Account guide

Foreign-currency accounts in Ethiopia.

Eligibility and permitted uses depend on who you are, where the money came from and the account category. Start with the NBE rules, then confirm the bank’s documents and charges.

Reviewed September 10, 2026 · Rules and provider terms can change

Who may be eligible

NBE lists account categories for resident Ethiopians, non-resident Ethiopians, foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin, qualifying institutions and exporters. The correct category matters because funding and use rules differ.

Resident individuals with qualifying transfers, remittances, foreign-currency income, local FCY transfers or declared cash notes.
Non-resident Ethiopian individuals and non-resident foreign nationals of Ethiopian origin.
Eligible foreign entities, embassies, international organizations and NGOs.
Exporters using retention accounts for export proceeds.

Where the funds may come from

For qualifying resident individuals, NBE’s published FAQ identifies bank transfers from abroad, remittances retained in foreign currency, specified foreign-currency income, transfers from another domestic FCY account and foreign-currency cash notes presented to a bank. Banks must still complete customer checks and verify the source.

What changed in 2026

NBE’s February 2026 notice removed the USD 100 opening minimum for specified resident and non-resident Ethiopian foreign-currency savings accounts. It also allowed foreign-currency account holders to use internationally recognized cards for outbound retail and e-commerce payments when sufficient funds are available.

Service exporters may retain 100% of export proceeds indefinitely.
Account holders may pay documented education, medical and travel costs for a spouse or children.
Banks remain responsible for checking documents and directive conditions.

Questions to ask before opening

Which NBE account category applies to me?
Which currencies does this bank accept?
What proof of identity, residence and source of funds is required?
What deposit, withdrawal, transfer, card and conversion fees apply?
Which payments can I make from this account without separate approval?

Important

This page provides general information, not a guaranteed exchange quote, legal opinion or personal financial advice. Confirm the current requirements, limits, fees and accepted documents directly with the relevant bank or authority before acting.