Cuba's Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, announced on Tuesday the removal of the five-year limit on purchasing six vehicles for both individuals and businesses. This change is part of a series of new regulations published in the Official Gazette, issue number 65.
"The restriction on buying six vehicles over five years through authorized dealers is now abolished," stated Rodríguez Dávila during a press conference. The previous cap on the number of vehicles that could be acquired by individuals and legal entities has been lifted, along with the timeframe during which this restriction applied.
These new regulations, including Decree 163/2026 and Resolution 172/2026, are part of the economic reforms numbered 146, 147, and 148 from a package of 176 measures approved by the National Assembly on June 19, 2026.
Expansion of Authorized Dealers and Electric Vehicles
One of the most notable changes includes doubling the number of authorized dealers in the country, thereby increasing the options available for various types of vehicles. Moreover, non-state legal entities are now permitted to assemble and sell electric vehicles.
Rodríguez Dávila elaborated, "We are opening up the possibility for authorized non-state entities to assemble and market electric vehicles, including mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, and cars. This is one of the recently approved transformations."
Tax Incentives and Importation Regulations
In terms of taxes, sales of electric vehicles that include clean technology charging stations are exempt from special taxes. For buses and minibuses, the tax is reduced from 20% to 12%, and to 7% if assembled in Cuba, dropping to 5% for electric models.
Furthermore, state mission personnel abroad can now import vehicles for up to eight passengers through any authorized dealer, rather than just one as previously mandated. Foreigners with temporary, provisional, humanitarian, and real estate residency are also now permitted to purchase vehicles from these dealers, a significant policy shift.
Direct Import and Legalization of Assembled Vehicles
Additional measures include allowing direct, non-commercial imports of combustion tricycles up to 250cc by individuals, and the import of an electric vehicle with a renewable charging station, tax-free. A new census will be conducted for the homologation and legalization of vehicles assembled from parts.
The minister also invited international manufacturers and suppliers to establish offices in Cuba. "We welcome all manufacturers and suppliers who wish to set up operations in the country and participate in this commercialization process," Rodríguez Dávila said.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The public response on social media was predominantly sarcastic, with many Cubans highlighting the contradiction between these new measures and the longstanding official narrative blaming the U.S. embargo for vehicle scarcity and transportation difficulties.
"Authorize this, authorize that... Wasn't the U.S. embargo the reason we couldn't import cars?" one user quipped. Another questioned, "What happened to the embargo? It's laughable."
There were also critical voices questioning the regime’s priorities. "I don't hear any talk about producing food or essential goods," one commentator remarked.
Context of Crisis and Reform
This announcement comes just six months after the government suspended combustion vehicle imports on February 19, 2026, in response to a fuel crisis, affecting new operations, signed contracts, and pending shipments.
Cuba's automotive market has historically been one of the most restricted. By the end of 2024, the state had set a maximum of six vehicles in five years per individual.
The backdrop is a severe public transportation crisis, characterized by fuel shortages and an aging fleet, while vehicle prices remain far beyond the reach of most Cubans.
FAQs on Cuba's New Vehicle Purchase Policies
What changes have been made to vehicle purchase limits in Cuba?
Cuba has removed the five-year limit on purchasing six vehicles for both individuals and businesses, enhancing the flexibility of acquiring automobiles.
Who is now allowed to import and purchase vehicles in Cuba?
State mission personnel abroad can import vehicles for up to eight passengers through any authorized dealer. Foreigners with various types of residency are also permitted to purchase vehicles.
What incentives are there for electric vehicles in Cuba?
Electric vehicle sales are exempt from special taxes if accompanied by clean technology charging stations. Tax rates are reduced for buses and minibuses, especially if they are electric or assembled in Cuba.