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% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 183 jours — 183 days in charge year |
| Voie de résidence typique | Investor's permit / retired persons permit — Investor: ~USD 250k via ZDA licence; or retiree with assured foreign income |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 66 pays |
| Economic growth | +5.8% (2025), forecast 6.4% (2026) |
| Type de climat | humid subtropical (dry winter) · 23° / 31.5° (Lusaka) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — No conflict exposure |
| Tous les risques naturels | 5.1/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 2.5/10 · CCC+ |
| Protection de la propriété | 3/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Zambia
- Investor's Permit — Investissement 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?
après 183 jours. 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
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.