---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "caribbean", "gafilat", "restricted"]
aliases: ["CU", "CUB"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2025-01-01
compile_into: ["[[country--cuba]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Banco Central de Cuba"
    url: "https://www.bc.gob.cu"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇨🇺 [[country--cuba|Cuba]] (CU) — Crypto Regulation

> Cryptocurrency activities in Cuba are restricted with limited regulatory clarity. The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) issued Resolution 215/2021 acknowledging virtual assets but the environment remains cautious and controlled. Cuba is subject to comprehensive US OFAC sanctions and embargo since the 1960s, which severely restricts international crypto operations and banking access. Sanctions remain in force as of 2026.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Restricted |
| Risk Score | 100/100 (Very High Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--caribbean|caribbean]] |
| Currency | [[entity--cup|CUP]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific guidance |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 35% corporate tax |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |

No crypto-specific tax guidance. US sanctions limit activity.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--bcc|BCC]] |
| Framework | BCC Resolution 215/2021 |
| Ease | hard |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

Licensing is governed by BCC Resolution 215/2021, which imposes strict controls on crypto activities and requires licenses for operation.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | fsrb_only |

## DeFi

**Status:** Restricted

DeFi activities are subject to restrictions under the Cuban regulatory framework, with no explicit support or encouragement from regulators.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** Restricted

Stablecoins are regulated under the same restrictive framework as other crypto assets, with no specific favorable provisions.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No regulation.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | No |
| Electricity Cost | $0.012/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 5% |
| Climate | tropical |
| Infrastructure | poor |

Mining is restricted due to limited infrastructure and regulatory constraints. Electricity is very cheap but infrastructure and regulatory environment limit mining operations.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | unstable |
| Sanctions | Yes |
| Corruption Index | 28/100 |
| Ease of Business | very_difficult |
| Internet Freedom | not_free |
| Banking Access | very_restricted |

## Enforcement

BCC regulates VASP licensing.

## CBDC Status: none

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Cuba?

Cryptocurrency activities in Cuba are restricted with limited regulatory clarity. The Central Bank of Cuba (BCC) issued Resolution 215/2021 acknowledging virtual assets but the environment remains cautious and controlled. Cuba is subject to comprehensive US OFAC sanctions and embargo since the 1960s, which severely restricts international crypto operations and banking access. Sanctions remain in force as of 2026.

### What is the FATF status of Cuba?

Cuba is classified by FATF as: fsrb_only.

### Are VASPs licensed in Cuba?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Cuba?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-06-01.*

**Sources:**
- [Banco Central de Cuba](https://www.bc.gob.cu)