An embassy represents its country at a diplomatic and political level in the capital of the host country. Its primary mission is to maintain relations between the two nations.
The consulate focuses on services to foreign citizens living or travelling in Paris. Issuing passports, legalising documents, providing assistance in emergencies: its responsibilities directly affect the daily lives of its citizens.
A country may have several consulates in different cities, whereas there is only one embassy per country. For example, a French citizen living in Marseille can carry out the necessary formalities at the local American consulate without having to go to the American embassy in Paris.
The administrative services offered by a consulate cover many areas: the legalisation of official documents, diplomas or marriage certificates for use abroad.
Nationals can also request residence certificates, nationality certificates or assistance with civil status formalities. The consulate also supports its citizens in difficult situations: loss of identity documents, medical repatriation or legal assistance.
An emergency service operates 24 hours a day for nationals. Appointments are generally made via the consulate's website to optimise the processing of requests.
Among the most beautiful embassies in Paris are the embassies of Poland, Germany and Romania. The Hôtel de Béhague, which has housed the Romanian embassy since 1939, is distinguished by its monumental staircase inspired by that of Versailles. Located on Rue Saint-Dominique, this 19th-century architectural gem features exceptional marble and ironwork.
At 78 Rue de Lille, the German embassy occupies the sumptuous Hôtel de Beauharnais, recognisable by its Turkish boudoir and its famous Salon des Quatre-Saisons with its preserved Empire decor.