Honorary Consulate
As international relations, trade and shipping between continents developed, the role of Honorary Consuls has increased in the last decades. Honorory Consuls shall intensify economic and cultural relations besides representing the interests of the sending country. It is important to distinguish between the two categories of career consuls and honorary consuls. The Vienna Convention of 1963 distinguishes between career consuls and honorary consuls, and defines their status and their immunity differently. Career consuls are civil servants of the sending country, whereas honorary consuls are personalities of high esteem, usually citizens or permanent inhabitants of the host country, who represent the interests of the sending country to further the development of commercial, economic, cultural and scientific relations between the sending state and the host state using their own financial resources and network of acquaintances.
In the 21st century the institution of honorary consuls is undergoing a new renaissance, as a result of the ongoing large scale development of communication on the one hand, and the reduction of financial resources invested in the diplomatic services on the other. Honorary consuls are in many cases capable to relieve, and sometimes even replace career consuls. There is a tremendous need of their efforts these days- especially for Developing Countries, which is reflected by the continuous enlargement of Honorary Consulates. Honorary consuls fulfil a significant role in the economic, scientific, cultural and tourist life of the host country. In accordance with international routine, the maintenance of the honorary consular offices does not charge the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Honorary consuls perform their duties without remuneration, relying on their own financial resources.
We represent a few governments and international organisations in order to provide a competent and professional partner and to act in the search for suitable employees for foreign service. We assist our clients also in establishing honorary consulates. As an impartial entity we bring together the interests of the sending and receiving states as well as the future honorary consuls and advisors and thereby enable a long-term successful collaboration.
Further information: Diplomatic F.A.Q.
Further information about Diplomatic Passport and Diplomatic Immunity