The Federal Republic of Germany in principle permits the establishment of honorary consular posts. The decision to permit the establishment of any particular honorary consular post is subject to political discretion, and is guided in particular by the principle of reciprocity and the de facto need for the post.

Prior to appointing an honorary consul, the sending State should make enquiries as to whether the Federal Republic of Germany is willing to admit the chosen candidate. This preliminary enquiry should be made in a Note Verbale which contains, as a minimum, the following information:

• the name and date and place of birth of the candidate,
• the consular district,
• an explanation of the need for an honorary consular post,
• the address of the envisaged honorary consular post,
• the candidate’s home address.

A German-language version of the candidate’s curriculum vitae must be enclosed with the Note Verbale.

Further details of the procedure for the admission of honorary consuls can be found in Circular Note 09/2012 of 9 July 2012 – Ref. 701-701 AM 21.