We guide foreign and local investors through Ethiopia's legal landscape, advising on investment permits, regulatory compliance, and all related legal frameworks to protect your investment.
Investment Entry and Registration
- Advising on investment eligibility and priority sectors under Ethiopian investment law
- Assisting in the preparation and submission of investment project proposals
- Registering investments with the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC)
- Securing investment permits, commercial registration certificates, and business licenses
- Facilitating work permits, residence permits, and land lease arrangements for investors
Legal Structuring and Entity Formation
- Advising on the most suitable legal structure for investment (e.g., PLC, SC, branch, or JV)
- Incorporating local or foreign-invested companies
- Drafting Memorandum and Articles of Association in compliance with the Commercial Code
- Registering branch or representative offices for foreign investors
Incentives and Regulatory Advisory
- Advising on tax holidays, customs duty exemptions, and other investment incentives
- Assisting with applications for duty-free import of capital goods
- Providing guidance on industrial park incentives and specialized sector incentives
- Advising on investment guarantees, protection against expropriation, and repatriation rights
Foreign Exchange and Capital Repatriation
- Advising on foreign exchange regulations and capital account operations
- Assisting with the repatriation of profits, dividends, loan repayments, and proceeds of sale or liquidation
- Advising on retention and use of foreign currency accounts under National Bank of Ethiopia directives
Compliance and Dispute Resolution
- Preparing legal compliance checklists for ongoing operations
- Advising on dispute resolution mechanisms under the Investment Proclamation
- Representing investors before the EIC, relevant government agencies, or courts
- Handling disputes involving investment guarantees, expropriation, or administrative actions
Exit, Expansion, and Restructuring
- Advising on share transfers, business restructuring, or liquidation
- Facilitating expansion of investment projects and license modifications
- Assisting with exit processes and lawful termination of investment operations