Immigration Services
Not sure which permit you need? Take our 30-second eligibility quiz below, then browse full details for every permit type.
Permit Eligibility Quiz
What best describes why you want to come to or stay in Zambia?
Permit Types
Employment Permit
For foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a Zambian-registered employer.
- Fee
- ZMW 15,500 (single entry, 2-year validity) - varies by category
- Timeline
- 4-6 weeks
- Validity
- Up to 2 years, renewable
Eligibility & required documents
Eligibility
- • Confirmed offer of employment from a registered Zambian company
- • Employer has attempted to fill the role locally and can justify the foreign hire
- • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Required Documents
- • Employer's letter of offer and justification letter
- • Academic and professional qualifications
- • Police clearance certificate
- • Medical report
- • Passport copy and passport photos
Residence Permit
For foreign nationals seeking to live in Zambia long-term, including retirees and those with Zambian family ties.
- Fee
- ZMW 7,500-22,500 depending on category and duration
- Timeline
- 6-8 weeks
- Validity
- 2 years (temporary) or permanent, depending on category
Eligibility & required documents
Eligibility
- • Demonstrated ties to Zambia (property, business, or long-term residence history)
- • Sufficient means of financial support
- • Clean police record
Required Documents
- • Proof of financial means or pension
- • Police clearance certificate
- • Medical report
- • Evidence of ties to Zambia (property title, marriage certificate, etc.)
Dependent's Pass
For spouses and children of permit holders or Zambian citizens/residents joining them in Zambia.
- Fee
- ZMW 5,000-9,000 per dependent
- Timeline
- 2-4 weeks
- Validity
- Matches the validity of the main permit holder
Eligibility & required documents
Eligibility
- • Spouse or child of a valid employment/residence permit holder or Zambian citizen
- • Marriage certificate or birth certificate proving relationship
Required Documents
- • Marriage certificate or birth certificate
- • Main permit holder's permit copy
- • Passport copies and photos
- • Police clearance (adult dependents)
Investor Permit
For foreign nationals investing in or establishing a registered business in Zambia above the qualifying threshold.
- Fee
- ZMW 15,500-31,000 depending on investment size
- Timeline
- 4-8 weeks
- Validity
- Up to 2 years, renewable, can lead to permanent residence
Eligibility & required documents
Eligibility
- • Investment registered with the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) above the minimum threshold
- • Registered Zambian company (we can assist with this via our Business Registration service)
- • Clean police record
Required Documents
- • ZDA investment certificate
- • Company registration documents
- • Proof of capital injection
- • Police clearance and medical report
Appeal / Re-Application
For applicants whose employment, residence, dependent or investor application was previously refused.
- Fee
- Prescribed appeal fee plus any re-application fee
- Timeline
- Varies by case - typically 6-10 weeks
- Validity
- Not applicable until permit is granted
Eligibility & required documents
Eligibility
- • A prior application was refused or a permit was revoked
- • There are valid grounds to challenge the decision or the underlying issue can be corrected
Required Documents
- • Copy of the refusal letter
- • Corrected or additional supporting documents addressing the refusal reason
- • Legal grounds for appeal (we help prepare this)