The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has launched a pilot project for digital notary services, announced Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga.

How to obtain a power of attorney in one visit: the new “e-Consul” project

The essence of this innovation lies in the automation and simplification of procedures.

Minister Sybiga reminded that previously, to obtain a power of attorney, one had to visit the consulate multiple times: submit all necessary documents in paper form, handwrite an application, negotiate the text of the power of attorney with the consul, pay the consular fee (usually at the post office or bank), and then wait for the document to be printed and collected.

Due to the absence of a document or uncertainty about the text of the power of attorney, people had to return to the institution again, wasting time and money.

As of today, July 1, everything can be done remotely, with only one visit to the institution required – for signing the already prepared document.

How to submit an application online through “e-Consul”

The system works as follows:

• The citizen submits an online application via the “e-Consul” system.
• They upload the necessary documents and a sample power of attorney.
• The system verifies the provided data, automatically generates the notarial document, and sends the applicant a notification of readiness.
• The applicant books an appointment for a convenient time, visits the consulate for their personal signature, and immediately receives the completed document.

Where is the “e-Consul” service available?

The pilot project has already been launched in 40 embassies and consulates of Ukraine. The service is available in: Australia, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Botswana, Vietnam, Ghana, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Qatar, Kenya, China, general consulates in Guangzhou and Shanghai, embassies in Congo, Korea, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Morocco, Mexico, Mozambique, UAE, Oman, South Africa, Peru, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, Chile, Japan, as well as in general consulates in Milan, Hamburg, and Gdansk.

According to Andrii Sybiga, this system will save resources for Ukrainians, reduce the burden on consular staff, and represent another step towards creating a service worthy of a modern European state.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to expand the digital notary project to all diplomatic missions of Ukraine after assessing the results of the pilot phase.