Investment Support & Facilitation Services
Multilink Consulting provides end-to-end investment facilitation for both local and foreign investors establishing or expanding projects in Ethiopia. Our team ensures smooth navigation of regulatory requirements, fast-tracked approvals, and compliant documentation so investors can focus on execution.
We support clients across the full investment lifecycle, including:
Investment & Licensing Services
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Investment Information Service
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New Investment Permit Service
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Investment Permit Renewal Service
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Investment Permit Amendment Service
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Investment Permit Expansion Service
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Transfer of Investment Project Under Implementation Service
Capital, Technology & Compliance Services
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Capital Registration Service
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New Technology Transfer Agreement Registration Service
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Investment Incentive Service
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Minutes of the Shareholders’ Meeting Service
Visa & Work Permit Services
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VIP Support Service
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Investment Visa Support Service
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Investment Visa Extension Support Service
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Visa Conversion Support Service
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New Work Permit Service
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Renewal Work Permit Service
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Amendment Work Permit Service
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Cancellation Work Permit Service
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Shareholder Residence Permit Service
Special Regulatory Services
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Export-Oriented Non-Equity-Based Foreign Enterprise Collaboration Service (New or Extension)
For tailored support or to begin your investment process in Ethiopia, contact us at:
📩 samson@multilinkconsult.com
New Investment Permit
A new investment permit is required for a domestic or foreign investor to establish and operate a new investment project in Ethiopia in line with the national priorities.
For wholly Foreign owned Company, the minimum capital requirement is USD 200,000 (USD 100,000 If it is Architectural or Engineering works or Related Technical Consultancy Services, technical testing and Analysis or in Publishing)
For Joint Venture Company, the Minimum Capital requirement is USD 150,000(USD 50, 000 If it is Architectural or Engineering works or Related Technical Consultancy Services, technical testing and Analysis or in Publishing).
However, the requirement for trade sector will be as per the Ethiopian Investment Board Directive No.1001/2024 to Regulate Foreign Investors’ Participation in Restricted Export, Import, Wholesale and Retail Trade Investments. Also, for SEZ and free trade zone, the requirement will be as per the Special Economic Zone Proclamation No.1322/2024.
Requirement
Sole Proprietorship
- Valid Passport/ID
- Valid Investment Visa
- Business background/ Bank Statement
- Minimum Capital Requirement as per the Investment Law
- If it is By Representative notarized power of Attorney
Branch Company
- Valid Passport/ID of the legal representative
- Notarized Certificate of Incorporation
- Notarized Minute of Resolution
- Notarized MOA/AOA/ Relevant document
- Notarized Power of Attorney
- Minimum Capital Requirement as per the Investment Law
One Member Private Limited Company
- For Individual as Shareholder
- Valid Passport/ID
- Valid Investment Visa
- Business background/ Bank Statement
- Minimum Capital Requirement as per the Investment Law
- If it is By Representative notarized power of Attorney
- Draft Declaration Form and Nominee Letter
For a Company as a Shareholder
- Valid Passport/ID of the legal representative
- Notarized Certificate of Incorporation
- Notarized Minute of Resolution
- Notarized MOA/AOA/ Relevant document
- Notarized Power of Attorney
- Minimum Capital Requirement as per the Investment Law
- Draft Declaration Form and Nominee Letter
Private Limited Company/Share company
For Individual as Shareholder
- Valid Passport/ID
- Valid Investment Visa
- Business background/ Bank Statement
- Minimum Capital Requirement as per the Investment Law
- If it is By Representative notarized power of Attorney
- Draft Memorandum of Association
For foreign Company as a Shareholder
- Valid Passport/ID of the legal representative
- Notarized Certificate of Incorporation
- Notarized Minute of Resolution
- Notarized MOA/AOA/ Relevant document
- Notarized Power of Attorney
- Minimum Capital Requirement as per the Investment Law
- Draft Memorandum of Association
For Local Company as a Shareholder
- Valid Passport/ID of the legal representative
- Commercial Registration Certificate
- Notarized Minute of Resolution
- Notarized MOA/AOA/ Relevant document
- Notarized Power of Attorney
- Evidence for contribution in cash or in Kind
- Draft Memorandum of Association
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Company Name (One Member PLC/PLC/SC) | USD 50 |
| Declaration form/Memorandum of Association (One Member PLC/PLC/SC) | 25/copy |
| Tax Identification Number (TIN) | free |
| Commercial Registration | USD 50 |
| New Investment Permit | USD 50 |
| New Investment Permit for Free Trade Zone (Including Company Name, MOA, Commercial Registration and others) | USD 1000 |
Capital Registration
Any foreign investor bringing investment capital into the country shall have such capital registered by the Ethiopian investment commission within one year and obtain certificate of registration. This process ensures that the capital is legally recognized and qualifies for investment protection, repatriation rights and incentives under the investment law.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Capital Registration (Initial/Additional/Plowing Back of Appropriated Profit) | USD 50 |
Requirement
For Cash
- Bank Credit Advice
For in Kind
- Ethiopian Electronics Single Window duty free Approval Letter
- Commercial Invoice
- Customs Declaration
For Profit
- Audit Report
- Confirmation Letter from National Bank of Ethiopia
For Registration of Cancelled Loan as a Capital
- Bank Credit Advice
- Confirmation of loan cancelation Letter from National Bank of Ethiopia
New Technology Transfer Agreement Registration
Technology transfer is the transfer of systematic knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the application or improvement of a process or for rendering service, including management and technical know-how as well as marketing technologies, but may not extend to transactions involving mere sale or lease of goods.
Requirement
- Technology Transfer Agreement concluded between the recipients and Technology provider and registered with notary public.
- Valid Business license/investment permit of technology recipient
- Commercial registration certificate/business license/document ascertaining ownership of technology provider.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Technology Transfer Agreement Registration | USD 50 |
For Extension Technology Transfer Agreement Registration
- The extension of Technology Transfer Agreement concluded between the recipients and Technology provider and registered with notary public.
- Valid Business license/investment permit of technology recipient
- Commercial registration certificate/business license/document ascertaining ownership of technology provider.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Technology Transfer Agreement Registration Extension | USD 50 |
Investment Incentive
Bill of Quantity
- Title deed
- Construction Permit
- Approved BOQ with support letter from Construction office
- Valid business and competence certificate of the consultant
New investors or an investor expanding or upgrading existing investment engaged in one of the areas of investment eligible for incentive, as per Investment Incentive Regulation, may import duty free construction materials necessary for the establishment of a new investment or the expansion or upgrading of an existing investment. It is expected by the investor to submit bill of quantity for the verification of the construction materials.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Bill of Quantity Verification | USD 20 per request |
| Approval of the Bill of Quantity (For SEZ) | USD 100 |
| Approval of the Bill of Quantity (For Free Trade Zone) | USD 300 |
Spare parts
To import spare parts, the value of which is not greater than 15% of the total value of the capital goods, within five years from the date the investor becomes eligible for the incentives or from the date the business license is issued. The period in which spare parts shall be imported free of duty as per Investment Incentive Regulation shall not in any way exceed a total of five years.
Requirement
- Approved duty-free letter for capital goods.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Spare parts | USD 20 per request |
| Approval of the Bill of Quantity (For SEZ) | USD 100 |
| Approval of the Bill of Quantity (For Free Trade Zone) | USD 300 |
Raw Materials for commissioning
Investors who are engaged in the manufacturing sector need raw materials to test machinery and equipment and thereby train their employees prior to the issuance of business license. For training purposes only raw materials will be allowed for a minimum of one week and a maximum of one month depending on the type of project duty free importation of raw materials as per Investment Incentives Regulation No. 517/2022 as amended.
Requirement
- Commercial invoice
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Raw materials for commissioning | USD 20 per request |
Income Tax Holiday
Any investor who invested in a new business shall be entitled to income tax exemption as per the Investment Incentives Regulation.
- Investment Permit
- Valid Business License
- Commercial registration
- TIN certificate
- VAT Certificate
- Title deed or factory shed rent Agreement.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Income Tax Holiday Letter | USD 25 |
Additional Income Tax Holiday for investors exporting products or services
Any investor who has invested outside of SEZ and who exports or supplies to an exporter as a production or service input, at least 60% of his products or services shall be entitled to a one-time income tax exemption for two years in addition to the exemption provided for in the schedule attached to the Investment Incentive Regulation.
An investor who has invested within a SEZ shall be entitled to a one time income tax exemption for two years in addition to the exemption provided for in the schedule attached Regulation provided that investor exports 80% or above of the product from his manufacturing industry or supplies as production input to an investor who exports his products
- Export performance from customs Commission
- Previous Tax holiday Letter
- External Auditor performance Report
- Valid Auditor license and Competence Certificate
- Investment Permit
- Business license
- Commercial registration Certificate
- VAT Certificate
- TIN Certificate
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Additional Income Tax Holiday | USD 25 |
. Income Tax Holiday for Expansion
An investor engaged in expanding or upgrading existing enterprises shall be entitled to income tax exemptions as per the Directive to Provide for the Application of Tax Incentives for Expansion/Upgrading of Investment No. 941/2023.
- Expansion Investment Permit
- Business License for the expansion
- Valid Auditor license and Competence Certificate
- External Auditor performance Report
- VAT Certificate
- TIN Certificate
- Valid Auditor license and Competence Certificate
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Income Tax Holiday for Expansion | USD 25 |
Loss Carried Forward
An investor who has incurred loss within the period of income tax exemption shall be allowed to cany forward such loss for half of the income tax exemption period after the expiry of such period; it may not be allowed to carry forward such loss for more than five income tax periods.
- Previous tax holiday letter
- External Auditor Report
- Investment Permit
- Business license
- Commercial Registration
- VAT certificate
- Valid Auditor license and Competence Certificate
- Evidence for the Loss from the Ministry of Revenue
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Loss Carried Forward | USD 25 |
Investment Visa
Requirement
- Company Profile (Business License and Memorandum of Association of an existing company) or Bank Statement
- Valid Passport
Investment Visa-IV
This is a visa issued to foreign Nationals who are engaged in investment activities. It can also be issued to potential investors who wish to come and invest in Ethiopia.
Requirements
- Recent passport-size photo and passport copy of the traveler which has 6 months validity from the date of entry are mandatory.
- A support letter( a proof that you are traveling for investment purpose) from the nearest Embassy of Ethiopia.
- Official application letter written by the inviting organization and addressed to the Immigration And Citizenship Service of Ethiopia.
- Business License of the inviting company.
- Support Letter from Investment Commission of Ethiopia.
Processing Time
Under normal circumstances, the processing time for Investment Visa – IV is 3 days. So, travelers should submit their application at least 3 days before their estimated date of arrival
Duration and Validity
The Validity of the Visa starts counting from the date intended to enter Ethiopia.
Fee
| Entry Type | Maximum Duration | Application Visa Fee (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 Days | 62 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | 152 |
| Multiple Entry | 6 month | 252 |
| Multiple Entry | 12 month | 502 |
Extension
Travelers can request for extension before the visa expires in which expired date 1-15 days extend by online and visa expired date above 15 extended by going in person to the Head Office of the Immigration And Citizenship Service (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Travelers who stay beyond the validity period without extending are subject to fines and legal penalties.
| Entry Type | Maximum Duration | Extension Visa Fee (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 30 Days | 102 |
| Multiple Entry | 90 Days | 302 |
Investment Permit Renewal
An investment permit shall be renewed annually until the investor commences marketing his products or services. There shall be no need for renewal of investment permit after issuance of business license. An application for renewal of new or expansion of investment permit shall be submitted within one month after the end of a period of one year for which the permit was valid.
Requirement
Project implementation report with supporting documents
- land acquisition process,
- civil works construction,
- machinery procurement, machinery erecting/installation and preparation for production/ services or
- any other evidence
| Service Type | Service fee |
| Investment Permit Renewal | USD 50 |
| Investment Permit Renewal for Free Trade Zone | USD 500 |
Investment Permit Amendment
An amendment of an investment permit involves the formal process of modifying or changing the terms and information contained in an existing investment permit issued to an investor. This process is typically required when there are changes in key aspects of the investment project like change in company name or legal status, capital, business activity or sector, project location or address, or change in shareholders or ownership structure or any other amendments.
Requirement
- Valid investment permit
- Supporting documents or evidence (capital, general manager, address change or any other amendments/
- Minutes (for One Member PLC/PLC/SC business form)
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Change/Amendment of investment Permit | USD 25 |
| Change/Amendment of investment Permit for Free Trade Zone |
Investment Permit Expansion
An expansion investment is a permit to be issued to an existing investor who seeks to increase the capacity either in volume or in kind of their already operational investment project. This permit allows the investor to legally undertake activities related to expanding their current business operations as per the Investment Law.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Investment Expansion/upgrading Permit | USD 50 |
| Investment Expansion/upgrading for Free Trade Zone | USD 500 |
Requirement
- Valid Business License
- Project Feasibility Study
- Evidence of additional capital investment for expansion
- External audit report
Cancellation of an investment permit
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Cancellation of an Investment Permit | USD 25 |
Requirement
- Minute of shareholders agreement (for PLC or SC)
- The original investment permit.
- Clearance from Customs Commission and Ministry of Revenues
New Work Permit
A work permit is an official authorization granted by Ethiopian Investment Commission that allows an expatriate to legally work in Ethiopia for specified period and position. In the context of investment projects, it enables foreign investors or companies to employ skilled expatriates when local expertise is not readily available.
Requirement
- Authenticated Educational qualification and work experience documents
- Employment contract between the expat and the enterprise
- Local employee’s replacement plan (training locals to eventually takeover from the expat)
- As appropriate, valid work visa (WV), or business visa (BV), and valid passport.
- Minutes (if it is CEO, General Manager or Deputy General Manager)
- Proof of evidence for local employees like payroll, pension and tax payment receipt
- If the expat employee engages in health, education or similar sectors, certificate of competence approved by the relevant government office and support letter.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Issuance of New Work Permit | USD 100 |
| Issuance of New Work Permit (for Free Trade Zone) | USD 500 |
Renewal Work Permit
Work permit renewal purpose for expatriate is to allow continuity in key technical roles that are still needed for the investment project. It is the subject of performance evaluations, adherence to local employee’s replacement plans, and ongoing need for the expatriate’s expertise.
Requirement
- Valid passport
- Valid residence permit
- An employment contract concluded between the employee and employer
- Progress report for the replacement of the expatriate by Ethiopian professional
- A complete annual performance report providing information on the condition of transfer of knowledge to Ethiopian replacements.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Work Permit Renewal | USD 80 |
| Work Permit Renewal (for Free Trade Zone) | USD 300 |
Cancellation Work Permit
Requirement
- Clearance letter from the employer
- Originalwork permit
- Final report on the expatriate’s performance and knowledge transfer, if applicable.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Cancellation of Work Permit | USD 50 |
| Cancellation of Work Permit (for Free Trade Zone) | USD 100 |
Shareholder Residence Permit
Requirement
- Memorandum of association and any amendments/minutes indicating that the applicant as shareholder and owners
- Valid passport, Investment visa
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Residence Permit support Letter | USD 15 |
Transfer of Investment Project Under Implementation
t is the process by which an investor transfers ownership and associated rights of an ongoing (but not yet operational) investment project to another party fully. This is to enable new investors to take over and complete implementation, ensuring the project continues without unnecessary delays or loss of resources.
| Service Type | Service Fee |
| Transfer of Investment Project Under Implementation | USD 100 |
Requirement
- Valid investment permit
- Sale agreement registered with the public notary
- Clearance letter from the Ministry of Revenue
- Where land was received for the project, a document showing that the land is transferred to the buyer
- Minutes of the shareholder (PLC/Share Company)