Ways to live in Ethiopia
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Student visa Student visas →
Student visa
Lets students accepted by an accredited Ethiopian school live in the country for the length of their studies.
- What you need
- Acceptance letter, proof of tuition payment or scholarship, proof of funds for living costs, passport valid 6+ months, two photos.
- How long
- for the length of studies
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Immigration and Citizenship Service or an Ethiopian embassy
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $200 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $450 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $700 |
| Bills | $50 |
| Typical local salary | $130 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Ethiopia has a culture unlike anywhere else, from coffee ceremonies and injera to rock-hewn churches. Most foreigners live in Addis Ababa, a highland capital with a mild climate and a large diplomatic and NGO community.
Day to day
Domestic flights are the practical way to cover long distances; roads are slow. Good healthcare is limited to a few private clinics in Addis. Cash rules, internet can be slow or restricted at times, and Amharic is the everyday language.
Trade-offs
Regional conflicts make some areas unsafe to visit. Foreign currency access and imported goods are restricted. High altitude, power cuts and limited services outside the capital take adjustment.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United StatesVOA · 90 d
United KingdomVOA · 90 d
AustraliaVOA · 90 d
CanadaVOA · 90 d
New ZealandVOA · 90 d
SwitzerlandVOA · 90 d
NorwayVOA · 90 d
SingaporeVOA · 90 d
JapanVOA · 90 d
South KoreaVOA · 90 d
IsraelVOA · 90 d
United Arab EmiratesVOA · 90 d
Hong KongVOA · 90 d
South AfricaVOA · 90 d
MexicoVOA · 90 d
BrazilVOA · 90 d
Questions
Does Ethiopia have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Ethiopia?
The routes we have checked are: Student visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
