Investor Permits in Zambia: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Zambia welcomes foreign investment, and the investor permit is how a foreign investor gets the right to live in Zambia and run the business they have put money into. It is not a stand-alone application, though. It depends on your company being properly registered and on clear proof that your investment has actually been made.

Here is how it works and the order to do things in.

Who the investor permit is for

The investor permit is for foreign nationals aged 18 and over who are investing in a business in Zambia - either setting up a new company or buying into an existing one - and want to live here to manage it.

Published guidance has cited minimum investments of US$250,000 to set up a new business and US$150,000 to join an existing business. Zambia's new immigration law is now being implemented and its regulations are still being rolled out, so confirm the current threshold before you commit funds.

What you will need

Typical documents include:

• Proof of investment - bank statements and records of money transferred into Zambia, or ZRA Form CE20 describing goods or equipment brought in as investment.
• Certificate of Incorporation for the Zambian company you are investing in.
• A covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
• Your passport and the other personal documents the Department of Immigration requests, such as police clearance and photographs.

Your evidence must clearly connect the money or equipment to the company. Vague or incomplete proof of investment is one of the main reasons investor applications stall.

The steps, in the right order

1. Register your company with PACRA so you have a Certificate of Incorporation.
2. Register for tax with ZRA and complete the other employer registrations your company needs.
3. Bring in the investment - transfer the funds or import the equipment, keeping every record.
4. Prepare and submit the investor permit application with the investment evidence.
5. Apply for dependants' permits for your spouse and children, if they are joining you.

Doing these out of order - for example, transferring money before the company exists - makes the investment harder to prove.

Investor permits and permanent residence

Under the new immigration law, investors have a pathway to permanent residence, provided they can show lawful status and ongoing economic activity in Zambia. Keeping your company compliant - filed returns, paid taxes, registered employees - is part of building that case.

How Rayema Enterprise helps

Because we handle both company registration and compliance and immigration, we can run your whole setup as one project:

• PACRA incorporation, ZRA, NAPSA and NHIMA registrations.
• Advice on documenting your investment so it stands up.
• Preparing and following up your investor permit and dependants' permits.
• Help finding offices or homes through our real estate team, and power through solar.

See our Set Up in Zambia page for the full journey.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need to invest for an investor permit?

Published guidance has cited US$250,000 for a new business and US$150,000 to join an existing one. Thresholds can change, particularly as new immigration regulations are introduced, so we confirm the current figure before you invest.

Can I apply before my company is registered?

No. You need a Certificate of Incorporation for the company you are investing in, so register the company first.

Can I bring equipment instead of cash?

Yes. Equipment or goods brought in as investment can be documented with ZRA Form CE20, alongside other evidence of value.

Can my family live with me?

Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for dependants' permits linked to your status.

Does an investor permit lead to permanent residence?

The new immigration law provides an investor pathway to permanent residence for investors who can show lawful status and economic activity in Zambia.

Planning your investment? Request a free consultation or WhatsApp us on +260 770 578 280.