Investor Residence Permit

Zimbabwe's Investor Residence Permit is the primary immigration pathway for foreign nationals who wish to invest in and reside in the country. Governed by the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02] and administered by the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the permit allows foreign investors to live in Zimbabwe while managing their business operations. Since 2020, applicants must first obtain an investment licence from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) — a one-stop facilitation body established under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Act [Chapter 14:37] — before applying for the residence permit. The permit operates across three investment tiers, from a USD 100,000 joint venture to a USD 1,000,000 project that qualifies for immediate permanent residence.

The permit is structured around three investment levels:

• USD 100,000 — joint venture with a bona fide Zimbabwean citizen, approved by ZIDA. Qualifies for a 3-year residence permit, after which permanent residence may be granted.
• USD 300,000 — sole business venture, approved by ZIDA. Qualifies for a 3-year residence permit, after which permanent residence may be granted.
• USD 1,000,000+ — investment in a ZIDA-approved project. Qualifies directly for permanent residence on application.

• Foreign national with substantial financial means intending to invest in Zimbabwe without engaging in employment for a third party
• Valid ZIDA General Investment Licence (required before applying for the residence permit)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required — eligibility is based on investment capacity
• Documents from outside Zimbabwe must be notarized; domestic documents must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths; non-English documents require certified English translations

• Completed residence permit application form (I.F.5)
• Application letter addressed to the Chief Director of Immigration
• Certified passport biodata page (valid 6+ months)
• 2 passport-sized photographs certified as a true likeness
• Project proposal
• Police clearance from country of origin or last permanent residence (not older than 6 months)
• Radiological (chest X-ray) certificate
• Banking history from country of origin or last permanent residence
• Proof of funds available for transfer (promissory notes, loan agreements, or financial institution undertakings)
• Proof and value of equipment to be imported
• Company documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, CR6 (registered office address), CR14 (list of directors)
• Valid ZIDA investment licence
• ZIMRA tax clearance
• List of expatriate and local employees with ID and NSSA numbers
• Copies of passport biodata pages and permits for all foreign shareholders
• Site map and directions from nearest town to business premises
• Environmental Impact Assessment certificates (mining companies only)

The initial permit is valid for 12 months with annual renewals. Investors at the USD 100,000 (joint venture) and USD 300,000 (sole venture) tiers qualify for a 3-year residence permit upon demonstrating ongoing compliance, after which permanent residence may be granted. Investors at the USD 1,000,000+ tier qualify directly for permanent residence. General permanent residence eligibility also requires 5 years of continuous residence. Citizenship may be pursued after 10 years of continuous lawful residence.

Renewals must be submitted 3 months before permit expiry. Extension fee is USD 500. Required documents for renewal include a company progress report, 6 months of current bank statements, valid ZIDA licence, ZIMRA tax clearance, and an updated employee list.

Spouse and children may be included as dependants on the application. Each dependant requires a non-refundable fee of USD 300. Dependant documentation requirements include marriage certificate (for spouse), birth certificates (for children), passport biodata pages, and photographs. Dependant permits are tied to the principal applicant's permit validity and must be extended at the same time.

Zimbabwe applies territorial taxation — only Zimbabwe-sourced income is subject to tax. Corporate income tax is 25% (20% for mining companies exporting over 50% of production). Withholding tax of 15% applies to dividends (reduced rates for stock exchange listings). VAT is 15% on most goods and services. An Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) of 2% applies to electronic transactions. All businesses must register with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

The process involves three stages:

1. Obtain a ZIDA Investment Licence: Apply through ZIDA's DIY Investor Licensing Portal. The application fee is USD 577.50; upon approval, a licence fee of USD 4,620 is payable. ZIDA targets licence issuance within 7 days.

2. Register the company and obtain tax clearance: Register with the Registrar of Companies (available through ZIDA's One Stop Investment Services Centre) and obtain ZIMRA tax clearance.

3. Apply for the residence permit: Submit the completed I.F.5 form and all required documents online via the e-Permits portal (epermits.zimimmigration.gov.zw) or in person at the Department of Immigration, 1st Floor Linquenda House, Nelson Mandela Avenue, Harare. The non-refundable application fee is USD 500 for the principal applicant. Processing time is up to 6 weeks.

Foreign investors must hold an appropriate visa to enter Zimbabwe before applying for the residence permit. Zimbabwe classifies countries into three visa categories: Category A (no visa required), Category B (visa on arrival), and Category C (visa required prior to travel).