The Consular Department provides for the protection of Malagasy nationals, their interests and their property abroad, in accordance with the law and local legislative framework. It may also be assisted in certain areas by honorary consuls whose powers are set by the consular commission; they receive these directly from the Head of State or by delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition to its role of protection vis-à-vis the local authorities, the Consular Department also provides administrative facilities for Malagasy nationals resident in the area for which it has responsibility. In order to ensure that he knows the people for whom he is providing these functions, the consul keeps a detailed check of Malagasy nationals, by registration. He carries out several functions, such as, in particular:

- Functions of registrar;
- Notarial functions;
- Maritime matters;
- Issuing travel documents, etc.

In addition, as the Representative of the Malagasy administration, the Consular Department is authorised to issue a certain number of documents, carry out formalities and draw up certificates which will be valid both in Madagascar and within the area for which it has responsibility.

The competency of the Consular Department covers very varied and wide-ranging areas. It is therefore necessary to establish the matters it deals with in order to set out the basic information required by those applying for its services. These matters also reflect the concern of the Consular Department to provide quality services.