The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a large-scale expansion of digital consular services for Ukrainians abroad
Millions of Ukrainians found themselves outside their country because of the war, which created many problems related to adaptation to a new life, including bureaucratic difficulties. Obtaining the necessary documents, registering children, confirming personal data or issuing powers of attorney often became too difficult due to limited access to consular offices. In response to this, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiga announced a large-scale expansion of digital consular services for Ukrainians abroad in 2025, which will significantly change the approach to providing consular services for Ukrainians abroad.
Notary services in “e-Consul”
On January 22, Andrii Sybiga announced a significant expansion of digital consular services for Ukrainians abroad in 2025. About this one it is said on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The main goal of implementing the “e-Consul” system is to create the most accessible, transparent and effective mechanism for providing consular services for citizens of Ukraine. This system is designed to make service quick and convenient, minimizing the need for physical visits to diplomatic missions. In wartime conditions, when many Ukrainians live in countries with a high demand for consular services, this approach is extremely relevant.
As part of this initiative, automation of the most popular services, from notarized documents to obtaining passports, is foreseen. Thanks to digital technologies, Ukrainians will be able to save time and resources and focus on adapting to the new environment.
“Automation of notarial services means that in e-Consul you will be able to choose the type of power of attorney or application you need, add information if necessary, and a document ready for signing will be waiting for you during your visit to the consul. Saving time and effort”. — noted Sybiga.
That is, Ukrainians will be able to select the desired document in advance, fill in the necessary data and prepare it for signature. When visiting the consulate, all they have to do is sign the prepared document. This approach will avoid long queues, reduce the number of filling errors and speed up the service process.
Other innovations in 2025
The “e-Consul” system will offer Ukrainians a number of new services covering the most important aspects of everyday life abroad.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that already in February, courier delivery of foreign passports will be implemented in several countries in cooperation with “Nova Poshta”. Thanks to this, Ukrainians will no longer have to visit the embassy twice to obtain a passport. The data can be pre-entered on the “Action” portal, after which it will be necessary to appear only once in person to submit biometric data. The finished document will be delivered by mail.
The minister also announced that already in the spring, Ukrainians abroad will be able to get driver’s licenses. In the second half of 2025, it is planned to launch a comprehensive service for registering the birth of a child abroad. It will include registration of a birth certificate, acquisition of Ukrainian citizenship, registration in the State Register of natural persons – taxpayers, as well as entering the child’s data into the Unified State Demographic Register.
During this same period, the registration of a tax number (RNOKPP) and an ID card will become available at Ukrainian consulates. The Minister also added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on the implementation of new tools to facilitate access to consular services, which will be announced during the year.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, digitalization will reduce the time of providing services by 30-80%. This means that Ukrainians will be able to receive the necessary documents much faster, without wasting time on queues and additional visits. For consular institutions, this will also be an important step in the optimization of work, because automation will reduce the burden on staff and ensure a higher quality of service.
Although the implementation of the “e-Consul” system is a significant step forward, it is also accompanied by certain problems. For successful implementation, it is necessary to ensure stable operation of digital services, Internet availability and user support. It is also important to consider the needs of the elderly, who may face difficulties in working with new technologies.
However, the successful implementation of these initiatives will not only make life easier for Ukrainians abroad, but will also become a symbol of the modernization of public administration in Ukraine. Digital services will be able to strengthen the connection between citizens and the state, contributing to the integration of modern technologies into everyday life.
