The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) has established a hefty fee of $1,000 or euros to relinquish Cuban citizenship.
Detailed in Resolution No. 37/2026, released this Wednesday, the new Consular Tariff revises the fees for various services provided by Cuban consulates and diplomatic offices abroad. This regulation is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
The process to renounce Cuban citizenship involves two separate payments: $500 or euros for the application and an additional $500 for the results. This will rank among the most expensive consular services offered.
The Cuban authorities have justified these increased fees with broad economic reasoning.
"Due to the current complex international macroeconomic landscape, characterized by sustained global inflation impacting all economic sectors, consular tariffs are being adjusted rationally," the resolution states.
Additional fees have also seen an increase under the new tariff. A passport for individuals over 16 will now cost $200 or euros, while those under 16 will be charged $160 or euros. A provisional passport is set at $120 or euros. The Certification of Citizenship Registration will be priced at $190 or euros.
Resolution 37/2026 repeals Resolution 116 from October 15, 2025, marking the third consular fee adjustment in under three years.
Regulations and Requirements for Citizenship Renunciation
The first regulation for renouncing Cuban citizenship was established by Law 172/2024, known as the "Citizenship Law," which was approved by the National Assembly in July 2024 and published in the Official Gazette on May 5, 2026.
This law will become effective 180 days post-publication, meaning it will be active by November 2026, allowing the tariff to be in place weeks before the entire legal process begins.
To renounce citizenship, individuals must meet five simultaneous criteria:
- Be over 18 years old
- Reside abroad
- Hold another citizenship
- Have no debts with the Cuban State
- Not be serving a criminal sentence or be pursued for a crime
Paying the $1,000 fee does not guarantee a successful renunciation. Article 50 of the Citizenship Law stipulates that "the renunciation of Cuban citizenship must be accepted by the competent authority and the corresponding pronouncement issued" to be effective.
The final decision rests with either the President of the Republic of Cuba or the Minister of the Interior, with no defined deadlines or objective approval criteria.
First Colonel Mario Méndez Mayedo, head of the Directorate of Identification, Immigration, and Foreigners at MININT, stated in June 2024 that "there is no intention not to approve a renunciation," but he clarified that "the Cuban State must accept that renunciation."
Once a renunciation is accepted, the individual will be considered a foreigner and must enter Cuba with a foreign passport, visa, and appropriate travel documents.
FAQs on Renouncing Cuban Citizenship
What are the costs associated with renouncing Cuban citizenship?
The total cost is $1,000 or euros, divided into two payments: $500 or euros for the application and another $500 for the result.
When will the new consular tariff take effect?
The new consular tariff is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
What requirements must be met to renounce Cuban citizenship?
Applicants must be over 18, reside abroad, have another citizenship, be debt-free with the Cuban State, and not be serving a criminal sentence or pursued for a crime.