The eTrade Ethiopia portal (etrade.gov.et) managed by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI) allows business owners to register a new trade activity and renew existing licenses completely online.

Motri

Before starting, prepare your digital documents on your phone or computer:

• For Registration: Fayda Digital ID or Resident ID, Tax Identification Number (TIN), authenticated lease agreement (or property title deed), and passport-sized photos. Motri
• For Renewal: Tax Clearance Certificate from the Revenue Authority, Sector Competency Certificate (if applicable), and an Audit Report (for PLC and Share Companies). Apex Business and Investment consultancy in Ethiopia

Part 1: How to Register a New Business Online

1

Create Your eTrade Account

Step 1

1.Create Your eTrade Account:Step 1.

Visit the portal at etrade.gov.et. Click Sign Up, enter your mobile phone number, full name, and national ID details. Create a secure password. You will receive an SMS confirmation code on your phone; enter this code to activate your account.

Step 2

2.Reserve Your Trade Name:Step 2.

Log into your dashboard and click Trade Name Reservation. Enter up to three unique proposed names for your business in priority order. The automated system checks for duplicates. Once approved, the portal issues a digital Trade Name Reservation Certificate.

(Source: Commercial Registration Regulations / MoTRI)

3

Submit Commercial Registration Details

Step 3

3.Submit Commercial Registration Details:Step 3.

Navigate to Commercial Registration. Fill in your business structure (Sole Proprietorship, PLC, etc.), registered office address, declared capital, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

(Source: Proclamation No. 980/2016 – Commercial Registration and Licensing)

4

Upload Required Documents

Step 4

4.Upload Required Documents:Step 4.

Upload clear, scanned copies (PDF or JPG format) of your identity paperwork:

• National ID / Fayda ID or Passport
• Authenticated office lease contract or title deed
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (if registering a company)

(Source: Ministry of Trade & Regional Integration)

5

Pay Registration Fees & Obtain Commercial Registration

Step 5

5.Pay Registration Fees & Obtain Commercial Registration:Step 5.

After verification, the portal generates a service payment code. Pay through Telebirr, CBE Birr, or online banking integrated with the platform. Upon payment confirmation, download your digital Commercial Registration Certificate.

(Source: eTrade Platform Services)

6

Apply for Your Business License

Step 6

6.Apply for Your Business License:Step 6.

From the main dashboard, select Apply for Trade License. Select your precise economic activity code. Upload a Certificate of Competence if required for your industry (e.g., healthcare, construction, transport). Submit your application for final digital issuance.

(Source: MoTRI Trade Licensing Requirements)

Part 2: How to Renew Your Existing Business License

Under Ethiopian trade regulation, business licenses must be renewed annually. The official grace period for renewal without penalty runs from Hamle 1 to Tahsas 30 (July 8 to January 8).

2Merkato+ 1

1

Obtain Your Annual Tax Clearance

Prerequisite

1.Obtain Your Annual Tax Clearance:Prerequisite.

Before starting online renewal on eTrade, pay your annual income tax at the local Ministry of Revenues branch or e-Tax portal to obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate. Tax clearance verification is synced directly to the eTrade database.

(Source: Ethiopian Ministry of Revenues / MoTRI)

2

Log into Your eTrade Account

Step 1

2.Log into Your eTrade Account:Step 1.

Visit etrade.gov.et and sign in with your phone number/username and password. Find your active business profile under My Licenses on the dashboard.

(Source: eTrade Platform Portal)

3

Select ‘Trade License Renewal’

Step 2

3.Select ‘Trade License Renewal’:Step 2.

Click License Renewal next to your active trade license. The system automatically pre-loads your existing business registration profile. Verify that your contact and location details are up to date.

(Source: Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration)

4

Upload Renewal Documents

Step 3

4.Upload Renewal Documents:Step 3.

Attach the current year’s mandatory records:

• Tax Clearance Certificate
• Audit Report (mandatory for PLCs and Share Companies)
• Updated Competency Certificate (if mandated for your business sector)

(Source: Commercial Registration and Licensing Regulations)

5

Pay Fees & Download Renewed License

Step 4

5.Pay Fees & Download Renewed License:Step 4.

Submit the renewal application. The portal calculates the standard renewal fee plus any applicable late penalties if renewing between Tir 1 and Sene 30. Make the payment via Telebirr or integrated e-banking services to instantly download your renewed QR-coded Business License.

(Source: Proclamation No. 980/2016 / MoTRI Fee Structure)

Key Guidelines for Business Owners

• Penalty Timelines: Renewing late between Tir 1 and Sene 30 (January 9 to July 7) incurs mandatory penalty fines for each late month. Failure to renew within a full calendar year results in license cancellation. 2Merkato
• File Upload Limits: Ensure scanned attachments are legibly scanned in PDF or JPG format, keeping file sizes under 2 MB each to prevent system submission timeouts.
• Competency Permits: Sectors requiring technical certification (such as health services, food manufacturing, or engineering) must obtain clearance from the respective sector bureau prior to processing the license on eTrade.