Ethiopia
General visa requirements for travelling to Ethiopia. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Investment Visa (3-5 Years))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Processing time
- 3 business days
- Fee
- $750-$1000 USD
- Validity
- 3-5 years depending on role
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For foreign nationals engaged in investment activities in Ethiopia. 5-year visa ($1000) for executives and shareholders, 3-year visa ($750) for managers and board directors. Requires Ethiopian Investment Commission facilitation.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Investment activities, launching business operations, exploring investment opportunities
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Employment
Role determines visa duration: executives/shareholders get 5 years, managers/directors get 3 years
Required status: Investor, executive, shareholder, manager, or board director
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background
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Sponsorship letter
Accepted sponsors: Support letter from Ethiopian Investment Commission showing facilitation or recognition
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Invitation letter
Host requirements: Official application letter from inviting organization addressed to Immigration and Citizenship Service
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Investment Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $750 USD (3 years managers) or $1000 USD (5 years executives/shareholders)
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Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: Business license of inviting company
How to apply
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Online application
Submit online application through evisa.gov.et
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Document gathering
Upload passport copy, photo, Ethiopian Investment Commission support letter, company business license, and official application letter
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Fee payment
Pay investment visa fee based on role (3 or 5 years)
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Processing wait
Wait for approval
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Visa collection
Print approval and enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Work / Immigration visa (NGO Short-Term Work Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 30 days
- Processing time
- 3 business days
- Fee
- $82 USD
- Entry
- Single entry
For foreigners entering Ethiopia to work for a registered and active NGO on a permanent or short-term project. Can be extended before expiry. Must enter via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Eligibility
-
Purpose of visit
Working on NGO projects in Ethiopia
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Employment
Employed or volunteering with registered and active Ethiopian NGO
Required status: NGO worker, volunteer, project coordinator
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, color, white background
-
Sponsorship letter
Accepted sponsors: Registered and active NGO in Ethiopia
-
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Letter from NGO describing project, duration, and applicant's role
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: NGO Work Visa Application; Form url: https://www.evisa.gov.et/
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit or debit card online; Amount: $82 USD
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply online for NGO work visa
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Document gathering
Upload passport copy, photo, NGO registration documents, and sponsorship letter
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Fee payment
Pay NGO visa fee
-
Processing wait
Wait for approval
-
Visa collection
Print e-Visa and enter through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa (Government/Private/NGO/International Organizations))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- Varies by embassy
- Fee
- Varies
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Multiple work visa types available: Government Employment Visa, Private Business Firm Work Visa, International Organizations/Embassies Work Visa, Government Institutions Short Task Visa, NGO Visa. Employer must sponsor and prove employee has requisite skills. Ratio of 1 foreign employee per 10 Ethiopian employees required. After entry, work and residence permits must be obtained through Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have requisite skills for the position and be crucial to operations. Employer must prove no qualified Ethiopian available.
Required status: Skilled worker with specialized expertise
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Sponsorship letter
Accepted sponsors: Ethiopian employer, government ministry, international organization, or registered NGO
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: Professional qualifications and licenses relevant to job position; Must be translated: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer gathers work contract, proof of specialized skills, professional licenses, and sponsorship documentation
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Document submission
Submit application through nearest Ethiopian embassy or consulate with all required documents
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Processing wait
Wait for embassy to process work visa application
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Visa collection
Collect work visa from embassy and enter Ethiopia