Ethiopia residence permit: IMV visa and residence ID

The Residence Visa (IMV) is listed on the e-Visa portal for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to stay for a fixed length of time with the aim of obtaining permanent residency after some time. It is the entry visa for long-term settlement, for example of family members.

The Temporary ID is issued by ICS inside Ethiopia. It gives temporary residency for a limited duration to people employed by companies, shareholders, students and journalists, each supported by a letter from the relevant body: the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs for employees, the Investment Commission for shareholders, the Ministry of Education for students and the Ministry of Communication for journalists.

The portal asks for a recent passport-sized photograph, a passport valid for at least six months from the intended entry date, a copy of any earlier IMV, its latest extension or a residence ID, an authenticated birth certificate for minors and an authenticated marriage certificate where the stay is based on marriage.

Documents issued abroad should be authenticated; for marriage certificates ICS states elsewhere that foreign certificates must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated by a recognised body if they are not in English or Amharic.

A single-entry IMV for 30 days costs USD 202 and a multiple-entry IMV for 90 days USD 502. The IMV can be extended before it expires at the ICS head office in Addis Ababa; the published extension is 90 days with multiple entry for USD 302. Overstaying leads to fines and legal penalties.

For employees, the employer, which must hold a valid trade certificate, writes to ICS and attaches its trade certificate; the applicant adds a passport copy, the valid visa and the visa stamp. Depending on status, ICS also requires the letter from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Investment Commission, the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Communication.

Foreign nationals of Ethiopian descent have a separate route, the Ethiopian Origin ID, which ICS describes as giving visa-free entry, the right to own property and easier access to residence and employment. Its service fee is USD 300 for regular and USD 400 for urgent service, and a daily penalty applies to late renewal.

A residence permit must be renewed before it expires. ICS lists the original and a copy of the current permit, a valid passport, a completed renewal form, two recent photos, proof of continuous residence such as a rental agreement or utility bills, proof of employment or financial means where applicable, and the renewal fee. A lost permit requires a police report and an additional payment.

ICS states that most applications take 5 to 10 business days, that refusals come with reasons and that applicants can appeal or reapply. Applications can be made online or at the nearest immigration office.