Joombaah Comprehensive Guide to Zambia’s Residence Permit
Comprehensive Guide to Zambia\u2019s Residence Permit

Permit Information

  • PERMIT_POSTED_BY: admin
  • PERMIT_POSTED_ON: Nov 22, 2024
  • Views : 80
  • Category : Africa » Southern Africa » Zambia
  • Description : Understand the requirements, application process, and variations for obtaining a Residence Permit in Zambia. This guide provides essential details for dependents, investors, retirees, and other eligible applicants, ensuring a smooth path to permanent residence.
  • Phone : +260 211 255282
  • Email : pro@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
  • Website : https://www.zambiaimmigration.gov.zm/for-residents/#1549976887905-b31bda9b-be49

Overview

  • Comprehensive Guide to Zambia’s Residence Permit


    Introduction
    A Residence Permit grants permanent residence in Zambia, enabling foreign nationals to live, work, or retire in the country under specified conditions. This permit is tailored for individuals who have maintained long-term ties to Zambia through employment, investment, family connections, or other qualifications.

    Eligibility for a Residence Permit

    A Residence Permit is issued to foreigners who:

    1. Have held an Employment Permit continuously for more than 10 years.
    2. Are dependents (spouses or children under 21) of a valid Residence Permit holder or an established resident.
    3. Have held an Investor’s Permit for more than 3 years.
    4. Have held a Spouse Permit for at least 5 years.
    5. Were born to a Zambian citizen.
    6. Are dependents of foreign origin under the care of a Zambian citizen.
    7. Intend to retire in Zambia, with proof of sufficient funds (e.g., pension, annuity, or retirement account).
    8. Hold an Entry Permit, with justifiable reasons for the delay in changing their status.

    Application Requirements

    For Applicants Aged 7–15 Years

    • Covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
    • Certified copy of valid passport (bio-data page and last endorsement stamp for Zambia).
    • Certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
    • Certified copy of parents’ status (e.g., Residence Permit).
    • One recent passport-size photograph.
    • Adoption certificate (if applicable).
    • Proof of enrollment at an educational institution (if applicable).
    • Alien Registration Card.
    • Prescribed fee.

    For Applicants Above 16 Years

    • Covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
    • Alien Registration Card.
    • Certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
    • Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable).
    • Two testimonials from reputable individuals who have known the applicant for at least 3 years.
    • Certified copy of valid passport (bio-data page and last endorsement stamp for Zambia).
    • Certified copy of the host’s status (if applicable).
    • One recent passport-size photograph.
    • Adoption certificate (if applicable).
    • Proof of enrollment at an educational institution (if applicable).
    • Prescribed fee.

    For Holders of Investor’s Permit

    • Covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
    • Alien Registration Card.
    • VAT/ZRA receipts or valid Tax Clearance Certificate.
    • Current bank statement.
    • Audit Report from a ZICA-registered firm.
    • Proof of ownership or lease agreement (if applicable).
    • Certified copy of valid passport.
    • One recent passport-size photograph.
    • Prescribed fee.

    For Retirees

    • Covering letter addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
    • Completed application form (Form 4).
    • Proof of funds (bank statement, pension, or annuity).
    • Proof of ownership or lease agreement (if applicable).
    • Certified copy of valid passport.
    • Two recent passport-size photographs.
    • Prescribed fee.

    Application Process

    1. Prepare all required documents based on eligibility criteria.
    2. Submit the application to the Zambia Immigration Department.
    3. Undergo necessary inspections or reviews (e.g., Immigration Inspection Report for investors).
    4. Await approval of the Residence Permit.

    Permit Variations

    Adding Dependents (Children or Spouse)

    • Provide a covering letter, birth or marriage certificates, and recent photographs.

    Change of Employer

    • Submit a covering letter, qualifications, release letter from the previous employer, and offer letter from the new employer.

    Inclusion of a New Business or Change of Company

    • Provide a covering letter, Certificate of Incorporation, bank statement, and other relevant business documents.

    Replacement or Duplicate

    • Provide a covering letter, proof of previous permit (if available), police report (if applicable), and a recent photograph.

    Important Notes

    A Residence Permit becomes invalid if the holder:

    • Fails to enter Zambia within six months of issuance.
    • Remains outside Zambia for over six months without notifying Immigration.
    • Stays outside Zambia for more than 12 months consecutively.

    Joombaah’s Expertise

    Joombaah ensures a hassle-free application process by guiding you through document preparation, submission, and compliance with Zambia’s immigration laws. Contact us today for expert assistance with your Residence Permit application.