Ethiopia: New Visa for Investors

Foreign nationals involved in investment activities or seeking to invest in Ethiopia can now apply online for a three to five-year entry visa for investors, instead of the short-term permit or residence permit that allowed them to stay for three months with the possibility of renewal for another 15 days. Foreign national executives and shareholders will be eligible for a five-year visa for USD 1,000 and managers and board directors will be eligible for a three-year visa for USD 750. This new regulation does not restrict investors to any specific type of investment and will enable investors to spend more time in the country. Along with other documentary requirements, first-time travelers to Ethiopia for investment purposes must submit a letter of support stating their investment purpose. If the traveler is invited by a company directly involved in investment activities in Ethiopia, the applicant must submit an official application letter written by the inviting organization addressed to the Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia; business license of the inviting company and a support letter from the Investment Commission of Ethiopia. Exact processing timelines will not be known until the service is added onto the website and enforcement of the regulation takes effect.