Diplomatic and consular missions are:

• permanent diplomatic missions and
• consular missions.

Permanent diplomatic missions are:

• embassies, which are established in other countries and
• permanent missions to international organisations established in places where the organizations are based.

Consular missions may be established with the following rank:consulate general,

• consulate,
• vice consulate and
• consular agency,

depending on the scope of bilateral relations, scope of economic cooperation or the size of the expatriate community (diaspora).

Functions performed by a permanent diplomatic mission

A permanent diplomatic mission performs the duties which are within the field of responsibility of the Ministry and belong to the representative and foreign-policy functions envisaged in international treaties and the diplomatic practice.

In the performance of duties falling in its competence, the permanent diplomatic mission is bound to act in accordance with the Constitution, laws, generally accepted rules of international law and ratified international treaties, as well as by-laws of a general nature, including the instructions given by the Minister and in line with such instructions and guidelines provided by the heads of the relevant internal units of the Ministry. The Embassy also performs consular functions.

Duties performed by a consular mission

A consular mission performs those tasks within the competence of the Ministry belonging to the consular functions envisaged in international treaties and the diplomatic and consular practice.

In the performance of duties falling in its competence, the consular mission acts in accordance with the Constitution, laws, generally accepted rules of international law and ratified international treaties, as well as by-laws of a general nature, including the instructions given by the Minister and in line with such instructions and guidelines provided by the heads of the relevant internal units of the Ministry, and by the Ambassador accredited in the receiving State.

As a rule, the consular mission maintains relations with the central authorities of the receiving State via the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in that country, and when so explicitly permitted by international agreements or laws or the practice of the receiving State, communication may also be direct.

If there is no Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in the foreign country in question, or if the Embassy is not able to perform its duties, the consular mission, under the authority of the Minister and on the basis of the agreement with the receiving State, may take over certain diplomatic functions.

Tasks performed by cultural centres or information offices

A cultural centre or information office performs public diplomacy tasks falling in the competence of the Ministry and other Government bodies in the cultural field, with a view to promoting the prestige of the Republic of Serbia.

In the discharge of these tasks, a cultural centre or information office is bound to act in accordance with the Constitution, laws, generally accepted rules of international law and ratified international treaties, as well as by-laws of a general nature, including the instructions given by the Minister and in line with such instructions and guidelines provided by the heads of the relevant internal units of the Ministry, and by the Ambassador accredited in the receiving State.