The Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) unveiled Resolution 195/2026 this past Friday, establishing maximum fees in U.S. dollars for business license processing services provided by the Central Commercial Registry, which operates under the Ministry of Domestic Trade.
This regulation was published in the Ordinary Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba No. 69 of 2026, spanning pages 34 to 36, and will become effective seven days following its publication.
Signed on August 24 by Vladimir Regueiro Ale, the Minister of Finance and Prices, the resolution is rooted in the partial dollarization that the Cuban government has expanded to inter-company and commercial transactions.
The resolution text highlights that "the economic and social transformations approved in the scope of partial dollarization in inter-company and commercial operations necessitate setting maximum fees in foreign currencies for the collection of business license processing services."
The authorized fees encompass six types of services. An initial processing fee, known as the intake entry, is capped at $70 USD.
The registration and re-registration process, essential for commencing a commercial activity, has a maximum fee of $500 USD.
Temporary permits, valid for no more than 30 days and intended for promotional sales, fairs, or market studies, are limited to $200 USD.
The fee for updating registration due to changes in address, activity, or business scope cannot exceed $370 USD.
The duplicate issuance, applicable only in cases of loss or deterioration of the original document, is capped at $450 USD.
Finally, certificates of registry entries are set at a maximum of $260 USD, expressly excluding those requested by tax or audit authorities.
These fees are applicable to both individuals and legal entities, whether Cuban or foreign, as well as to branches and other entities authorized to operate in foreign currencies.
Resolution 195/2026 complements the existing fee structure in Cuban pesos, established by Resolution 318 on November 25, 2020, by the same Ministry, which set the same services but denominated in the national currency.
Additionally, the Gazette No. 69 of 2026 includes other regulations related to domestic trade, among them, Decree Law 129/2026, which repeals Decree-Law 155 regarding the confiscation of goods, and four resolutions from the Ministry of Domestic Trade concerning wholesale trade, establishment classification, and technical requirements for commercial activities.
Understanding Cuba's New Business License Fees
What is the purpose of Cuba's Resolution 195/2026?
Resolution 195/2026 aims to establish maximum fees in U.S. dollars for business license processing services, reflecting the partial dollarization in Cuba's inter-company and commercial transactions.
How does the new regulation affect business license processing fees?
The regulation sets specific maximum fees for various services related to business license processing, such as initial processing, registration, temporary permits, and more, in U.S. dollars.