Civil records registration means registering births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the United States with the Ethiopia authorities. Essential for citizens of Ethiopia living abroad whose family events happen in the U.S.
Ethiopia consulates processing civil records
What can be registered?
- Birth registration: children of Ethiopia parents born in the U.S. can be registered as Ethiopia nationals
- Marriage registration: marriages of Ethiopia citizens (or mixed marriages) celebrated in the U.S.
- Death registration: death of Ethiopia nationals in the U.S.
- Divorce registration: U.S. divorce decrees for those married in Ethiopia
Required documents
- Original U.S. vital record (birth/marriage/death certificate)
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
- Certified translation to the official language of Ethiopia
- Passport and ID of the Ethiopia citizens involved
- Application form completed
How to register
Most Ethiopia consulates require an appointment to file civil records. The consulate then forwards the registration to the Ethiopia civil registry office.
Some consulates accept mail-in applications for civil records. Check the official site of your consulate.
Costs and processing times
Registration fees: typically free or $10-$50 per record. Processing time at the consulate: 2-4 weeks; final registration in Ethiopia can take additional months.