Foreign nationals employed by either domestic or foreign companies in Ethiopia are required to obtain a work permit before engaging in any employment activities. The Ministry of Labor and Skills (MoLS) issues work permits for expatriates working for domestic companies, whereas the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) is responsible for processing work permits for expatriates employed by foreign companies. Once the work permit is issued, the expatriate must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Services.
While the process may appear straightforward, administrative bureaucracies, document verification requirements, and system inefficiencies warrants the involvement of legal professionals to facilitate and expedite the issuance of permits.
Work Permit Process for Expatriates in Domestic Companies
For an expatriate employed by a domestic company, the work permit application must be submitted online through the company’s MoLS account. The following steps outline the process:
Pre-Application Requirements
The expatriate must enter Ethiopia on a private work visa. If they arrived on a tourist or other visa, it must be converted into a private work visa before proceeding with the work permit application.
Required Documents
The following documents must be uploaded to the MoLS online platform:
- Profile Picture– 3×4-sized photo of the expatriate.
- Application Letter.
- Support Letter.
- Duly Authenticated Educational Certificates
- Application form should be filled and filed.
- Employment Contract Agreement– Signed agreement between the employer and the expatriate.
- Work Experience Certificates
- Letter of Delegation.
- Passport
- Arrival Visa & Electronic Visa.
- Bank Payment Slip– Proof of ETB 2,000 deposit made to the MoLS bank account in the name of the applying company.
Application Processing
MoLS officers online review the documents and if all documents are verified, the applicant must present physical copies for final verification at MoLS. Then the work permit is issued along with a support letter for the residence permit application.
Processing Time 2 to 4 days (as of this brief is prepared, work permits are processed only on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Work Permit Process for Expatriates in Foreign Companies
For expatriates hired by foreign companies, the work permit application must be submitted in person to the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC has a delegated mandate). The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed within a day if all documents are in order.
- Required Documents
- Profile Picture
- Application Letter
- Application form should be filled and filled.
- Duly Authenticated Educational Certificates
- Employment Contract Agreement
- Work Experience Certificates
- Letter of Delegation.
- Passport
- Arrival Visa & Electronic Visa
Temporary Residence Permit Application
After obtaining a work permit, the expatriate must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Ethiopian Immigration and Citizenship Services.
- Required Documents
- Application Forms.
- Application Letter.
- Business License & Tax Identification Certificate
- Passport & Visa Copies.
- Profile Picture.
- Work Permit Copy.
- Employment Contract.
- Letter of Delegation.
- Payment– USD 1,500, payable only in hard currency
- Support Letter– If the employer is a domestic company, the support letter issued by MoLS must be included. If the employer is a foreign company, the support letter from EIC must be included.
- Processing Time Once all documents are submitted and accepted, the expatriate must appear in person for a photograph and the residence permit is issued within one week and can then be collected.
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a work and residence permit for expatriates in Ethiopia involves multiple steps and requires strict compliance with documentation requirements. While the Ethiopian Investment Commission process for foreign companies is relatively quick, applications submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Skills often face bureaucratic delays. Legal assistance is advisable to ensure timely completion and compliance with procedural requirement.
We have extensive experience handling work and residence permit applications and are highly familiar with the procedural nuances. Our expertise ensures that applications are processed efficiently and in full compliance with Ethiopian regulations.