Legalizing a document in Cuba continues to be a nightmare for thousands of citizens, despite the apparent transfer of functions and the regime's promises of improvements.
A recent report from the state-run press attempts to present progress in the digitalization and efficiency of the process, but the reality is quite different and is characterized by long lines, endless delays, power shortages, outdated data computing systems, and, in many cases, corruption.
From Minrex to Minjus
In February 2025, the Ministry of Justice (Minjus) took over the process of document legalization, a task that was previously handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rosabel Gamón Verde, the first deputy minister of Minjus, assured Granma that the service has increased in volume. In 2022, 442,564 documents were legalized; 684,639 in 2023; and around 860,135 in 2024. Just in the first six months of 2025, they have already exceeded 600,000.
However, the figures do not tell the whole story. According to the official herself, the main delays are in obtaining documents, especially those related to universities and other educational institutions. In the meantime, the population continues to wait, with growing frustration and no clear guarantees.
Collapsed universities and manual processes
Academic documents (degrees, transcripts, and others) top the list of the most delayed. Institutions such as the University of Havana, the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University (CUJAE), or the University of Medical Sciences simply lack the capacity to handle the current volume of requests.
The Law of Democratic Memory in Spain and the massive migration of Cubans have only worsened this situation. In many municipalities, the lack of electricity forces the processing of paperwork to be done manually, creating an additional bottleneck.
Authorities say they have "the necessary material and human resources," but workers in these offices rely daily on the "return of electricity" to input data into the system.
Daily processing quotas, provincial briefcases, and more bureaucracy
The president of the International Law Firms Group, Camilo Pascual Vizcaíno, acknowledged that they have made progress in digitization, but the process remains lengthy and depends on multiple institutions.
Additionally, it was reported that there is a daily quota of documents that can "enter" the Minjus, which causes congestion in the provinces and systematic delays in data processing.
The National Organization of Collective Law Firms (ONBC) assures that it processes over 3,000 documents daily across the country; however, it acknowledges that delays date back to April and that the bags with paperwork consistently arrive late in the capital.
Bribes and off-the-books solutions
What the state-run press doesn't mention is that, faced with so many obstacles, many Cubans are forced to pay outside the system. In the black market, the same documents that take months or years to obtain can be acquired in just a few days, if one pays enough.
It is a widespread practice throughout the island. It arises from the desperation of many Cubans to leave the country, to meet legal requirements to begin studies abroad, or to process their Spanish nationality under the Grandchildren's Law, which is about to conclude.
Despite the announcements regarding online assistance, messaging, and personalized service for document legalization in Cuba, the reality is that most Cubans continue to face endless lines, overloaded officials, and precarious conditions in the processing offices.
Unfulfilled promises of digitization
The Ministry of Justice assures that a plan for the progressive digitalization of documents is underway, but there are no clear dates or visible results yet. They have formed a working group led by the minister himself to address the delays, but the authorities admit that "the response is not what we want, nor what our people want."
Meanwhile, Cubans continue to be trapped in a slow, bureaucratic system that is increasingly inaccessible. Legalizing a document can take months of waiting, frustration, and in many cases, money under the table.
Frequently Asked Questions about Document Legalization in Cuba
Why is it so complicated to legalize documents in Cuba?
Legalizing documents in Cuba is complicated due to numerous delays, blackouts, and corruption within the system. Despite promises of improvements and the transfer of functions to the Ministry of Justice, citizens face long lines, outdated systems, and corrupt practices, such as bribery, to expedite the processes.
Which ministry is responsible for the legalization of documents in Cuba?
Since February 2025, the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) is responsible for the legalization of documents in Cuba. Previously, this function was handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). The change aims to enhance the efficiency and integration of the legalization processes.
What are the main challenges Cubans face when legalizing university documents?
University documents are the most delayed due to the inability of universities to respond to the volume of requests. Institutions like the University of Havana and CUJAE have overwhelmed processes, leading to delays of up to four years in obtaining degrees and transcripts.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve the legalization of documents?
The Cuban government claims that it is working on the progressive digitization of documents and on creating a task force to address the backlogs. However, no concrete results have been seen, and many processes continue to be handled manually due to a lack of electricity and adequate resources.
How does corruption affect the document legalization process in Cuba?
Corruption significantly impacts the process of legalizing documents in Cuba, as many citizens resort to bribery to expedite the procedures. These bribes are a response to the desperation of Cubans who need the documents to emigrate or for other legal purposes, and they reflect the shortcomings of the current bureaucratic system.
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