Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia · residence general · Leads to settlement
Residence Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence visa route for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to stay for a fixed period and build toward permanent residency.
- Processing time
- The official page does not list a separate processing-time paragraph in the extracted route component; confirm current timing in the eVisa portal before filing.
- Government fees
- The official fee table lists USD 202 for a multiple-entry 90-day Residence Visa. The extension table lists USD 302 for a 90-day extension.
- Typical duration
- The official route page lists a multiple-entry 90-day Residence Visa.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Residence Visa is for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to stay for a fixed length of time and, after some time, obtain permanent residency. The official page lists a 90-day multiple-entry IMV option and requires a passport, photo, prior IMV or residence-ID evidence where applicable, plus authenticated birth or marriage certificates for under-age or marriage-based evidence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant is entering Ethiopia to stay for a fixed period and may later seek permanent residency.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- ✓The file includes prior IMV, extension or residence ID evidence where applicable.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- ✓Under-age or marriage-linked evidence is authenticated where required.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- ✓The passport is valid for at least 6 months from the intended entry date.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
Common blockers
- !No prior IMV, extension or residence-ID evidence where the case depends on it.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- !Birth or marriage certificates are not authenticated where required.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- !The applicant is actually entering for work, study, tourism or investment and should use the more specific route.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Recent passport-sized photograph.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- ·Passport valid for at least 6 months from intended entry.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- ·Copy of IMV visa, recent extension, last extension or residence ID where applicable.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
- ·Authenticated birth certificate for under-age evidence or authenticated marriage certificate for marriage-linked evidence.Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the Residence Visa is the correct route rather than a work, study, tourist or investment visa.
Build the evidence pack
Collect passport, photo and any IMV, extension or residence-ID evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Authenticate birth or marriage evidence where the case relies on those documents.
After approval
Apply through the official eVisa portal and manage any extension through the ICS process before expiry.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Residence Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Residence Visa.
Immigration and Citizenship Service of Ethiopia · verified
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Related routes
Investment Visa
Visa for foreign nationals already engaged in investment activity in Ethiopia or potential investors coming to invest.
Foreign Business Firm Employment Visa
Employment visa for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia to work for business firms owned or operated by foreigners.
Student Visa
Short student visa for foreign nationals entering Ethiopia temporarily to undertake a course of study.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethiopia's Residence Visa a permanent residence grant?+
No. The official page describes it as a route for entering to stay for a fixed period and obtain permanent residency after some time.
How long is the Residence Visa listed for?+
The official route page lists a multiple-entry 90-day IMV option.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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