Eligibility quiz
Did you become a citizen of another country after being an Ethiopian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Ethiopia
You can live in Ethiopia without a residence permit for as long as your card is valid.
Access education
Restrictions on foreign nationals using social services do not apply to you, including for education.
Access still depends on the rules of the particular service; education is not necessarily free.
Work in Ethiopia
You can work without a permit, except in certain government jobs.
You are treated as a domestic investor under Ethiopia's investment law.
Enter without a visa
You can enter Ethiopia without an entry visa while your card is valid.
The card is not a passport or travel document.
Access property rights
Some property-related restrictions that apply to foreign nationals do not apply to you.
This does not automatically give you ownership of property, and constitutional rules still apply.
Access healthcare
Restrictions on foreign nationals using social services do not apply to you, including for healthcare.
Access still depends on the rules of the particular service; care is not necessarily free.
Access services and pensions
Restrictions on foreign nationals using economic, social and administrative services do not apply to you.
You can also be covered by the pension scheme under its rules, but a pension is not automatic.
How to apply
Applying at a consulateApplying at a consulate
Find your consulate
Find the Ethiopian embassy, permanent mission or consulate serving the country where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Ethiopian embassy or consulate serving your city accepts Ethiopian Origin ID applications?”
Get the application form
Get the Ethiopian Origin ID application form from Immigration and Citizenship Services or your Ethiopian mission.
Get the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the Ethiopia Ethiopian Origin ID application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the Ethiopian Origin ID application form.
See form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Ethiopia Ethiopian Origin ID application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Ethiopian mission.
See required documentsHand in your application
Ask your Ethiopian mission how to submit your application, then go in person with your completed form, original documents and copies. Pay the applicable fee there, in US dollars or the equivalent in local currency, and ask the mission how to pay.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an Ethiopian Origin ID application at the Ethiopian embassy or consulate serving your city?”
Check your application status
Where the service is available, use your application reference number and personal details to check your status through Immigration and Citizenship Services.
Check your statusSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I check the status of my Ethiopia Ethiopian Origin ID application?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for a decision through the Ethiopian mission and respond if it asks for more information or documents. If your application is refused, you should receive the reasons in writing.
See processing timesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Ethiopian Origin ID application through an Ethiopian embassy or consulate take?”
Receive your card
Once approved, receive your Ethiopian Origin ID card through the mission. You can then use it for visa-free entry to Ethiopia and the other rights it gives you.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my Ethiopian Origin ID card from an Ethiopian embassy or consulate serving your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates *
To prove your Ethiopian origin, provide your authenticated birth certificate or a machine-readable Ethiopian passport. If you have children under 18, provide their birth certificates. If you were born in Ethiopia but your record says you were born in another country, also provide the court decision and supporting Ethiopian family IDs or passports.
* Only if you use a birth certificate to prove your Ethiopian origin, have children under 18, or your birthplace is recorded outside Ethiopia.
Marriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate with your application.
* Only if you are married.
Parent's citizenship records *
Provide your Ethiopian parent's Kebele ID or passport. If you are an adopted child under 18, add the legal adoption document and a copy of your adoptive parent's passport. If you cannot provide a family document because the person has died, provide their death certificate.
* Only if you rely on an Ethiopian parent, are adopted and under 18, or your birthplace is recorded outside Ethiopia.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Card renewal
Your rights depend on a valid card, which must be renewed every five years.
Renewal is handled in Ethiopia or at an Ethiopian mission abroad.
Divorce reporting
If you have a spouse card, you must report a divorce within one month.
Your spouse card ends when the marriage is dissolved.
Restricted government jobs
You cannot hold regular jobs in national defence, security, foreign affairs or similar political institutions.
Political rights limits
You cannot vote or be elected to government office at any level in Ethiopia.
Status can end
Your card can be cancelled for fraud, false statements or hiding key facts when obtaining it; terrorism, drug or arms smuggling convictions; or regular army or intelligence service abroad.
It can also be cancelled for citizenship of a country at war with Ethiopia, willingly helping it, or the public and national interest.
A spouse card ends on divorce or if the main holder's card is returned or cancelled.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expats in Addis Ababa
English Facebook group for people living in Ethiopia interested in Ethiopian local life
Join on FacebookEthiopia Expats
English Facebook group for people living in Ethiopia interested in Ethiopian local life
Request to joinMoving To Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
English Facebook group for people living in Ethiopia interested in Ethiopian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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