EthiopiaBusiness and self-employment
Ethiopia investor visa (IV): requirements and fees
Investment Visa (IV)
In short
The Investment Visa (IV) is issued to foreign nationals engaged in investment activities in Ethiopia and to potential investors who want to come and invest. It ranges from USD 62 for 30 days to USD 502 for 12 months with multiple entries and needs support letters from the Ethiopian Investment Commission and an Ethiopian embassy.
Apply on Ethiopian e-Visa (Immigration and Citizenship Service) checked 24 October 2026
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- 30 days, 90 days, 6 months or 12 months
- Validity
- From the intended entry date
- Fee
- US$62Single entry 30 days USD 62; multiple entry 90 days USD 152; 6 months USD 252; 12 months USD 502. Extension USD 102 (30 days) or USD 302 (90 days).
- Processing time
- 3 days under normal circumstances
- Work
- Investment activities
- Path to permanent residence
- Shareholders can apply to ICS for a temporary residence ID with an Investment Commission letter
- Where to apply
- Online at evisa.gov.et
Who the investment visa is for
The IV covers two groups: foreign nationals already engaged in investment activities in Ethiopia and potential investors who wish to come and invest. A first exploratory trip for meetings or market research can also be made on the Business and Related Studies Visa (BRV); the IV is the route once the investment is supported by the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
There is no residence-by-investment or golden visa scheme published by ICS. Investors who stay go through the ordinary residence ID process, with a letter from the Investment Commission for shareholders.
Documents
The portal requires a recent passport-size photo and a copy of a passport valid for six months from entry; a support letter from the nearest Ethiopian embassy proving that you are travelling for investment; an official application letter from the inviting organisation addressed to ICS; the business licence of the inviting company; and a support letter from the Ethiopian Investment Commission.
As with other sponsored visas, the inviting company must be registered on the portal and give you its approved reference code.
Required documents
Travel
- Passport copy, valid for 6 months from entry, and recent photo
Work
- Support letter from the nearest Ethiopian embassy confirming the investment purpose
- Official application letter from the inviting organisation to ICS
- Business licence of the inviting company
- Support letter from the Ethiopian Investment Commission
Options and fees
Single entry for 30 days costs USD 62, multiple entry for 90 days USD 152, multiple entry for 6 months USD 252 and multiple entry for 12 months USD 502. The visa runs from the intended entry date. A 12-month multiple-entry visa suits investors who travel in and out while a project is set up.
Staying on as a shareholder
ICS issues a Temporary ID to shareholders as well as employees. For a shareholder, the file includes a letter from the Investment Commission, a letter from the company with a valid trade certificate, the trade certificate, a passport copy, the valid visa and the visa stamp. The residence permit must later be renewed before it expires.
Extension
An extension must be requested before the visa expires. Extensions of 1 to 15 days are made online, longer ones in person at the ICS head office in Addis Ababa. The fees are USD 102 for 30 days and USD 302 for 90 days. Overstaying leads to fines and legal penalties.
How to apply, step by step
- Secure the Investment Commission’s support for your investment.
- Request the investment-purpose support letter from the nearest Ethiopian embassy.
- Have the inviting company register on the portal and issue the reference code.
- Apply on evisa.gov.et and choose 30 days, 90 days, 6 months or 12 months.
- Pay the fee and download the visa after about 3 days.
- If you stay as a shareholder, apply to ICS for a temporary residence ID.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ethiopia have a golden visa?
ICS does not publish a residence-by-investment programme. Investors use the IV and then a residence ID.
Can a potential investor get the IV?
Yes. The portal states that the IV can also be issued to potential investors who wish to come and invest.
What is the longest investment visa?
Multiple entry for 12 months, USD 502.
Which embassy writes the support letter?
The portal asks for a support letter from the nearest Ethiopian embassy to where you apply from.
Official sources
- Ethiopian e-Visa (ICS) — Investment Visa (IV)
- Immigration and Citizenship Service — Temporary ID (shareholders)
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
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: 30 days or 90 days, depending on the option chosen
- Culture, sports and events visa Maximum stay: CV and JV 30 days; SPV and EIV 30 or 90 days
- Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: 30 days, 90 days, 6 months or 12 months depending on the option
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: 30 days or 90 days
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
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: Temporary permit for a specified period, renewable
Residence
- Residence permit Maximum stay: IMV 30 or 90 days; Temporary ID for a limited period set by ICS
- Permanent residence Validity: Five years, renewable
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