International Consultants and Lawyers (CONABI) recently took to social media to dispel a rumor circulating online that suggested document legalizations through the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) were on hold and wouldn't resume until October.
This misinformation spread rapidly among Cubans both on the island and abroad, many of whom are in the middle of processing immigration, academic, or notarial paperwork that hinges on document legalization.
"We have become aware of false and unofficial information circulating on social media, claiming that document legalizations at MINJUS are affected and will resume in October," the law firm stated in its Facebook post.
"CONABI categorically denies this information," the entity asserted.
Normal Operations Continue
According to the statement, there is no disruption in the services they manage.
"Our services for document legalization and acquisition are proceeding without any difficulties and with complete normalcy," the firm affirmed.
The firm also highlighted that their staff remains fully operational.
"Our technical and legal team is working as usual, processing all requests with the speed, security, and transparency for which we are known," they emphasized.
Staying Informed
In light of the spread of unverified data, CONABI urged its clients and the public to adhere to three basic recommendations: refrain from spreading information from unofficial sources, reach out to the firm directly with any questions, and remember that "only information issued by CONABI is valid regarding the status of services."
The firm noted that their official contact channels include email, their website, social media, and Telegram, with their team ready to address any user inquiries or concerns.
CONABI is one of the entities authorized by the Ministry of Justice to handle legalizations in Cuba. Since August 2024, it has offered online management of criminal records and their subsequent legalization. In January 2025, the service was expanded to include certifications from the Civil Registry, with digital payments and no need for prior appointments.
Change in Legalization Authority
As of February 3, 2025, responsibility for legalizing Cuban documents intended for abroad was transferred from MINREX to MINJUS, following the Council of Ministers' Agreement 10034.
This shift did not alter procedures or fees, and documents previously legalized by MINREX remain fully valid.
Additionally, the enforcement of Notary Law 175 on January 7, 2026, established that documents authorized by Cuban consuls or diplomatic officials abroad no longer require legalization by MINJUS to be effective in Cuba. However, this exception does not apply to documents issued by foreign authorities, which continue to follow the traditional process.
Previously, in April 2023, MINREX itself had publicly acknowledged delays in legalization services, causing user distrust.
Though Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla assured in May 2024 that those delays had been addressed, the memory of that crisis continues to fuel skepticism whenever any news of potential interruptions arises.
The current fee schedule for 2026, governed by the Ministry of Justice's Resolution 63/2026, specifies that legalizing academic documents, notarial deeds, and copies of judgments for abroad costs 40 Cuban pesos for permanent residents and 1,000 pesos for non-residents.
FAQs on Document Legalization in Cuba
Is document legalization at MINJUS currently suspended?
No, CONABI has confirmed that document legalization services at MINJUS are not suspended and continue as normal.
Where can I verify the status of document legalization services?
You can verify the status of services through CONABI's official communication channels, including email, their website, social media, and Telegram.
What changes occurred in February 2025 regarding document legalization?
In February 2025, the responsibility for legalizing Cuban documents for international use was transferred from MINREX to MINJUS, without altering procedures or fees.