Diplomatic passport holders bear diplomatic immunity, which is recognized within 190 countries of the world – UN members.

The hierarchy at the Ministry of External Affairs, comprises several stages, mainly including Active positions. Such include Deputy Secretary position, Secretary position, Consul position, Delegated to the Embassy position, Consul General position, Ambassador at Large position.

Diplomatic career is both demanding and eventful, given the foreign policy objectives and geo-strategic location. There are several different career paths within these broad parameters. Some officers excel at multilateral work while serving in the UN divison of Ministry of External Affairs and at Permanent Missions in different countries. Some others specialize in a particular region, e.g. Europe, West Asia, East Asia, Latin America, etc.

Function of an active diplomat are summarized in representing his country in its Embassies, High Commisions, Consulates, and Permanent Missions to multilateral organisations like UN; Protecting country's national interests in the country of their posting; promoting friendly realtions with the receiving state as also its people,including NRI/PIOs; reporting accurately on developments in the country of posting which are likely to influence the formulation of country's policies; negotiating agreements on various issues with the authorities of the recving state and extended consular facilities to foreigners and host nationals abroad, at home. Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for all aspects of external relations. Territorial divisions deal with bilateral political and economic work while functional divisions look after policy planning, multilateral organisations, regional groupings, legal matters, disarmaments, protocol, consular, Diaspora, publicity, administration and other aspects.

Active positions are only open to candidates meeting the following criteria:

• Language requirements: English (Spanish and/or Italian may be required for some positions)
• Experience: diplomacy, politics, international relations
• Education: university degree or equivalent
• Stable and verifiable professional duties
• References: excellent personal, professional and bank references
• Time availability: active positions require time for active duty. Candidate is obliged to have enough time availability for travel and diplomatic duties
• Location: candidate must reside in the capital city. Strategic geographic location in a capital city or main centre is required.

Honorary diplomatic appointments concern medium level non-active positions and have less requirements for the following positions: Honorary Consul, Cultural attache, Consular attache, Honorary Counsellor, Honorary Ambassador.

Required information and documentation for Honorary positions*:

• First name(s)
• Last name(s)
• Names of father
• Names of mother with her maiden name (the one she used before she got married)
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Nationality
• Marital status
• Number and copy of passport 
• Police record (not later than 6 months validity)
• Medical certificate
• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• 3 references
• Birth certificate copy
• 6 recent photos (passport size).

* - in some cases interview is necessary.

Fees and expenses for Honorary positions:

• Charge D`Affairs – EUR 43,000
• Honorary Consul – EUR 45,000
• Honorary Counsellor – EUR 52,000
• Honorary Ambassador – EUR 64,000

Diplomatic positions:

• Deputy Secretary – EUR 62,000
• Diplomatic Counsellor – EUR 67,000
• Consul General – EUR 80,000 (available to certain countries only)
• Ambassador – EUR 115,000 (available to certain countries only).