How to Buy a House in Cuba from Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide for Cuban-Canadians

Thousands of Cubans living in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and across Ontario ask the same question: can I buy a house in Cuba without moving back? In most cases, yes — as long as the buyer meets Cuban legal requirements and the paperwork is done right. This guide walks through the process we use with our Toronto clients.

First: who can legally buy?

Under Cuban law (Decreto-Ley 288 of 2011), home purchases are allowed between Cuban citizens residing in Cuba and permanent residents of Cuba. If you emigrated and no longer hold Cuban residency, the usual routes are:

• Buying through a close family member who lives in Cuba, with the title in their name.
• Recovering your residency (repatriation), which can make you eligible to buy in your own name.
• Handling an inheritance or donation from family, which follows its own procedure.

Read our legal guide for foreigners and latest Cuban property law updates before committing money.

Step 1: Find and verify the property remotely

Ask for a live video walkthrough, recent photos of the roof, plumbing and electrical, and a copy of the title deed (título de propiedad). Browse our Havana listings to compare prices by neighborhood.

Step 2: Check the title

The property must be registered at the Registro de la Propiedad, and the seller's name must match the deed. Unregistered extensions, unpaid taxes or family disputes are the most common problems. A Cuban notary or lawyer can confirm this before you pay anything.

Step 3: Give power of attorney from Canada

If you cannot travel, you can sign a poder notarial (notarial power of attorney) for a trusted person in Cuba. It is typically legalised through the Consulate of Cuba in Toronto so it is valid on the island.

Step 4: Sign at the notary and pay through the bank

The sale is signed before a Cuban notary. Payment must go through a Cuban bank account, not in cash under the table — the notary will ask for proof. Both parties pay transfer taxes set by law. See our money exchange guide for how funds usually get there from Canada.

Step 5: Register the new title

After signing, the new title is registered at the Registro de la Propiedad. Keep certified copies — you will need them to sell, rent or leave the home to family later.

Why Toronto buyers have it easier

Canada has no embargo on Cuba, so Canadian bank transfers and Canadian-issued cards are generally usable, and Canadians can travel freely to view properties. The Cuban law requirements above still apply.

Get local help

Our Toronto desk helps Cuban-Canadians with viewings, verification and trusted notaries. Message us on WhatsApp at 416-471-1280. Prefer Spanish? Read Comprar casa en Cuba desde Toronto.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — always confirm with a Cuban notary before paying.