According to the official publication, the measure includes the purchase of new cars at dealerships by Cubans who receive hard-currency income, or those who are on state assignments, with a licence from the Transport Ministry, cubadebate website reported.

The licence will be granted “once every five years” following the coming into force of the decree on Wednesday. Permanent or temporary foreign residents will be able to purchase cars in Cuba or import them, with a limit of up to two vehicles during their stay in Cuba.

Up to now, Cuban citizens were only allowed to purchase or sell cars introduced on the island before 1959, most of which were made in the United States.

Tens of thousands of professionals, who purchased Soviet-made cars that they were granted for their work before 1990 can now sell them to any Cuban or foreign resident.

Also included are modern cars which, over the past few years, have been imported or purchased abroad by artistes and sports people, as well as by medical personnel who have been on missions in other countries, such as Venezuela.

Cubans who emigrate are allowed to sell their cars before leaving the country, or transfer them to their relatives on the island.

The decree came into force on Wednesday, September 28 and is included along with over 300 measures derived from the Guidelines of the 6th Congress of the Communist Party, approved by the organization last May.