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The Central Bank of Cuba authorized a limited group of SMEs and a mixed company to use virtual assets in cross-border payment operations directly related to their social purpose, according to Resolution 4/2026 published in the Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 46, from Monday, March 23, 2026.
The measure does not constitute a general authorization for all MIPYMES in the country, but rather a specific permit granted to ten legal entities that previously requested it and whose proposal was evaluated by the Central Bank's Cryptoassets Group.
The official provision states in its first section that the following entities are authorized to use virtual assets for international payments: IngeniusTecnologías, Dofleini, La Calesa Real, La Meknica, Cema SOLTEC, El Asadito, Pasareladigital SURL, ARA, DQ DASQOM SURL, and the Mixed Company of Sanitary Products S.A. PROSA.
The official text states that these legal entities had submitted authorization requests and that, after the appropriate evaluation, it was determined that the proposed operations "provide socio-economic benefits to the country" and comply with current legislation.
That formulation makes it clear that the use of cryptocurrencies is not freely permitted, but rather subject to the express authorization of the Central Bank.
The legal basis invoked by the new resolution refers to Resolution 215, dated August 20, 2021, which already stipulated that legal entities could only use virtual assets among themselves and with individuals for monetary-commercial operations, exchanges, and re-exchanges, as well as for the fulfillment of financial obligations, provided there was authorization from the Central Bank of Cuba.
In other words, the published regulation now applies that prior authorization mechanism to specific cases.
The authorization, however, comes with specific restrictions. The Central Bank mandates that authorized entities carry out the purchase, sale, transfer, and custody of virtual assets exclusively through licensed virtual asset service providers that have obtained permission from the Central Bank to operate within the national territory.
Scope and limitations
The resolution adds that it is "expressly prohibited" to carry out direct operations outside of those authorized platforms.
Moreover, the regulation limits the use of virtual assets solely to cross-border payments. Any other use of cryptocurrencies will require new authorization.
It also provides that only the virtual assets authorized to the service provider contracted by each entity may be used.
This means that the authorization does not permit unrestricted use of any cryptocurrency for any commercial or financial purpose.
Another central element of the resolution is the obligation for control and reporting. The legal entities that benefit must report quarterly to the Central Bank a summary of the operations carried out under the authorization, detailing amounts, virtual assets used, and the virtual asset service provider through which the transactions were executed.
That requirement strengthens state oversight over the use of these instruments.
The authorization is not indefinite either. The text specifies that it will be valid for one year starting from the date of its signing, with the possibility of extension upon request from the holder, provided that the request is submitted at least 60 calendar days in advance of its expiration.
The regulation also warns that non-compliance with any of the established conditions or applicable regulations will result in the immediate revocation of the authorization, without prejudice to any other legal responsibilities that may apply.
That is to say, the permit is subject to automatic cancellation if the entities deviate from the rules set by the monetary authority.
Although the resolution was signed in January, its publication in the Official Gazette took place on March 23, 2026. The text itself clarifies that it will come into effect seven business days after that publication.
In practical terms, what the Cuban regime has announced is a limited, controlled, and experimental opening to the use of virtual assets for international payments by a small group of specific entities.
Cryptocurrencies in Cuba
In recent years, the debate surrounding cryptocurrencies in Cuba has gained relevance due to the need to diversify and modernize a historically centralized economic system affected by international restrictions.
In April 2022, the Cuban government authorized the use of cryptocurrencies within the national banking system, allowing both individuals and legal entities to operate with virtual assets, always under the strict control of the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC).
According to the resolution published at that time, it is essential to have a license from the BCC, which assesses the legality, socioeconomic interest, experience, and specific characteristics of each project.
The procedure for applying for the BCC license, as stated in the 2022 measure, depends on who is making the request, according to various parameters established by the Cuban state entity.
A natural person who possesses or does not have a license to operate with cryptocurrencies in another jurisdiction where they have a social domicile must apply for permission to operate within the island; the same applies to those who are residents of Cuba, even if they hold permits to operate with virtual currencies in another territory.
Legal entities with their place of business in another jurisdiction must apply for a license from the BCC to operate in Cuba. However, exceptionally and "in the interest of the state," this requirement may be waived if they have authorization to operate in another area.
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