The Consular Directorate (KD) with its three divisions – Citizen Services, Consular Protection and Innovation and Partnerships – is a central contact point for efficient, customer-oriented consular services worldwide ("guichet unique"). It provides information on these services around the clock via the FDFA Helpline and also maintains an advisory service providing general information on living abroad, emigration and returning to Switzerland.
In the consular field, the KD continues to ensure close cooperation with other federal offices, cantonal bodies, foreign authorities and other national and international partners. Lastly, it coordinates matters relating to the Swiss abroad within the Federal Administration.