Legal Requirements for A Work Permit in Zimbabwe

The key legislation for the hiring of foreign staff in Zimbabwe is the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02] as read with the Immigration Regulations 1998 (Statutory Instrument 195/1998).

Section 19 (a) of the Immigration Act [Chapter 4:02] provides that the Minister shall provide for students permits, temporary employment permits and temporary permits. To be able to obtain work permits for its international employees, an employer must be present in Zimbabwe when hiring a foreign worker, if the firm is an organization, it must be locally registered.

To work in Zimbabwe in any capacity, a prospective foreign worker must first apply for a Temporary Working Permit. The employer has the right to submit an application to the Principal Director of Immigration on behalf of the foreign national. Requirements for a work permit includes:

• Application form from the host company
• Original Police Clearance Certificate & Certified copies
• Evidence of Financial Means
• x2 passport size photographs
• Certified copies of Educational Qualifications
• Certified copies of Birth Certificate
• Motivation Letter from the host company
• Letter of Employment from the host company
• Radiology Certificate
• A job advertisement in Zimbabwean newspapers
• Host Company Registration Documents and Certificates
• Payment of Visa Fee
• Project Overview
• A Passport valid for at least six months