I met a very trustworthy guy in Havana last week on my first visit. He is about to open up a resturant and I asked him if I could be a partner? He accepted. Now we just need to know if the paper work can be drawn up legally in Cuba? The investment is very small, so I'm not worried about loosing money. But I would prefer it if it's all legal and on paper.
I'm not worried abot the US side of it. Only if it is possible to do it legally in Cuba.
Has any one ever done a partnership in a private business in Cuba? Please advise.
Thanks.
2007-10-18 12:48:27 · 8 answers · asked by Almost freeee 3 in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Cuba
From what I've been told by others it is possible. The thing is you just have to get rid of all assumptions you have.... If you go through with this keep in mind the government may tell you that they own the land that your establishment is on. You may- own the building though depending on their local law.
You don't pay the workers directly. You- would have to pay the Cuban government directly. And they- will pay the workers in your restaurant their wage... Do not- talk to your employees about undermining the government there. The government there doesn't like it and considers it interference in their internal politics. Not to mention you may get the person you're talking to and their family held for suspicion of treason to the Cuban government. So in other words MYOB and the Government may-- let you do your thing while they do their own thing...
If you're going there as a money thing. Keep it as such and you should have no probs. if you are going to try and do other stuff you should probably just stay home because you're going to get yourself or others in trouble.
-----
I cannot stress enough. The country you are *from* will be a huge determining factor on if you can do this or not. Cuba tends not to do business with persons from countries that regularly chastise the Cuban system.... Just something to keep in mind. Also companies from certain countries in the region and elsewhere have been doing business in Cuba for YEARS. In order for them to be able to do business in Cuba though- the wages have to be paid to the Cuban government directly. Which will then pay the workers themselves.
2007-10-19 17:19:28 · answer #1 · answered by vybes_souljah 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
These is a lot of misinformation in this thread, but basically the conclusion are right.
There are two sorts of business operating in Cuba - private and government.
The private businesses can only operate within certain limits, can only employ family members, and cannot involve foreigners.
The government businesses include joint ventures with foreigners (though with restaurants, I think that foreigners have so far only provided technical addistance, not partnership).
As for Serge Savard, I don't think his problem was government interference. It was rumoured he and his hockey buddies drank most of the profits away in freebies. I am sure taht isn't true, but it is certainly the case that he and his business partners were not hotel operators, and were probably over-optimistic thinking that they could run what was then the second largest hotel in Cuba.
2007-10-20 19:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by Beardo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Private ownership in Cuba does not exist , and officially a foreigner can nt be legally an owner of a bussines in Cuba, I worked as a translator for many years for an Irish person who tried legally to do bussines in Cuba...not possible ... if you do bussines with this person will be privatelly between the two of you but as per establishing the bussiness formally with lawyers and legally not possible ... if something happens between the 2 of you, you will not have a legal way of claiming absolutelly nothing..more than likely,the law will not protect you there...
2007-10-20 17:16:39 · answer #3 · answered by Palmasysol39 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be done but fraught with problems. If you follow NHL hockey , you might remember Serge Sevard. he opened a large resort in Cayo Coco a few years ago but eventually got out, there was too much interference from the government as to whom he could hire, not hire and other legalities. I heard he wanted to bring in a Canadian chef and was even turned down on that. You mentioned the offer involved a small investment so money was not a concern but obviously you should speak with a Cuban lawyer, other than the one respresenting your potential partner. If you go ahead just consider it a fun project eh?
2007-10-19 13:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by Richard K 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go the following site, you will find plenty of information concerning the proposed business in Cuba:
http://havanajournal.com/business/entry/doing-business-in-cuba-restrictions-and-requirements/
2007-10-18 19:56:36 · answer #5 · answered by K.J.Haroon Basha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well actually nothin is really legal in Cuba so you should be really careful there. And get to know the other guy better you cant tell if someones trusty or not in one meet.
2007-10-18 19:54:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No !!! Ohh you meant Cuba !! No Don't go to cuba !! I own cuba and restuarants are strictly illegal .
2007-10-18 19:53:44 · answer #7 · answered by ChiefNickNameadvancer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hang on to your shorts. It's a communist Island ~+~ what's your guess FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
2007-10-18 19:52:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋