Is crypto legal in Cuba?

Crypto is legal in Cuba as of October 2026, within a licensing system run by the central bank. The rules, first issued in 2021, allow crypto use, but they put service providers and companies under tight central bank control.

Is bitcoin legal in Cuba?

Yes. Resolution 215/2021, published in the Gaceta Oficial on August 26, 2021, allows certain virtual assets to be used in commercial transactions, CriptoNoticias reported. It defines a virtual asset service provider as anyone who, as a business, exchanges crypto for money or other crypto, transfers it, holds it in custody or offers related financial services. All such providers need a BCC licence.

The BCC warned at the time that people take on the risks themselves, citing high volatility, lack of backing by any monetary authority and user anonymity. The resolution did not say which coins are covered or which exchange rate applies.

Is crypto illegal in Cuba for companies?

Not illegal, but tightly controlled. Under Resolution 215, state bodies and other institutions may not use digital assets without central bank authorization. Resolution 89/2022, which took effect in May 2022, set out how providers get licensed, OnCuba News reported. The BCC weighs legality, socioeconomic interest and the applicants' experience, and consults an internal crypto assets group. Licences last one year, extendable for one more, and holders may only deal in virtual assets the BCC has approved.

In March 2026, under Resolution 4/2026, the BCC authorized ten companies, nine private and one mixed, to use crypto for international payments only, El Comercio reported. They must use BCC-licensed providers and report quarterly. It was the first licence of this kind since 2021.

Can you buy bitcoin in Cuba?

Rules allow it, but access is hard in practice. Cuban users generally reach crypto through licensed local providers, peer-to-peer trades with other people and wallets they control themselves. El Comercio noted that US sanctions and Cuba's place on the US state sponsors of terrorism list complicate international transactions for people and companies on the island. For how sanctions screening works, see what are OFAC crypto sanctions. For the basics of self-custody, read custodial vs non-custodial wallets.

For a wider comparison, see crypto regulation around the world.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.