Icon

Work and employment in Ethiopia: types of visas and obtaining a work visa

Work
Popular
Insurance
Ethiopia
Work and employment in Ethiopia: types of visas and obtaining a work visa

  Ethiopia is the 11th largest economy in Africa, thanks to its strong natural resources, large population, and good trade links. The main industries are agriculture, mining, and chemicals. The country has a large public sector, especially in telecommunications, energy, and banking.

  Ethiopia continues to grow economically and attracts many job seekers. The country has many growing sectors offering opportunities for early career and experienced workers. Taxation is comparable to its regional neighbors. Health care is under development, so private insurance is recommended, but education is quite well developed and offers good access. The capital, Addis Ababa, is a cultural center and offers a good standard of social life.


How do I come and get a job in Ethiopia?

  The first step for employment in Ethiopia is to find a job, for example through Facebook or Linkedin. After that, you need to sign a contract with an employer and apply for a work visa. To live and work in Ethiopia, you must have a work permit. Citizens and residents do not need a permit. 

  Getting a work permit in Ethiopia is relatively quick. Compared to many other government services. It takes no more than two days to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. You can apply for a business visa online or in person at the embassy or consulate. You cannot get a visa when you arrive in the country, so make sure you have the necessary documents before you leave.

  Since the government has a policy of employing citizens first, you need to meet certain criteria for employment: qualifications and work experience. Applying for and obtaining a work visa requires painstakingly sorting out the nuances and specifics and being prepared for additional requirements as you go through the procedures. The experts at our website Visit World can help you with all these nuances.




Types of Visas and Work Visas

  There are several types of business visas:

Foreign Business Visa: for short-term employment of up to one month in a foreign company.

NGO work visa: for non-citizens invited by a non-governmental organization (NGO).

Conference visa: to participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops in the country.

Work visa for international organizations/embassies: for non-citizens working for embassies or international organizations.

Ethiopian government works visa: for non-citizens working for the government.

Journalist visa: for professional journalists, filmmakers, and photographers.

Investment visa: For potential investors by invitation from a company.

Ethiopian private company visa: for short-term employment with an Ethiopian company.

Short-term government visa: for non-citizens entering the country on behalf of another government.

  After entering the country, you will need to obtain a work permit. 

  You will need to provide the following documents along with your application:

valid business visa;

completed work permit request form;

4 passport photos;

documents about education and work experience;

copies of travel documents;

letters of support from the relevant ministry, depending on your industry;

payment of the service fee for the work permit;


Working prospects in Ethiopia

  Ethiopia's major industries include agriculture, construction, manufacturing, services, tourism, and food processing. Most of the population relies on self-employment. People employed in the public sector typically earn 14% more than those in the private sector. Ethiopia is considered a talent center for companies that want to hire remote mental workers at lower rates. It offers a group of well-educated professional experts in the latest technologies and skills such as web design, mobile development, customer service, data management, transcription, digital marketing, and accounting.

  Addis Ababa, Gonder, Mekele, and Dire Dawa are the most densely populated cities providing the best remote resources. You will be able to work from home in areas such as:

Information Technology.

Accounting and sales.

Administrative support and customer service.

Data science and analytics.

Advertising and creative media.

Software and mobile development.

Marketing.


  The most in-demand occupations in Ethiopia:

Software engineering.

Financial risk and uncertainty analysis.

Human resource management.

Dentistry and aesthetic medicine.

Financial planning specialist.

IT specialist.