Legalization of Cuban documents for use in the Netherlands

In order to use documents from Cuba in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, they must be legalized by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Embassy in Havana.

See also: Embassy of the Netherlands in Cuba

Who can request the legalization of one or more documents in Cuba?

Any citizen or person who possesses one or more documents issued in Cuba.

Once the documents have been legalized, they can be used or taken into account in: The Kingdom of the Netherlands in Europe, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Saint Maarten.

Requirements that the documents to be legalized must meet:

All documents must be original and complete. If the document is linked to other documents or attachments, these must be attached.

Documents traduction

If the documents are not written in one of these languages: English, French, German or Dutch, a translation will most likely be required, which is carried out in accordance with the following standards:

1. A sworn translator is responsible for translating the document.
2. The translation must be made into English, French, German or Dutch.
3. If the translator has taken a professional oath outside the Netherlands, they must also have the translation legalized.

Civil Registry documents written in Spanish

At Dutch embassies and consulates in Spanish-speaking countries, such as Cuba:

A translation of the document will be required if you intend to use it for applications in the Netherlands. The translation must be completed by a certified translator.

Which documents can be legalized to be valid in the Netherlands?

You can have all types of documents legalized, such as teaching certificates and registry certificates. The most commonly legalized documents are those from the Civil Registry:

• Birth Certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce Certificate
• Death certificate

You can request these documents in three official instances:

1. In the Civil Registry of the place where the event you wish to document occurred
2. At the Civil Registry in Havana
3. At the International Legal Consulting

Cuba only issues original birth certificates. Therefore, when you request this document, simply indicate that it is valid outside of Cuba.

For more information, please consult: The process for legalizing documents for use outside of Cuba has been simplified.

Applying for a Cuban birth certificate in the Netherlands

Citizens who possess Cuban nationality have the possibility of requesting an original birth certificate:

• Through the Cuban Consulate in Rotterdam
• In Cuba, through a family member or a trusted acquaintance
• Directly at the International Legal Consulting Firm

Singleness certificate

You can apply for a certificate of single status at your local Civil Registry. The document is valid for a maximum of 180 days from the date of issue.

Where you can have your documents legalized

First, you must have your document legalized by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once this step is completed, you must schedule an appointment at the Dutch Embassy in Havana to proceed with the Dutch legalization.

The Consular Office legalizes Spanish-language documents issued by the Cuban Civil Registry.

Mediation of the Consular Services Centre (CDC) in The Hague

The Consular Services Center can assist Dutch citizens who need to apply for and legalize documents in Cuba.

Checking your document

The stamp or sticker placed on your document only means that it is signed correctly. This stamp does not prove that the content is correct or that the document is authentic. A municipality in the Netherlands, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst: IND) or another body may verify these aspects.