Sending money home
Is my money transfer service licensed in Ethiopia?
This guide covers money matters, so we cite official sources and update it as rules change. It is general information, not financial advice. Always confirm details with a licensed provider before you send.
Before you send a single dollar, confirm the service is licensed by the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE). This one check is the difference between a transfer you can trace and one you cannot recover.
Why licensing matters
Only institutions licensed by the NBE are permitted to move money into Ethiopia. A licensed provider is accountable to the regulator, must keep records, and gives you a receipt. An unlicensed operator offers none of that, and using one is not permitted under Ethiopian regulation.
How to check
Match the provider's legal name against the NBE's published list of licensed financial institutions. Names can be similar, so check carefully. TiruList maintains a directory of licensed remittance providers cross-referenced to the NBE list, so you can confirm a service in a few seconds before you send.
Frequently asked
Where can I check if a transfer service is licensed?
Check the National Bank of Ethiopia's list of licensed financial institutions. TiruList mirrors this into a searchable remittance directory so you can confirm a provider quickly.
What if my provider is not on the list?
Do not send with it. Use a provider you can confirm is NBE-licensed, so your transfer is traceable and you have recourse if something goes wrong.