The legalization of Cuban documents for use abroad is a process that certifies the authenticity of a public document issued in Cuba.
Depending on the type of document and the country of destination, different formalities may be required, which may involve other ministries or specific bodies, and which may shorten or lengthen the legalization process.
The process for the regular legalization of documents applies to documents such as birth, marriage and death certificates, diplomas and academic certificates, judicial and notarial documents, among others.
For several years, as a result of the pandemic and the increased demand for these services, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) had unstable and long waiting times, making the legalization process a delay for people who needed to leave the country with their documents ready for use abroad.
Recently, this Ministry reported that, thanks to the efforts made, it has been possible to restore the regulated time for the legalization of documents in Cuba. As a result, simpler cases can be resolved within ten business days.
Note 1: Ensure that any delays do not affect your immigration process by requesting the legalization of your document well in advance..
Legalization before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX)
You need to legalize your documents:
- You should contact a law firm that offers such services or contact MINREX directly.
Note 2: In many cases, an appointment is required to complete the process. Some law firms offer appointments by e-mail. In such cases, please contact the office’s e-mail address, describing the document to be legalized and providing your identity information, and you will receive a reply informing you of the date and time of your appointment.
- Submit the original document and the copies to be legalized.
- Pay the corresponding fee for your procedure
The fees will vary depending on the type of document and the country of destination. The rates can be found at MINREX website.
Upon completion of the process, the document will be stamped and signed by MINREX and will be legalized for use abroad.
Tips for the process of legalization of documents
Although Ministerial Legalization is universal, specific requirements may need to be met depending on the type of document involved or the country to which the document needs to travel. In some cases, the documents also need to be legalized by the Embassy or Consulate of the country concerned in Cuba.
Note 3:Documents must be translated into the official language of the country they will be used.
It is a good idea to legalize more than one copy of your documents. You can avoid unnecessary paperwork in the future by keeping them for the duration of their validity.
About Us
Opapeleo is your agency for procedures 100% online or telephone. We are in Washington DC 150 meters away from the Cuban Consulate. We provide services for the Extension and Renewal of Cuban Passport, Legalisations, Powers of attorney on all kinds, Authorisations for minors to leave the country, DVT, Visas to Cuba, Top-ups, applications for Cuban certificates, delivery of official documents and all kinds of procedures related to Cuba.
