EthiopiaBusiness and self-employment

Ethiopia business visa (BRV): requirements and fees

Business and Related Studies Visa (BRV)

In short

The Business and Related Studies Visa (BRV) is for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to do business, market research, joint-venture talks and similar activities. It costs USD 152 for 30 days or USD 202 for 90 days, is requested on evisa.gov.et with an inviting company’s reference code, and can be extended at the ICS head office.

Apply on Ethiopian e-Visa (Immigration and Citizenship Service) checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
30 days or 90 days
Validity
From the intended entry date
Fee
US$15230 days USD 152; 90 days USD 202. Extension: USD 152 (30 days), USD 252 (90 days).
Processing time
Around 3 days for portal visas under normal circumstances
Work
Business activities only; employment needs an employment visa and work permit
Family
Not issued to under-18s; accompanying children apply for tourist visas
Where to apply
Online at evisa.gov.et

Who needs a BRV

The portal is explicit that anyone visiting for business, joint ventures or related activities should apply only for the BRV, not for a tourist visa. Typical uses are meetings with Ethiopian partners, contract negotiations, market research, trade visits and preparing an investment. The ICS service page describes the business visa as covering meetings, conferences and contract negotiations for a limited period.

The BRV does not allow paid employment. Working for an Ethiopian or foreign-owned company requires one of the employment visas and a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Large international conferences have their own Conference Visa (CV).

Documents

The portal’s BRV page asks for a recent passport-size photo, a passport valid for at least six months from the planned entry, a bank statement, a company profile and an application letter. The ICS service page adds an invitation letter from a business partner or organisation in Ethiopia and proof of the business activity, such as conference details or contracts, and notes that additional documents may be requested.

Before applying, check that the inviting company has registered on the portal and that its reference code for the BRV has been approved. The portal warns that the code must come from the sponsor and that you should not try another company’s reference.

Required documents

Identity

  • Recent passport-size photo

Travel

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date

Money

  • Bank statement

Work

  • Company profile and application letter
  • Invitation letter from the business partner in Ethiopia and the sponsor’s reference code

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Work

  • Proof of the business activity, such as contracts or meeting details

Fees and options

Two options are published: 30 days for USD 152 and 90 days for USD 202. Extensions cost USD 152 for 30 days and USD 252 for 90 days. Validity begins on the intended entry date. Fees are paid by card on the portal and are not refunded.

Extension and overstay

A BRV can be extended if the request is made before it expires; the holder then visits the ICS head office in Addis Ababa. Anyone found overstaying is subject to fines and legal penalties.

ICS’s general guidance is that most applications take about 5 to 10 business days, that refused applicants are told the reasons, and that they may appeal or reapply after addressing them.

Travelling with children

Business visas are not issued to anyone under 18. Parents who come on business visas with their children are told to request tourist visas for the children. A spouse who does not take part in the business activity also travels on a tourist visa.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Ask the Ethiopian partner to register on the portal and obtain a BRV reference code.
  2. Prepare the bank statement, company profile, application letter and invitation.
  3. Apply on evisa.gov.et, choosing the 30-day or 90-day option.
  4. Pay USD 152 or USD 202 by card.
  5. Download the visa after approval and travel on the stated entry date.
  6. Request an extension at the ICS head office before expiry if needed.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

How much is an Ethiopian business visa?

USD 152 for 30 days or USD 202 for 90 days, according to the portal’s BRV fee table.

Can I apply without an Ethiopian company?

The portal requires business visa applicants to have a reference code from a registered and approved organisation, so a sponsor in Ethiopia is needed.

Can I work on a BRV?

No. The BRV covers business activities. Employment requires an employment visa and a work permit.

Can my child come on a business visa?

No. Under-18s are not given business visas; they travel on tourist visas.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Ethiopia

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Investor visa Maximum stay: 30 days, 90 days, 6 months or 12 months

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Visa: 30 days; then a temporary residence ID for the studies

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Initial visa 30 days; WV, NV and GIV also 90 days; GIV up to 6 months

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Depends on the visa type: 30 or 90 days for tourists, up to 12 months for some business categories
  • Visa on arrival Processing time: Issued at the port of entry

Faster processing

Protection

Ethiopia visa guide