Digital notary services of the MFA for Ukrainians abroad: how to issue a power of attorney online through the e-Consul system

Ukrainians abroad can issue notarized documents online in 40 diplomatic missions around the world. Find out how the digital notary services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs work and who can already use the new e-Consul service

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In July 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine took an important step towards simplifying citizens' access to consular services abroad by launching a pilot project for digital notary services. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, starting July 1, Ukrainians in 40 embassies and consulates around the world can submit documents for notarial services online — without queues, unnecessary expenses, or repeated visits to diplomatic missions.

What changes have taken place: what is the MFA's digital notary service?

The digital notary service is part of the reform of consular services, which aims to provide Ukrainian citizens abroad with convenient, modern, and secure access to notarial documents.

The main innovation is the automation of all stages of the application process: instead of having to be present in person at several stages, citizens fill out everything online through the e-Consul system and only visit the diplomatic mission to sign and receive the finished document.

Previously, Ukrainians abroad had to physically submit applications, write text by hand, pay fees separately at a bank or by mail, and coordinate the texts of powers of attorney with the consul — all of which took several days and sometimes required a repeat visit.

Read also: Border crossing rules 2025: how to leave Ukraine?

How does the new system for submitting documents for a notarized power of attorney abroad work?

1. Online application via e-Consul. Ukrainians select the necessary notarial action in the e-Consul system, fill out a form, upload the necessary documents, and attach a sample document.

2. Verification and approval of documents. The system automatically prompts which documents are required for the selected action. A consular officer verifies the accuracy and completeness of the submitted data.

3. Feedback from the consulate. If errors or missing documents are found, the applicant receives a letter with comments and recommendations for corrections.

4. Document preparation and payment. After the application is approved, the system generates a notarized document. The citizen receives a notification about the consular fee and the possibility of registering in the e-Queue.

5. Receipt of the document. At the appointed time, the person comes to the consulate only to sign the document. The consul makes an entry in the register, and the document is officially considered processed.

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In which countries is digital notary already operating?

As of July 1, 2025, the new system has already been implemented in 40 Ukrainian embassies and consulates around the world. Among them:

● Europe: Latvia, Italy (Milan), Germany (Hamburg, Gdansk)

● Asia: China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai), India, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Japan

● Africa: Algeria, Kenya, Senegal, Rwanda, Morocco, Angola, Ethiopia

● Middle East: UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

● America: Argentina, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, Chile

● Australia and other regions: Australia, Botswana, Ghana, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Malaysia, Mozambique, South Africa

It is expected that after the successful completion of the pilot phase, the service will be expanded to all Ukrainian diplomatic missions.

Read also: How long is a passport valid for traveling abroad?

Why is the MFA's digital notary service important for Ukrainians abroad?

For millions of citizens living or temporarily staying outside Ukraine, the need for notarial documents is regular. This may include:

● issuing a power of attorney to represent interests in Ukraine (e.g., regarding property, pensions, or banks);

● permission for a child to leave the country;

● certifying statements for court or other institutions.

Previously, this procedure required not only free time but also a great deal of patience. The new system avoids unnecessary costs and waiting times — everything is submitted remotely, and the visit to the consulate is reduced to 15-20 minutes.

How else can the process of legalizing or registering documents be simplified?

In many cases, the registration of a power of attorney or other documents abroad is associated with issues of correct wording, the choice of the type of notarial action, or the further use of the document. It is important to avoid mistakes that could complicate the matter or render the document invalid.

That is why Ukrainians abroad are increasingly turning to Visit Ukraine's migration lawyers. Our specialists help to prepare document templates correctly, advise on the preparation of applications, assist in communication with diplomatic institutions, and provide full legal support.

So, if you live abroad and need to have notarized documents drawn up, don't forget: if you encounter any legal difficulties, the lawyers at Visit Ukraine are always ready to help.

Get expert advice online right now to avoid complications and mistakes when drawing up the necessary documents!

We remind you! Ukraine officially recognizes multiple citizenship. Read about the conditions under which it is permitted to have two passports, who will lose Ukrainian citizenship, and how the new law will affect Ukrainians abroad and foreigners who want to become citizens of Ukraine in our previous article.

Photo: Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

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