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Employer-sponsored permit issued by the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration; employer must show the vacancy could not be filled locally. Annual renewal required; processing can take several months.
For foreign investors who establish or invest in a qualifying Zimbabwean business; typically requires a minimum investment of USD 100,000+. Renewable every 2 years as long as the investment is maintained.
Zimbabwe issues visas on arrival and through its e-visa portal (eVisa.gov.zw) for most nationalities. Citizens of SADC and COMESA member states receive facilitated entry under the KAZA UNIVISA arrangement shared with Zambia. Long-stay residence is managed by the Department of Immigration and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).
Work permits in Zimbabwe require employer sponsorship and are issued by the Department of Immigration. A skills assessment confirming no Zimbabwean national can fill the role is required. Processing takes approximately 4–8 weeks. Permits are typically issued for one year and renewable. Skilled professionals in finance, tech, and engineering are most commonly sponsored.
Spouses and dependent children of valid work permit holders may apply for dependent residence permits through the Department of Immigration. Dependents over 18 wishing to work require their own employment permit.
Zimbabwe applies income tax progressively from 0% to 40% for individuals. Corporate tax is 25%. VAT is 15%. Zimbabwe has double-tax treaties with a small number of countries including South Africa, Mauritius, and the UK.
Healthcare infrastructure in Zimbabwe has improved but remains limited outside Harare and Bulawayo. Private hospitals in Harare such as Avenues Clinic and Parirenyatwa Hospital offer reasonable expat care. Comprehensive international health insurance with evacuation coverage to South Africa is strongly recommended.
Expats with valid permits can open accounts at CBZ Bank, Stanbic Zimbabwe, or FBC Bank. Requirements include passport, residence permit, and proof of income. Zimbabwe uses a multi-currency system (USD primary); USD-denominated accounts are standard and essential.
Zimbabwe actively courts foreign investment through ZIDA, which offers tax incentives in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) including import duty exemptions and corporate tax holidays. Qualifying investors can apply for investor residence permits. The government has prioritized mining, agriculture, and tourism as investment sectors.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEZ Investor Residency | — | No | No |