Republic of Zambia · investor · Leads to settlement
Investor Permit
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Investor permit for foreigners establishing, investing in, or joining a business in Zambia.
- Processing time
- Apply through the Department permit channel. Renewal involves tax, audit, bank, lease and immigration inspection evidence.
- Government fees
- The fees page lists Investor Permit issuance and renewal fees in ZMW. Confirm current totals before filing.
- Typical duration
- Permit validity and renewal are determined by the issued permit. Holding an Investor's Permit for more than 3 years is listed as a Residence Permit pathway.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
An Investor's Permit is issued to a foreigner above 18 who intends to establish a business or invest in Zambia, has already established or invested in a business in Zambia, or is joining an existing company. The Department lists company and investment evidence including incorporation, share capital, minimum capital, investment licence where available, directors list, proof of personal investment of US$250,000 for a new business or US$150,000 when joining an existing company, ownership or lease evidence, passport, photos and fee.
Additional sources
Primary source
Visa and Immigration Permit Fees - Zambia Department of Immigration ↗ · Zambia Department of Immigration
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant is above 18 and is establishing, investing in, has invested in, or is joining a business in Zambia.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- ✓A new-business applicant shows personal investment of US$250,000, or US$150,000 if joining an existing company.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- ✓The file includes incorporation, share-capital, minimum-capital, directors and ownership or lease evidence.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- ✓The applicant provides passport, photos and prescribed fee evidence.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
Common blockers
- !The applicant cannot prove the required personal investment amount.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- !Company incorporation, share-capital, minimum-capital or directors documents are missing.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- !The applicant is under 18.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- ·Certificate of incorporation, certificate of share capital, certificate of minimum capital and list of directors.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- ·Proof of personal investment: US$250,000 for a new business or US$150,000 if joining an existing company.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
- ·Proof of ownership or lease agreement in Zambia, passport copy, photos and fee.Zambia Department of Immigration ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm whether the investor is establishing a new business, has invested already, or is joining an existing company.
Build the evidence pack
Prepare company, investment, ownership or lease, passport and photo evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the Investor Permit application through the Department permit channel.
After approval
Maintain tax, audit, bank and inspection evidence for renewal and possible later residence permit eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Investor Permit route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Investor Permit.
Zambia Department of Immigration · verified
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Frequently asked questions
What investment amount does Zambia list for an Investor Permit?+
The Department lists US$250,000 for a new business and US$150,000 if joining an existing company.
Can an Investor Permit lead to permanent residence?+
Yes. The Residence Permit section lists holding an Investor's Permit for more than 3 years as one pathway.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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