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Cuba Lifts Worker Cap, Fueling Private Business Growth
3 Sep
Summary
- Private businesses in Cuba can now exceed the 100-worker limit.
- New regulations permit direct import and export for private companies.
- Cubans living abroad can now invest in Cuban private businesses.
Cuba has significantly reformed its economic regulations, lifting the 100-worker limit for private businesses under Decree-Law 133/2026. This change allows micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to expand, with businesses exceeding 100 employees now classified as private companies. This move is part of a broader government effort to stimulate economic activity amidst a severe crisis.
Furthermore, these newly expanded private companies and MSMEs will be permitted to engage in direct import and export operations, contingent on authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment. The regulations also open avenues for private companies to associate with foreign capital and allow Cubans living abroad to become partners, fostering increased investment.
These updated rules build upon the introduction of MSMEs in 2021, which marked a significant step in expanding private economic activity. The government emphasizes that the private sector will continue to operate within Cuba's socialist economic framework and remain subject to state oversight and regulation.
