Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Ethiopia:
Normal working hours are 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. Overtime is only permissible for up to 2 hours a day, or 20 hours a month. There are 12 public holidays a year in Ethiopia.
The Federal Inland Revenue runs the fiscal year from the 8th of July to the 7th of July. Expatriates are only liable for income tax on pay derived from local sources. All tax payers are provided with a unique 10-digit code number called the Tax Payer Identification Number.
The first 120 ETB earned per month is tax-free. Wages above 120 ETB are taxed progressively, starting at 10% and rising to 35% for salaries over 5,000 ETB. Transportation allowances, medical treatment expenses, travelling expenses and insurance premiums are deductible.
Visas are required for all visitors to Ethiopia. The Immigration Department will issue either a tourist, work or business visa. Business visas are granted to people who frequently travel on behalf of the government.
To qualify for any of the above, you must present the following at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: a valid passport, a completed application form and a letter from your employer.
Ethiopia is the 2nd-most populous nation and the oldest independent nation in Africa. Having maintained its independence throughout the Scramble for Africa, Ethiopia today has a very healthy annual GDP - it was the fastest growing non-oil dependent African nation in 2007.
Amharic is the official language of the federal government. In big cities, most people under 40 speak some English.
Ethiopia uses the Ethiopian (Copt) calendar, which divides the year into 13 months. The New Year commences on the 10th or 11th of September every year. The day starts at sunset, which means that at 0600 GMT, it is noon in Ethiopia.
Addis-Ababa is the capital and has a population of over 4 million people. The Merkato is the largest outdoor market in the world and haggling and bargaining are standard procedure. Addis also has hundreds of Cake and Coffee cafes, selling tea, coffee and 'juice spritz' – a delicious and colourful fruit pulp. You also have to try Injera, Ethiopia's national dish. Injera is a spongy, tangy tasting bread made from the grain teff, which grows in the highlands of Ethiopia. It is eaten with wot, a traditional stew made with spices and meat or legumes.
You will need: yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria and meningococcus vaccinations. A cholera vaccine is required for anyone who has visited or been in transit through a cholera-infected area. Anti-malarial treatment prior to departure is also recommended. The Ethiopian Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia can provide you with any further information you may need.
Medical facilities are limited so expatriates are advised to go to private hospitals and clinics. You should also get personal health insurance.
The official website of the provides useful information about the health system.
An unlimited amount of foreign currency can be brought into Ethiopia as long as it is declared at Customs. Once in the country you can get money from banks, foreign exchange offices and major hotels.
There are no international banks in Ethiopia. To open an account with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia you’ll need to fill out an application form and present a valid passport. Their website provides more detail on this procedure. Credit cards can only be used to pay for flights with Ethiopian Airlines and there only a few ATMs at first class hotels recognize foreign credit cards.
Addis Ababa, the largest city in Ethiopia, is the centre of commerce and industry. Despite 85% of Ethiopians living in rural areas, it is not easy to find a villa or an apartment as the rent rates are high. The Kotobé district, 15km east of the town centre is a good option for Expats due to its solid infrastructure.
When you have found property you should sign a contract to avoid repetitive rent increases, but check that the water system, electricity and phone work well. The contract duration is usually between 6 to 24 months. It is advisable to pay the rent in Birrs.
Over the past seven years there has been an increase in funding for road construction but, with some roads still unpaved, a four-wheel drive is advisable. A valid International Driving Permit is obligatory and you can exchange your domestic licence for one at the Transport and Communications in Addis Ababa.
There are various taxi companies in Ethiopia: N.T.O. is the state company, United Taxi Association runs a fleet of yellow taxis and there are also private, blue taxis – you’ll have to negotiate the fare in advance.
The railway is not well developed. A train connects Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, but it is quite slow and uncomfortable (first-class tickets are recommended). Ethiopian Airlines is reasonably priced and has fairly comprehensive domestic services. Flights are, however, often overbooked, so it is essential to reconfirm your tickets at least a day in advance and show up at the airport on time.
Bus companies in Ethiopia cover the main towns. All the long-distance buses leave early in the morning, at about 12 a.m. (Ethiopian time). Tickets should be booked in advance on longer journeys. Bus tickets will usually cost around 150 USD per 100 km or 60 miles (in 2007).
The currency is the Ethiopian birr (ETB). It is advisable to arrive in the country with Euros or American dollars. The inflation rate is quite high but mainly applies to everyday goods; for professionals paid in Euros or US dollars, the cost of living is reasonable.
