On 3 September 2026, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba (No. 70 Ordinaria) published Resolution 193, issued by the Minister of Finance and Prices on 19 August 2026. The resolution establishes a corporate income tax rate of 25 percent for tourism projects focused on ecotourism and other specialized tourism modalities. This measure aims to provide fiscal clarity and stimulate investment in sustainable tourism segments, aligning with the government’s broader strategy to diversify revenue sources and promote environmentally responsible development. The resolution takes effect from the date of publication and applies to eligible projects as defined in the accompanying annexes. The legal basis derives from Law 113 “On the Tax System” as amended by Decree-Law 93, and the resolution operates within the framework of the 2026 State Budget Law (Law 181/2025). The Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) emphasized that the preferential rate is part of a package of incentives to attract foreign direct investment and support the recovery of the tourism sector after recent economic distortions.
Key Takeaways
- Reduced Income Tax Rate for Sustainable Tourism: The resolution sets a preferential 25 percent corporate income tax rate for ecotourism and specialized tourism projects, lower than the standard 35 percent rate applicable to most Cuban enterprises. This incentive is designed to attract domestic and foreign capital into high-value, low-impact tourism segments. The reduced rate applies to net taxable income derived exclusively from qualifying activities, including nature-based tourism, cultural heritage tours, adventure tourism, and wellness retreats that meet environmental sustainability criteria.
- Eligibility Criteria and Compliance Requirements: Projects must meet specific definitions of ecotourism and specialized tourism as outlined in the resolution’s annexes, including environmental sustainability certifications issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and operational standards set by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR). Beneficiaries must maintain separate accounting records for qualifying activities and submit annual tax declarations to the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT) to retain the preferential rate. Non-compliance or failure to maintain certification will result in reversion to the standard 35 percent rate retroactively.
- Effective Date and Transitional Provisions: The 25 percent rate applies retroactively to fiscal years beginning on or after 1 January 2026, provided projects were operational by the publication date. Existing tourism operators seeking reclassification must file a formal request with the Ministry of Finance and Prices within 90 days of the resolution’s publication (by 2 December 2026). The resolution also clarifies that the preferential rate does not exempt taxpayers from other obligations such as the Sales Tax (Impuesto sobre las Ventas) or the Special Tax on Products and Services, which remain applicable according to their respective regulations.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement