Immigration
Immigration and Deportation Act permits with investor and employment categories
The Immigration and Deportation Act 18 of 2010 governs entry, employment and residence. Employment permits are issued where the skill is not locally available; investor permits are tied to capital thresholds. Zambia does not permit dual citizenship for those who acquired foreign nationality before the 2016 amendment restored it.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — The Department of Immigration decides; the Immigration Appeals Tribunal hears appeals; the High Court reviews.
- Deadline — Employment permit: obtained before commencing work; typically issued for up to 2 years, renewable
- Deadline — Permanent residence: after 10 years' lawful residence in most cases
Governing law
- Immigration and Deportation Act 18 of 2010
- Citizenship of Zambia Act 33 of 2016 — dual citizenship restored
In practice
The 2016 restoration of dual citizenship was a significant change for the Zambian diaspora, and the Act's investor categories are the practical route for mining and agricultural investment.