How to send money to Ethiopia in 2026: in birr, to a foreign currency account and for buying a house
Since July 2024 the birr has floated, so a transfer to Ethiopia is credited at the market price of the dollar, about 161 birr. The recipient keeps money in a foreign currency account or in birr, and from 2026 a foreigner pays for a house from abroad: from $100,000 in the regions to $150,000 in the capital.
In short
- The birr has floated since 29 July 2024.
- Transfers to the country in the 2025/26 year: $8.2 billion.
- Since 12.02.2026 a foreign currency account pays for the family's studies and medical treatment abroad.
- A house for a foreigner: from $100,000 to $150,000 depending on the region.
In detail
Sending money to Ethiopia in 2026: birr account, foreign currency account, phone
Methods checked on 9 October 2026. Money reaches Ethiopia by bank transfer to a birr account or a foreign currency account at a bank in the country, through a money transfer service and to a wallet by phone number. The account number is set by the recipient's bank, so the transfer also states the bank's international code.
| Route | Now | Credited in | Timing | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer to a birr account | works | birr at the market rate | 1-3 business days | account number, the bank's international code, the recipient's name |
| Transfer to a foreign currency account | works | US dollars or euros | 1-3 business days | the recipient's foreign currency account at a bank in Ethiopia |
| Money transfer service | works | birr | from a few minutes | the recipient's ID document |
| Transfer to a wallet by phone number | works | birr | from a few minutes | the phone number linked to the wallet |
Is the sender's bank holding up a payment to Addis Ababa? There are usually more options than it seems: a manager will look at your situation and choose a route for the amount and timing.
The floating birr: how much a family in Ethiopia receives
On 29 July 2024 the National Bank of Ethiopia let the birr float: in one day the dollar rose from 57.48 to 74.73 birr, and now it is about 161 birr. Banks buy and sell currency to clients and to each other at a negotiated price, and a transfer from abroad is credited at this market rate.
That is why more and more families receive money through banks: in the 2025/26 fiscal year transfers to the country grew to $8.2 billion from $7.1 billion a year earlier. Under the central bank's rules, a money transfer company charges no more than 1% of the amount for the service, and often nothing.
A foreign currency account at a bank in Ethiopia is handy for savings: since 12 February 2026, under a new central bank directive, it can pay for the studies, medical treatment and travel of a spouse and children abroad, and a foreign currency card is issued to the account. For the money to arrive where it is needed most, we will suggest the best way to send it to Ethiopia.
We will help you send money to Ethiopia
Mistakes cost more than fees: a transfer in birr when the recipient needs a foreign currency reserve, paying for a house before the ministry permit, a sum below the threshold for your region when the difference has to be topped up. We will help you avoid them: we will choose the route and timing, prepare documents on the origin of the money for the bank and carry the transfer through to crediting.
Details and the cost are with a manager in the chat: the price depends on the amount and purpose of the transfer.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Ethiopia and how to pay for it from abroad
1388/2025 is the number of the law under which a foreigner buys a residential house in Ethiopia, and in 2026 the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure approved the procedure for the deal. First the buyer gets a ministry permit valid for a year, then brings in capital in foreign currency through a bank: from $150,000 in Addis Ababa and Sheger City, from $120,000 in Dire Dawa and most regions, from $100,000 in Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz and Gambela.
The bank converts the currency into birr at the current rate and holds the sum in a separate account, and the seller receives it with the ministry's permission. If the price of the house is higher than the sum brought in, the difference is also transferred in dollars. One foreigner owns one house, the land under it is taken on long-term lease from the state, and the completed deal is reported to the ministry within 30 business days.
A transfer for buying a house goes as one sum together with documents on the origin of the money, and the bank checks it against the ministry permit. For the capital to arrive before the permit expires, a specialist will prepare the papers for the bank in advance. About the capital, see the Addis Ababa page.
From $10,000 to $150,000 and above: what the bank asks when you send money to Ethiopia
- Up to $10,000. The recipient's bank checks the name, account number and purpose: family support, studies, medical treatment.
- $10,000-$100,000. The bank will ask for the sender's account statement and the contract the money is for: a lease, tuition, a supply contract.
- From $100,000. The bank examines the source of the money, and if the sum is for a house, the ministry permit as well. At this level a manager will check the documents before sending.
Which papers about the money banks accept is described in proof of source of funds, and a large transfer in sending a large sum abroad. How to move all your capital to another country is on the capital relocation page.
Sending money to neighbouring countries
- How to send money to Uganda: transfers to a mobile wallet
- How to send money to Rwanda: instant transfers between banks and wallets
- How to send money to Somalia: dollars and instant payments
- How to send money to Saudi Arabia: work across the Red Sea
- How to send money to Eritrea: the nakfa at the central bank rate
- How to send money to Djibouti: a franc pegged to the dollar
If all your capital is moving to another country, the plan is on the capital relocation page.
FAQ
Can a foreign currency account in Ethiopia pay for children's studies abroad?
How much does a foreigner need to invest in a house in Addis Ababa?
How many houses can a foreigner buy in Ethiopia?
How much money was sent to Ethiopia from abroad in 2025/26?
We will suggest the best way to send your money
We will choose a transfer method for your amount and country, prepare the documents on the origin of the money for the bank, make the transfer through licensed partners and follow it until the money is credited. Ask your question in the chat - the manager will suggest the best terms and the cost. The legal side with banks and government bodies is handled by Murblz specialists and locally licensed partners.
Details and cost are with the manager in the chat. Describe your situation and we will reply right away.
Check transfer termsHow we handle a transfer: 4 stages → · Country rules checked