What’s the difference between an embassy and a consulate?

November 2022 · 6 minute read

In many countries the embassy and consulate-general are combined in one office or structure; however, an embassy implies official diplomatic relations between two countries while a consulate generally does not.

Moreover, How do I get a Spanish NIE number in the UK?

You can apply for a NIE number in person, at the Consulate of Spain. There are three Spanish consulates in UK: London, Manchester and Edinburg.

How can an embassy help you?

Your embassy can help you if you’ve been the victim of serious crime or have fallen ill abroad. … Embassies and consulates can also help validate documents for use in the country you’re visiting. Registering births, deaths and marriages abroad will all require you to talk to your embassy.

Also How do I contact the British embassy? You can contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office at any time by calling +44 (0)20 7008 1500. If your enquiry concerns an application for a British passport, you should call +44 (0)300 222 0000 on Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 8:00pm and at weekends and public holidays from 9:00am to 5:30pm.

What can a consulate do for you?

Consulates provide passport, birth registration and many others services for visiting or resident American citizens in a country. They also have consular sections which issue visas for foreign citizens to visit, study and work in the United States.

19 Related Questions Answers Found

How much does it cost to get an NIE number in Spain?

As a non-European Union citizen you must pay a NIE Spain number tax fee around 10.71 euro. On the application form it will identify that you must bring the tax amount to a bank with Form 790. The bank will give you a receipt (resguardo). Take the receipt to the location where you had your appointment.

Can I open Spanish bank account in UK?

Can you open a Spanish bank account from the UK? Yes, in some instances you’ll be able to open a non-resident account with a Spanish bank before you move there, although this will of course depend on the bank you wish to open an account with.

Can anyone get an NIE number in Spain?

The Spanish Government now permits foreigners to authorise a third party to obtain an NIE number on their behalf, as I reported in this article The Spanish Government now allows foreigners to get an NIE number through a legal representative.

Will embassy fly you home?

Can the U.S. Embassy send me home in a crisis? Only in limited circumstances. The embassy may help citizens with an emergency evacuation in a major crisis, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest. … You have to look after yourself, because the embassy isn’t promising to evacuate you.

How do ambassadors get selected?

Ambassadors of the United States are persons nominated as ambassadors by the President to serve as United States diplomats to individual nations of the world, to international organizations, and as ambassadors-at-large. Their appointment needs to be confirmed by the United States Senate.

What is the reason for an embassy?

The primary purpose of an embassy is to assist American citizens who travel to or live in the host country. U.S. Foreign Service Officers also interview citizens of the host country who wish to travel to the United States for business, education, or tourism purposes.

Will Embassy fly you home?

Can the U.S. Embassy send me home in a crisis? Only in limited circumstances. The embassy may help citizens with an emergency evacuation in a major crisis, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest. … You have to look after yourself, because the embassy isn’t promising to evacuate you.

What does a British embassy do?

The main work of a British consul is to protect the interests of UK nationals. Consular staff can offer practical advice, help and support. … Support for British nationals abroad.

Is there a British embassy in every country?

Britain does not have Embassies in any of the Commonwealth countries. British interests in these countries are represented by High Coommissioners, not Ambassadors, workinng in High Commissions, not Embassies.

What power does an embassy have?

The functions of a diplomatic mission consist, inter alia, in representing the sending State in the receiving State; protecting in the receiving State the interests of the sending State and of its nationals, within the limits permitted by international law; negotiating with the Government of the receiving State; …

How long does it take to get a NIE number in Spain?

How long does it take to get the NIE in Spain? It takes 3 to 5 working days to obtain the Spanish identification number for both EU and Non-EU citizens.

How long does your NIE number last in Spain?

The NIE certificate that you receive when you return to your local national police (“policia nacional”) station to pick it up is actually only valid for three months. However, the allocated NIE Spanish number is unique to you, and will be yours for life.

How long can you live in Spain without residency?

90 days is the maximum amount of time you can legally live in Spain without getting residency. Once that period ends, you will need to go back to your country.

Should I buy a house in Spain after Brexit?

Buying property in Spain after Brexit will not cost you any more money. The cost of buying a property in Spain is the same whether you are a Spanish national, a national of the UK, or a national of the USA or China. The costs of buying a property are not affected by your nationality.

Can I use my UK Santander account in Spain?

Hundreds of ATMs at Santander branches in Spain are charging UK customers with current accounts at the bank to withdraw cash, MoneySavingExpert.com can reveal – even though withdrawals for Santander customers at Santander branches are usually free.

What do you need to open a Spanish bank account?


How to open a bank account in Spain

  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport)
  • Spanish foreigner identification number (NIE) and certificate (número de identificación de extranjeros)
  • Proof of address.
  • Proof of employment status (e.g., student card, employment contract, unemployment documentation)

    • How long does it take to get an NIE number in Spain?

    How long does it take to get the NIE in Spain? It takes 3 to 5 working days to obtain the Spanish identification number for both EU and Non-EU citizens.

    How can I get residency in Spain?

    Individuals can obtain permanent residency in Spain after having legally lived in the country for a period of five uninterrupted years. When they fulfill this specific condition, they can apply for permanent residency and then gain the right to live for the rest of their lives in the country.

    What can the British embassy help with?


    Main duties

    Can anyone walk into an embassy?

    BTW, even if you are not a US citizen, you can still walk into most US embassies and get a hearing of some sort.

    Can an embassy protect you?

    In extreme or exceptional circumstances, U.S. embassies and consulates can offer alternative forms of protection, including (in most countries) temporary refuge, a referral to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, or a request for parole to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

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