ZIMBABWE

(a) VISA

Immigration Control

Entry visas

Entry visas are required by most foreigners for entry into Zimbabwe. These may be for either single or multiple entries. Certain categories of foreigners, (mainly from Commonwealth countries), listed by the immigration authorities are automatically granted entry at the port of entry. Most visas are to be obtained in advance before reaching the port of entry. It is advisable for all prospective entrants to enquire regarding their status prior to departure.

Business visas

Visitors to Zimbabwe on business must entre under business visitors permits. These permits are valid for 6 weeks and are subject to extension by the Chief Immigration Officer.

Investors Residence Permits

Investors approved by the Zimbabwe Investment Centre qualify for residency under these conditions:

• an investor who injects US$ 1 million will qualify for permanent residence
•  an investor who injects not less than US$ 300,000 in a sole business venture will qualify for a 3 year residence permit. At the end of 3 years, permanent residence will be considered subject to project existence and viability.
• an investor who injects not less than US$ 100,000 in a joint venture with a local/permanent resident of Zimbabwe will qualify for a 3 year residence permit. At the end of 3 years, permanent residence will be considered subject to project existence and viability.
• Persons with professional or technical skills who invest not less than US$ 100,000 in a venture of their professional expertise will qualify for a 3 year residence permit. At the end of 3 years, permanent residence will be considered subject to project existence and viability.

All applications for residence permits must be made to the Department of Immigration post ZIC project approvals/registration.

Temporary Employment Permits (TEP)

Any person who wishes to engage in an occupation (including work for gain or work in the interests of any business undertaking) in Zimbabwe must obtain a valid temporary employment permit. The TEP holders must impact to Zimbabweans the skills for which they have been admitted.

A TEP may be issued for a maximum period of 3 years and may be extended for up to a maximum period of 5 years if approved by the Chief Immigration Officer. The TEP is subject to the following conditions:

• the permit holder may not engage in any occupation other that the occupation specified.
• if the permit was issued on the application of an employer, the holder may not take up employment with any other employer.
• the holder and all the persons authorized to enter with them must leave Zimbabwe on or before the expiration of the period stated in the permit.
• the permit must be surrendered to an immigration officer before leaving Zimbabwe.

Any business wishing to recruit staff from outside the country to work in Zimbabwe must provide evidence of failure to find a suitable local candidate.

Applications for temporary residence permits must be submitted in conjunction with TEP applications to the Department of Immigration.