Konsulaatit
Konsulaatit are government offices of a country located in a foreign state, tasked with protecting the interests and citizens of their home state and with facilitating travel, trade, and cultural exchange. They are part of the diplomatic network but differ from embassies: while an embassy handles political relations between states, a consulate focuses on consular services and practical assistance to individuals and businesses.
Typical functions include assisting citizens in distress, issuing visas and travel documents, notarizing or authenticating documents,
A consulate is usually headed by a consul or consul-general; in major cities there may be a
Consular relations are governed by international law, notably the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.
They coordinate with the home country’s embassy and other missions and may cooperate with local authorities