The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution, under Article 6 (2) and (3), states that foreign nationals may acquire Ethiopian nationality and the particulars shall be determined by law. Further, under article 33(4), it provides that the laws enacted, and procedures established to confer nationality upon foreigners should be consistent with international agreements ratified by Ethiopia.  The Refugee Proclamation No. 1110/2019 recognizes naturalization and provides, under article 42, that recognized refugees or asylum seekers that fulfills the requirements in the Ethiopian Nationality Law relating to naturalization may apply to acquire Ethiopian Nationality by law. 

The Refugees Proclamation’s cross-reference to the Ethiopian Nationality Law means that refugees and asylum seekers must meet the requirements stipulated in the Ethiopian Nationality Proclamation No. 378/2003 to acquire Ethiopian nationality. As per article 4 of the Nationality Proclamation, any foreigner may acquire Ethiopian nationality by law in accordance with the provisions of Article 5-12. The Proclamation lists, under article 5, the general conditions for all foreigners for acquisition of Ethiopia nationality. These conditions include attaining majority and being legally capable;  having domicile in Ethiopia and living in Ethiopia for at least four years preceding submission of the application; ability to communicate in one of the languages of nations/nationalities of the Country; having sufficient and lawful source of income to maintain himself and his family; be a good person of character; having no record of criminal conviction; be able to show that he has been released from his previous nationality or possibility of obtaining such a release upon the acquisition of Ethiopian nationality or the fact that he is stateless; and taking oath of allegiance stated under Article 12 of the Ethiopian Nationality Proclamation.

While the Nationality Proclamation, under article 6, 7, 8 and 9 states, specific requirements for acquisition of Ethiopian nationality through marriage to an Ethiopian national, a child adopted by Ethiopian, outstanding contribution to the interest of Ethiopia and minor children of a naturalized person respectively.

The Nationality Proclamation along with Immigration Council of Ministers Regulation No. 449/2019 authorizes Immigration and Citizenship Services (ICS) to confer or revoke Ethiopian nationality by law. According to article 11(1) of the Nationality Proclamation, an application to obtain Ethiopian nationality shall be examined by the Nationality Affairs Committee organized by ICS. Further, the Proclamation, under article 23(1), states that the Committee is composed of representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and Federal Police, as well as two additional members form ICS; one serving as the Chairperson while the other will be a member and the Secretary of the Committee. As per article 11 (2) of the Nationality Proclamation, the Committee is mandated to examine applications to obtain Ethiopian Nationality by law and submit its recommendation to ICS.