New law requires dual-national Cubans to use Cuban citizenship on the island

Cuba's new Citizenship Law sets rules for Cubans who acquire another nationality while retaining Cuban citizenship. Holding both remains permitted, but the person cannot present as a foreigner before Cuban authorities. Cuban citizenship must also be used at Cuban consulates. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.

The measure does not require giving up Cuban citizenship when another nationality is acquired. It permits both, with Cuban nationality remaining the one used inside the island and before its consulates.

A dual national must present to island authorities under the nationality of origin. The same rule applies at Cuban consulates. It covers people who retain Cuban citizenship while also holding U.S., Spanish or another nationality.

The law distinguishes possessing a foreign nationality from using it before Cuban institutions. It permits the former but requires identification as Cuban within the country and at consulates while that citizenship is retained.

Beginning November 1, retaining another nationality will not remove the obligation to use Cuban citizenship in the specified settings. The essential rule is that another citizenship may be kept, but Cuban nationality must be used before Cuban authorities and consulates.