Requirements to Get Married in Cuba as a Foreigner

Cuba allows mixed marriages, and the procedure is similar to that for Cuban citizens, with special attention to foreign documentation. The foreign spouse must provide:

• A valid passport and legal stay in Cuba.

• Original birth certificate, translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled.

• Certificate of civil status (single, divorced, or widowed) dated within the last six months.

• Two adult witnesses (not relatives) with Cuban ID cards.

All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and legalized at the Cuban consulate in the country of origin or carry an apostille. Begin this process early—ideally 3 to 6 months in advance.

Requirements to Get Married in Cuba as a Mexican Citizen

Mexican citizens must comply with the general Cuban marriage requirements and complete legalization in Mexico.
You’ll need an updated Mexican birth certificate legalized by both Mexican authorities and the Cuban Consulate in Mexico, plus a certificate of single status (or divorce/death certificate if applicable).

A valid passport and Cuban visa are also required. Essentially, the process for a Mexican citizen mirrors that of other foreigners, with documents issued in Mexico and legalized by Mexican and Cuban authorities.

Requirements to Marry a Cuban in Mexico

If you decide to marry in Mexico instead of Cuba, Mexican civil law applies.
Generally, you’ll need: a civil registry form, both partners’ birth certificates, proof of single status, prenuptial medical certificate, valid IDs for spouses and witnesses, and—if required by the state—a property regime agreement.

Cuban documents (passport, single status certificate) must be translated and legalized or apostilled. Each Mexican state may have additional requirements, so check with your local Civil Registry.
Once married in Mexico, the marriage can later be registered with Cuban authorities or at the Mexican Consulate in Cuba.

Getting Married in Cuba with a Spanish Citizen

A Spanish citizen marrying in Cuba must present a valid passport, legalized or apostilled birth certificate, and proof of single status, divorce, or widowhood.
All Spanish documents must be officially translated and legalized by the Cuban Consulate in Spain. In short, getting married in Cuba with a Spanish citizen follows the same legalization and translation steps required for all foreign nationals.

Requirements to Get Married in Cuba with an American Citizen

An American citizen must present a valid passport, birth certificate with apostille, and proof of single status, divorce, or widowhood.
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized by the Cuban Consulate in Washington D.C. or the corresponding jurisdiction.
In essence, the documents required for a U.S. citizen to get married in Cuba are the same as for other foreigners: identification, birth certificate, and legalized proof of civil status.

Requirements for a German Citizen to Get Married in Cuba

German citizens must provide a valid passport, apostilled birth certificate, and proof of single status (or divorce/widowhood).
The process follows Cuba’s standard marriage requirements for foreigners. All German documents must have an apostille and official translation into Spanish.

Step-by-Step Process Before a Cuban Notary and Consulates

1. Gather and Legalize Documents: Collect all required documents. Foreign papers must be legalized or apostilled and officially translated. This process can take several weeks—start 3–6 months in advance.

2. Notary Appointment: Once ready, book an appointment at a Cuban notary. If both partners are present, attend with two adult witnesses. If one is abroad, a notarized power of attorney can be used.

3. Submit the Application: Present all documents at the notary office.

4. Waiting Period: Once approved, the notary schedules the ceremony, which must take place within 72 hours.

5. Civil Ceremony: Both partners and witnesses appear before the notary to sign the marriage certificate.

6. Legalization & Registration: Obtain certified copies. For foreign use, legalize at MINREX and register at the relevant consulate if needed.