Full-Scale Launch of the e-Consul System: A New Digital Era of Consular Services Abroad
The "e-Consul" information and communication system is one of the key pillars of Ukraine’s digital transformation in the field of consular services for its citizens abroad. The legal basis of the system is Resolution No. 945 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which came into full force on 01 January 2025. It defines the core stages of the system’s rollout, aimed at automating the majority of consular procedures and significantly reducing service time through integration with national registries.
The system offers a range of digital tools, including an electronic queue, personalised online accounts for applicants and consular staff, and automated services for notarial and other official actions. With direct access to government databases, "e-Consul" enables automatic retrieval of personal data, which simplifies application processes – particularly for notarial documents. As a result, service delivery time has been reduced by up to 80%, document duplication has been eliminated, and workloads at diplomatic missions have been eased considerably.
As of 20 August 2025, the "e-Consul" system is now fully operational across 120 Ukrainian diplomatic missions worldwide. From now on, applicants can submit requests for notarial services online, upload relevant templates and documents via their personal account, and only need to appear in person to collect the finalised document – significantly reducing the need for physical visits.
User authentication and appointment scheduling via the electronic queue are carried out through digital signature technology. Currently, there are three available methods for electronic identification:
- Diia.Signature (Дія.Підпис)
- BankID
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)
In cases where users are unable to authenticate through the system, they may contact the embassy or consulate directly via email, explain their circumstances, and request an appointment as an exception – outside the standard e-Queue process. Such requests may require additional processing time.
Looking ahead, the system is set to expand further, with plans to integrate online payments, document delivery and courier services, and a broader range of digital offerings. These include services such as issuing biometric ID cards and international passports, registering births, issuing driver’s licences, and assigning tax identification numbers – all for citizens residing abroad.
From a legal perspective, the "e-Consul" system serves as a formally recognized mechanism for upholding the rights of Ukrainian citizens outside the country. It ensures streamlined access to state services, reduces administrative hurdles, enhances transparency, and lowers the risk of corruption. In this context, the full-scale deployment of "e-Consul" across 120 diplomatic missions establishes an effective and secure channel of communication between the Ukrainian state and its citizens abroad.
For further information, please contact Asters' Partner Talina Kravtsova and Counsel Yuri Neklyaev.
