Zambia
Corporate Guide

What are the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Zambia?

All work permit applications are made to the Zambia Department of Immigration through an online system. The first step is to register a user account on the system. After creating the account, the next step is to fill out an online registration form. However, only an employer, a practising lawyer, or a registered immigration consultant can apply for the permit. An expatriate cannot apply for the permit on their own.

Furthermore, a person is required to submit the following documents to the Zambia Department of Immigration before they obtain a work permit: 

• a duly completed application form (Form 23);
• cover letter of the application for an employment permit (which should be on the employer’s letterhead) and addressed to the Director General of Immigration;
• employment contract or letter of offer;
• police clearance from employee’s country of residence;
• curriculum vitae;
• registration certificate from the relevant professional body (required if the employee is a professional who ought to be registered with a professional body in Zambia);
• certified copies of qualification (academic or professional);
• copy of marriage certificate (if applicable) and birth certificate;
• employee’s certified copy of passport;
• employer’s certified certificate of share capital and list of directors;
• copy of succession plan, which shall include an understudy training programme to be conducted by the foreign employee to transfer knowledge and / or skills to the Zambian worker;
• employer’s certificate of incorporation;
• where employment is project based, a letter specifying the project on which the employee would be employed and a copy of the letter of award for the project specifying the completion date and value of the project;
• press advertisements for the employment, if any;
• two recent passport-size photos; and 
• a prescribed fee.