The Central Bank of Cuba published an account of a new legal framework expanding the activities available to nonstate economic actors. The framework repeals the previous decree containing 125 prohibited activities, removes 46 activities from the list and modifies conditions for another 35. It applies to private companies, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, nonagricultural cooperatives and self-employed workers across sectors including trade, transport, industry, energy, health and education. The changes allow eligible nonstate entities to provide regulated pharmaceutical services and operate daytime or permanent care residences for older people. Such residences may have up to 60 places and must reserve 10% for vulnerable people assigned under state mechanisms. Medical care remains reserved to the state. The framework also removes requirements tying wholesale trade to contracts with state entities or making it an entity’s primary activity, although self-employed workers remain barred from wholesale trade. Authorized state and nonstate legal entities may directly import electric vehicles for assembly and sale, with tax exemptions where renewable-energy charging stations provide full operating coverage. Nonstate actors may also manage passenger and freight terminals and port facilities that are not deemed nationally important. Cuba will separately revise the rules governing the Central Commercial Registry to streamline registration requirements.
Central Bank of Cuba2026-07-29
Central Bank of Cuba reports new framework removing 46 prohibited nonstate activities and easing 35 more
The Central Bank of Cuba reported a new framework that removes 46 of 125 prohibited nonstate activities and eases conditions for another 35. It opens regulated pharmaceutical services, older-person care, wholesale trade and selected transport activities to broader private participation. Medical care remains state-reserved, while self-employed workers are still prohibited from wholesale trade.