Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by an Ethiopian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Ethiopian passport and ID
Ethiopian citizens can get an Ethiopian passport and renew or replace it through Ethiopian missions.
Adults can get an identity card; minor children may be listed on a parent’s card.
Live in Ethiopia for life
Ethiopian citizenship gives you the right to enter and live in Ethiopia without renewing your citizenship or changing it to permanent residence.
Study in Ethiopia
Ethiopian citizens have equal access to publicly funded education.
Work in Ethiopia
Ethiopian citizens can earn a living anywhere in Ethiopia, choose an occupation or profession, and engage freely in economic activity.
Get state protection
Ethiopia must protect your rights and lawful interests, including when you are abroad.
An Ethiopian citizen cannot be sent to another country to face its legal proceedings.
Own private property
Ethiopian citizens can own private property, use it, sell or give it away, and leave it to others when they die.
Land belongs to the state and the people of Ethiopia; people can have rights to use it, but cannot own it privately.
Vote and run for office
From age 18, Ethiopian citizens can vote and stand for public office, as long as they meet the election rules.
Use public healthcare
Ethiopian citizens have equal access to publicly funded healthcare.
Use public services
Ethiopian citizens have equal access to publicly funded social services.
How to apply
Applying in EthiopiaApplying in Ethiopia
Gather your documents
Ask your parents to prepare the documents required for your application to the nationality authority.
See required documentsSubmit your application
Your parents must submit your application and documents to the Ethiopian nationality authority. They can ask the authority how to hand them in.
Find how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do parents submit an Ethiopian nationality by adoption application to the nationality authority?”
Wait for the decision
Wait while your application is examined and a decision is made. Your parents should provide any extra information the authority asks for.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after parents submit an Ethiopian nationality by adoption application?”
Take the oath
If your application is approved, appear before the Nationality Affairs Committee to take the oath of allegiance.
Find oath instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does an approved applicant take the oath for Ethiopian nationality by adoption?”
Get your certificate
After you take the oath, you will be issued a certificate of naturalization. You can then apply for an Ethiopian passport.
Find certificate instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my certificate of naturalization after approval for Ethiopian nationality by adoption?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Adoption documents
Provide documents showing that you were legally adopted by your Ethiopian parent. Ask the nationality office which documents it accepts.
Parent's citizenship records
Provide proof of your Ethiopian adopting parent's identity and Ethiopian citizenship. Ask the nationality office which documents it accepts.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
Voluntarily acquiring another citizenship means giving up Ethiopian citizenship.
If you gained another citizenship at birth abroad or through a parent, you can keep Ethiopian citizenship by making the required declaration and giving up the other citizenship within the required period.
To give up citizenship, you need another citizenship or a guarantee of one, and must settle outstanding national obligations and any criminal case or sentence.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Ethiopia Immigration and Citizenship Service ICS
Facebook group for people interested in Ethiopian citizenship
Join on FacebookExpats 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 joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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