Honestly,
who wouldn't want to live in Cuba? You can bask in the warm Caribbean
sun on gorgeous beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Turning your gaze toward the Atlantic Ocean or the Caribbean Sea will
let your mind rest and spirit fly. Amazing music can move your soul
and your body alike, while you're enjoying world-famous Cuban
cocktails.

Architecture
and art lovers will have the time of their lives strolling down the
streets of Havana, enjoying the mix of different styles that blend
perfectly together, making the capitol look surreal. It is no wonder
why this is one of the most popular vacation locations in the world.
However, moving to Cuba can be a daunting task. Today, we have
compiled a guide to help you prepare better and make the transition
easier.

Start preparing without delay

As with every relocation, moving to Cuba will require a lot of
preparation. With all the running around handling a multitude of
chores, to acquiring the necessary documentation, it's obvious that
your schedule will be extremely busy. Every task will require you to
invest time. Therefore - do not waste any. Start preparing right
away, so that you can breeze through the moving process relaxedly,
without the need to rush.

Having a checklist will make
moving to Cuba easier

Making a checklist is an excellent starting point when you're moving.
With the sheer number of chores, tasks, and things to keep in mind,
it will be of immense help. You can find resources online by visiting
Master
Moving Guide, where you can explore all the best
moving tips in one place. That way, you can create your own
checklist, or find one that is already compiled.

Another way to do it is to download some of the many apps that make
organizing and keeping notes easy and convenient, such as Google Keep
or ToDoist. Having your checklist on your person at all times and
being able to take notes on the fly will prove invaluable.

Don't overpack

When you're considering what to pack for your relocation, there are a
few things to keep in mind. The first one being the cost. Tempting as
it may be to haul your entire household, it can leave your wallet
pretty thin by the end. The general rule of thumb when moving abroad
is: less is more. That being said, pack only items that will allow
you to function unobstructed. Important personal documents, clothes,
medication, and basic electronics, such as phone and laptop, are a
good starting point.

Another thing that you absolutely have to be familiar with are Cuban
customs laws. You may have problems if you try to bring prohibited
items into the country. Therefore, bring
only selected items to avoid difficulties and
unpleasant situations.

A visa is a must if you're moving to Cuba

To be allowed to enter Cuba, you will need a visa. It is required,
regardless of whether you're visiting or moving to Cuba. The types of
visas differ in document requirements, a valid passport being the
most important one. You can apply for a visa in a Consulate or
Embassy and it can take up to two weeks for your application to be
processed.

Finding work in Cuba can be challenging for outsiders

If you're planning on working in Cuba, the first thing you need to be
aware of is that finding a job can be a bit difficult. The state
regulates the job market. As such, it prioritizes residents over
expatriates. Therefore, your options can be severely limited - but
not non-existent. Here are a few suggestions:

• 
  Apply for a job with an international company that has a branch in
  Cuba.
  
• Cuba
  is a popular tourist destination. Therefore, you can always try your
  luck as a tour guide, especially if you are fluent in a few
  languages. However, if you intend to work as a barista or cook, for
  example, don't get your hopes up. These, and similar jobs, are
  usually reserved for the locals.
  
• Focus
  on freelancing. This might be ideal, as you're not tied to a single
  place. Just keep in mind that, if you're working online, the
  internet can be scarce in all but the biggest cities.
  

The second thing you have to be aware of: you'll need a work permit.
This isn't optional if you intend to work in Cuba legally. However,
one of the conditions for applying is to already have an offer of
employment, which makes it a bit tricky. On the other hand, if you
managed to land a job, you can apply for a work permit at the
Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Finding a place to live isn't
hard

Until you've become a proud Cuban resident, you won't be able to own
property. Still, you will need a place to live, especially if you
intend to apply for permanent residency. Booking a hotel room for the
first few days is a good choice, while you're searching for an
apartment or house to rent long-term. A good idea is to ask the
locals about "casa particulares". These are private
accommodations that offer everything you need for everyday
functioning. 

You can apply for permanent
residence

Becoming a permanent resident of Cuba may be difficult, as the
process can take up to 6 months to complete. Still, if you're intent
on making Cuba your home, you can apply for residence in the Cuban
Consulate. Be aware that there is a lot of paperwork involved, some
of which can be a bit complicated to obtain. You will have to provide
the following documentation:

• 
  Birth certificate.
  
• A
  valid passport and its copy, along with two identical passport
  photos.
  
• "Letter
  of reasoning" stating why you want to move to Cuba.
  
• Medical
  documentation, not older than 6 months.
  
• Certification
  of criminal record, not older than 3 months.
  
• Certificate
  of a regular residency, issued by the police or mayor's office.
  
• Proof
  of liquid assets
  

Another (guaranteed) way to obtain citizenship is to marry a Cuban
national. And seeing how Cuban men and women are famously attractive,
this might be the most pleasant option of all.

Stay positive

Moving to Cuba might present you with a number of challenges, but
nothing that should get you demoralized. Instead, think of all the
good things that await you. Sandy beaches and sunny skies, exciting
adventures with amazing people. A whole new world that is yours to
explore and enjoy. Good luck!

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