Moving to Zambia: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Zambia: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 5 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Zambia the top income tax rate is 37%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Zambia you need at least 183 days a year (183 days in charge year). The typical route is Investor's permit / retired persons permit: Investor: ~USD 250k via ZDA licence; or retiree with assured foreign income There are 5 open residence programmes in Zambia — see the list below.
Living there
Lusaka has a humid subtropical (dry winter) climate with winter highs around 23 °C and summer highs around 31.5 °C. The economy grew +5.8% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 6.4% for 2026. Its passport opens about 66 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict exposure.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 37% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 15% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| اقامت مالیاتی | پس از 183 روز — 183 days in charge year |
| مسیر شما | Investor's permit / retired persons permit — Investor: ~USD 250k via ZDA licence; or retiree with assured foreign income |
| گذرنامه | بدون ویزا یا فرودگاهی به 66 کشور |
| Economic growth | +5.8% (2025), forecast 6.4% (2026) |
| نوع اقلیم | humid subtropical (dry winter) · 23° / 31.5° (Lusaka) |
| جنگ و درگیری | none — No conflict exposure |
| همهٔ مخاطرات طبیعی | 5.1/10 |
| استحکام بانکی | 2.5/10 · CCC+ |
| حمایت از مالکیت | 3/10 |
| خانههای گرم در زمستان | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Zambia
- Investor's Permit — سرمایهگذاری CHF 120'000 · open · 2026-10
- Retired Person's Permit — retirement · open · 2026-10
- Employment Permit — employment · open · 2026-10
- Residence Permit (permanent residence) — other · open · 2026-10
- Spouse / Dependant's Permit — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Zambia to become tax resident?
پس از 183 روز. 183 days in charge year Foreign dividends of residents taxed
How much tax will I pay in Zambia?
In Zambia the top income tax rate is 37%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Zambia offer?
Investor's Permit (CHF 120'000); Retired Person's Permit; Employment Permit; Residence Permit (permanent residence); Spouse / Dependant's Permit
What is the usual way to move to Zambia?
Investor's permit / retired persons permit. Investor: ~USD 250k via ZDA licence; or retiree with assured foreign income
Compare with nearby countries
Algeria · Angola · Benin · Botswana · Burkina Faso · Burundi · Cameroon · Central African Rep. · Chad · Congo · Côte d'Ivoire · Dem. Rep. Congo
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