Documents Issued by Cuban Consulates No Longer Require Legalization by the Ministry of Justice

Documents issued by Cuban consulates abroad no longer require legalization by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Cuba (Minjus). According to Dunia Alemán, director of the International Law Firm in the city of Holguin, on her Facebook page.

Documents Issued by Cuban Consulates No Longer Require Legalization by the Ministry of Justice 0
Photo: Archive

With the entry into force of Law 175, the Notary Law, on January 7th, 2026. Documents authorized by Cuban consuls or diplomatic officials abroad for use in Cuba do not require legalization. (Art. 15.2).

This applies to documents issued by Cuban authorities abroad (consulates), but not when the original was issued by a foreign notary or official. If the document is intended to be used abroad. Such as travel authorizations for minors, it must be legalized by the Ministry of Justice (Minjus).

If the documents are issued by a foreign notary or official in a language other than Spanish. They must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

Both the original and the translation must be legalized by the competent authorities of the country. Also where the document was issued and then legalized (original and translation) by the Cuban consulate. Which certifies that they were authorized or issued in accordance with the laws of the country where they were granted. Or issued and that the authorizing official(s) were fully empowered to do so.

Documents issued by foreign notaries or officials for legal purposes within the national territory. It must be notarized by a notary public in Cuba (Article 252.1 of the Law).

José Miguel Ávila Pérez