The Spanish government has announced the establishment of new consulate generals in Cuba, aiming to enhance services for Spanish citizens and their descendants on the island. This decision was disclosed by Xavier Martí, the Second Vice President of the General Council of Spanish Citizenship Abroad and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation of Spain, on April 2.
This expansion is in response to the increasing demand for services at the diplomatic headquarters in Havana, particularly following the enactment of the Democratic Memory Law (LMD or Grandchildren's Law). Many users have reported irregularities and delays in essential procedures, such as obtaining visas, nationality, or civil registry procedures.
Although the exact location of the new diplomatic representation is yet to be determined, with Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba being considered, it is expected to improve consular services and reduce waiting times. This initiative fulfills a proposal initially put forward in 2019, when then Undersecretary of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ángeles Moreno, mentioned plans for a second consulate in Cuba.
Potential Locations for the New Consulate
The initial plan favored Santiago de Cuba as the ideal city for the new consulate; however, Camagüey, located in the center of the island, was later chosen to more effectively serve a larger segment of the population who often have to travel great distances to access consular services in Havana.
Digitizing Consular Processes
Spain is also implementing technological reforms to streamline and modernize consular services. One such reform is the Dicireg platform, which allows for the digital acquisition of Consular Civil Registry certificates and is operational in 81 consular offices worldwide. Although the Consulate General of Spain in Havana announced the new model on March 25, it has not yet been fully implemented for LMD applicants.
The lack of access to the new system and inadequate official communication from the Consulate have led to uncertainty and a sense of abandonment among the descendants of Spaniards on the island. According to Martí's data, by February 28, 2025, about 678,000 nationality applications had been received across the consular network, with 320,000 cases approved. Additionally, over 200,000 civil registry entries have been made.
FAQs on Spain's New Consulate in Cuba
Why is Spain opening a new consulate in Cuba?
Spain is opening a new consulate in Cuba to better accommodate the rising demand for consular services and address delays in procedures such as visa issuance, nationality applications, and civil registry processes.
Where will the new consulate be located?
The location for the new consulate has not been finalized, but Camagüey and Santiago de Cuba are the primary candidates.
What technological reforms are being implemented?
Spain is introducing the Dicireg platform, which facilitates the digital retrieval of Consular Civil Registry certificates, aiming to modernize and expedite consular services.