Ethiopia has set a $10 million investment threshold for a new 10-year golden visa, according to a report by Investment Migration Daily, with the programme expected to launch before the end of this year.

The announcement confirms the financial bar that investors must clear to qualify for the long-term residence permit. Applicants who commit at least $10 million will be eligible for a visa valid for 10 years, a duration that stands out among investment residence programmes in Africa and beyond.

What the new programme offers

The golden visa gives qualifying investors the right to reside in Ethiopia for a decade. The $10 million threshold places Ethiopia's scheme at the high end of the global investment migration market, where entry points for comparable long-term residence permits typically range from several hundred thousand to a few million dollars.

The programme has not yet launched. Authorities are preparing to roll it out later this year, according to the report.

Who is affected

The programme targets high-net-worth individuals and large-scale investors seeking long-term residence in Ethiopia. Until the official launch, no applications can be filed, and no residence permits under the scheme have been issued.

What remains unclear

The report does not specify several key details of the programme. These include:

• the eligible investment categories (for example, whether funds must go into businesses, real estate, government bonds, or other assets);
• whether the investment must be a one-time contribution or can be staged over time;
• any additional eligibility requirements, such as background checks, source-of-funds documentation, or health requirements;
• rules on family members and whether dependants can be included in a single application;
• renewal conditions after the initial 10-year term;
• any path from residence to permanent residency or citizenship.

Investors should wait for the official programme regulations before making financial commitments.

Context

Ethiopia joins a growing number of countries that use investment-linked residence permits to attract foreign capital. Golden visa programmes generally exchange a qualifying investment for temporary or long-term residence rights, with thresholds and permit durations varying widely by jurisdiction.

A 10-year validity is among the longer permit terms offered in such schemes. The $10 million threshold, however, positions Ethiopia's programme at the premium end of the market.

Next steps for prospective applicants

Until Ethiopia formally launches the programme and publishes its rules, prospective applicants cannot submit files. Anyone considering the programme should monitor official announcements from Ethiopian government channels for the definitive regulations, application procedures, and start date.

This summary is based on the reported announcement and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should rely on official Ethiopian government sources for the final terms of the programme once published.