Eligibility quiz
Are you legally married to 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
From outside EthiopiaFrom outside Ethiopia
Find your consulate
Find an Ethiopian embassy or consulate where you can apply for an immigrant visa.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Ethiopian embassy or consulate near your city accepts immigrant visa applications?”
Get the application form
Get the immigrant visa application form from the embassy or consulate.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get an Ethiopian immigrant visa application form for marriage at the Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your city?”
Fill in the form
Complete the immigrant visa application form truthfully.
See how to fill itSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in an Ethiopian immigrant visa application form for marriage?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your visa and later residence permit applications.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit your completed form and required documents to the Ethiopian embassy or consulate. Pay the visa fee as directed by the office; ask how it accepts applications and payments.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an Ethiopian immigrant visa application for marriage and pay the fee at the Ethiopian embassy or consulate in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the embassy or consulate to decide your application, and respond if it asks for more information or documents.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I submit an Ethiopian immigrant visa application for marriage at an embassy or consulate?”
Travel to Ethiopia
Once your visa is approved, travel to Ethiopia with your visa and travel document.
Find travel informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Ethiopia with an immigrant visa through marriage?”
Once in EthiopiaOnce in Ethiopia
Find an immigration office
Find an immigration office where you can register and obtain a residence permit.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I register as a foreigner and apply for a residence permit in your city, Ethiopia?”
Register as a foreigner
Complete the foreigner registration form and provide the required supporting documents to the immigration office.
Find registration detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register as a foreigner with Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Services?”
Get your residence permit
Pay the residence-permit fee as directed by the immigration office and obtain the appropriate temporary or permanent permit. The permit lets you reside in Ethiopia; if you receive a temporary permit and need to stay longer, have it replaced when needed.
Find permit detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain a residence permit through marriage from Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Services?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate
Provide your marriage certificate or other proof that your marriage to your Ethiopian spouse is legally valid. This visa is for married spouses, not unmarried partners.
Spouse's citizenship record* *
Provide your Ethiopian spouse’s kebele ID or Ethiopian passport as proof of their citizenship.
* Only if you apply for a temporary residence permit through marriage.
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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