immigration authorities. This is done shortly after check-in and typically involves providing passport details, length of stay, and accommodation address:

• Timely Reporting: Often required on the same day or within a short timeframe (e.g., 24 hours) of the guest’s arrival.
• Use of Official Guestbook/Platform: Hosts may need to submit forms or input guest details into an official register accessible to immigration.

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While formal “digital platform verification” laws are not broadly published, platforms operating in Cuba typically must ensure that listed accommodations are legally licensed. Government authorities may hold hosts responsible for compliance rather than placing the onus on digital platforms. However, platforms recognized internationally might voluntarily comply with local requirements to maintain operational good standing.

While Cuba does not have an extensive consumer protection law directly aimed at casa particulares, the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) has established regulations and standards for the operation of private accommodations. These rules aim to ensure that guests receive quality service and safe lodging. For example: Hosts are required to meet certain health and safety standards, which indirectly protect consumers Casa particular hosts must provide accurate information about their property, including clear pricing and amenities.

Non-resident property owners face additional scrutiny and requirements when renting to tourists. While Cuba’s private real estate market is very limited and heavily regulated, any foreigner who legally acquires property and wishes to operate an STR must adhere to national licensing, taxation, and reporting standards.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

Failure to comply with tax obligations, licensing rules, or immigration reporting for guests can result in fines, revocation of the rental license, legal actions, or restrictions on future operations.

There is no classification like this in Cuba, instead they are classified according to the type of accommodation they offer;

a shared room an apartment an entire house They can also be classified based on ownership, that is, government owned or privately owned casa

During significant national events and festivities in Cuba, authorities may temporarily tighten regulations. This often means stricter monitoring and reporting of guest information, increased security inspections, and the potential enforcement of curfews or noise limits during certain celebrations.

Major cultural gatherings include:

• Fiesta del Tambor (March): A percussion-focused festival highlighting top Cuban and international drummers, where attendees are encouraged to dance and enjoy vibrant Afro-Cuban beats.
• International Culinary Festival of Havana (June): A non-competitive food event showcasing Cuban cuisine, featuring tastings, culinary demonstrations, and masterclasses for both professionals and passionate food enthusiasts.
• Havana Art Weekend (December): A bi-annual, more intimate art experience following Miami Art Basel, offering art exhibitions, studio discussions, and performances across various venues in Havana.

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Homeowners found renting accommodations without proper authorization risk substantial fines and, in severe cases, may face the confiscation of their property.

• Fines: Monetary fines for operating without a license or failing to report guests.
• License Revocation: Hosts found violating rules may have their licenses revoked, ending their ability to legally rent to guests.
• Legal Consequences: Guests that stay in unlicensed Casa are thrown out and may also be deported.

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