Cuban legal firms have announced their readiness to charge for legal services in U.S. dollars and freely convertible currencies (MLC), marking another step toward the dollarization of public services. This development was reported by the state-run television in Santiago de Cuba.
This new policy is part of the Ministry of Justice's Resolution 486/2025, published in the Official Gazette on December 27, 2025. It updates the fees and payment methods for legal procedures, document legalization, and legal advice, now allowing payments in foreign currencies.
According to the resolution, legal services can be paid for in Cuban pesos or foreign currencies accepted by the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC), based on the exchange rate on the payment date.
In effect, Cubans living abroad and foreign nationals will be required to pay in USD or MLC.
Adapting to New Payment Methods
Dianelis Lira Romero, the technical deputy director of the Provincial Directorate of Collective Law Firms in Santiago de Cuba, told TV Santiago that legal offices in the province are "developing mechanisms" to accept cash payments, card transactions, and international payment gateways.
"With this new resolution, payments can be made in cash, through international gateways, or with freely convertible currency cards, whether national or international," Lira stated, noting that offices are adapting to process payments from abroad.
Lira further clarified that the new pricing applies to "foreign nationals and Cubans residing abroad," while Cubans with permanent residency on the island can continue to pay in national currency, albeit with fees equivalent to foreign currency at the official exchange rate.
Verification and Payment Requirements
Before payment, legal firms will require users to present a certification of their migration status issued by the Ministry of the Interior. This is necessary to determine whether the payment should be made in Cuban pesos or foreign currency.
The official also highlighted that family members or third parties can still handle legal procedures on behalf of Cubans living overseas, although law firms must first verify the beneficiary's migration status.
Fee Structure Under Resolution 486/2025
The resolution outlines several specific charges, including:
- Certification of grades and degrees: 260 USD or 6,250 CUP.
- Certification of academic level: 260 USD or 6,250 CUP.
- Certification of work experience: 104 USD or 2,500 CUP.
- Legalization of educational or registry documents: starting from 156 USD or 3,750 CUP, depending on the procedure.
Additionally, the resolution sets hourly rates for specialized services, with a general minimum of 3,750 Cuban pesos or 156 dollars per hour, adjustable based on the case's complexity or the lawyer's expertise.
In Santiago de Cuba, legal authorities assert their readiness to implement the new measure. "We are establishing specific conditions for these payments while continuing to provide regular services," Lira Romero added.
The Ministry of Justice justified the resolution as a result of "studies to attract foreign currency and provide more flexible payment options for legal services," against the backdrop of Cuba's growing need for foreign exchange.
Though the announcement originated in Santiago, the National Organization of Collective Law Firms (ONBC) confirmed that this policy will be enforced across all provinces, where systems for accepting dollar payments via POS terminals and foreign currency bank accounts are already being prepared.
This move is part of the regime's strategy to tighten control over currency flows, expanding foreign currency payments to more sectors. A recent example is the Cuban passport for expatriates, currently costing 234 dollars.
With Resolution 486 now in effect, the Cuban justice system officially enters the era of dollarization, while the population continues to earn devalued pesos, and the State offers its legal services in dollars.
The Ministry of Justice maintains that this is a "technical update," yet many citizens perceive it as another measure that distances public services from those residing on the island.
FAQs on Legal Services Payment in Cuba
What currencies are accepted for legal services in Cuba?
Legal services in Cuba can be paid for in Cuban pesos or foreign currencies accepted by the Central Bank of Cuba (BCC), such as U.S. dollars or freely convertible currencies (MLC).
Who is required to pay in foreign currency for legal services?
Cubans residing abroad and foreign nationals are required to pay for legal services in USD or freely convertible currencies (MLC).
How will legal firms verify payment currency requirements?
Legal firms will require a certification of migration status from the Ministry of the Interior to determine if payment should be made in Cuban pesos or foreign currency.