Zambia retirement residence permit

Among the groups eligible for a residence permit, the Department of Immigration lists persons who intend to retire in Zambia and show proof of sufficient funds through a pension, an irrevocable annuity or a retirement account. No minimum amount is published; the department assesses the evidence.

Section 20(2)(j) of the Immigration and Deportation Act sets the legal test. A retiree must prove either a right to a pension, an irrevocable annuity or a retirement account paying a prescribed minimum amount for the rest of their life, or a prescribed minimum net worth together with a prescribed amount paid into an account in Zambia. The application form in the 2011 regulations asks for the same proof.

The same section requires adequate knowledge of English or of a language commonly used by Zambians, and an immigration officer may ask the applicant to take a proficiency test. The applicant must not be an illegal immigrant.

A covering letter to the Director General of Immigration, the completed Form 4, proof of funds by bank statement, proof of a permanent pension (irrevocable annuity) or retirement account, proof of land ownership or a lease where applicable, a certified passport copy with the last Zambian endorsement stamp, two photos and the fee.

The 2024 fee table lists ZMW 20,000 for issuing a residence permit in its first schedule, with a lower amount in the second schedule. Card and mobile-money payments add a small administrative fee.

A retiree's spouse can apply for a spouse permit, which since 2016 also covers spouses of residence permit holders (ZMW 3,000). Children are added by variation of the residence permit at ZMW 5,000.

A residence permit ceases to be valid if the holder does not enter Zambia within six months of issue, is absent for more than six months without notifying the Director General in writing of the intention to return, or is absent for more than twelve months in any case.

Under section 10 of the Immigration and Deportation Act, an immigration officer who takes a decision that adversely affects you must tell you the reasons and give you at least 48 hours to make representations; the officer then has 14 days to reply. You may appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs within 48 hours of that decision, and the Minister, after consulting the Director General, may reverse or modify it within ten days. A further appeal to a court must be lodged within 48 hours of the Minister's decision; without an appeal the decision is final.