resident embassy

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A resident embassy is the highest level of diplomatic representation between countries, headed by an ambassador. Ambassadors represent their head of state and have direct access to the host country's leader. While historically only exchanged between major powers, most countries now send ambassadors to all nations they recognize diplomatically.1

The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations outlines three categories of diplomatic representatives: ambassadors, other heads of mission accredited to heads of state, and charges d'affaires accredited to the foreign minister. Consuls, on the other hand, are public officials focused on fostering commercial interests and assisting citizens abroad, and they do not hold diplomatic status or immunity. Modern foreign services often merge diplomatic and consular functions, with personnel serving in roles like embassies or consulates.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

diplomacy
The development of Italian diplomacy
Resident embassies became the norm in Italy in the late 15th century, and after 1500 the practice spread northward. A permanent Milanese envoy to the French court of Louis XI arrived in 1463 and was later joined by a Venetian representative. Ambassadors served a variety…
Read More
Resident embassies became the norm in Italy in the late 15th century, and after 1500 the practice spread northward. A permanent Milanese envoy to the French court of Louis XI arrived in 1463 and was later joined by a Venetian representative. Ambassadors served a variety…
Read More