Employment Permit
Zambia's Department of Immigration issues an Employment Permit to foreigners coming to work for more than six months. It covers jobs with the Government, statutory bodies, the private sector, NGOs (including volunteers) and religious organisations. Only an employer, a practising lawyer or a registered immigration consultant can apply for the expatriate. The applicant must stay outside Zambia until the permit is approved.
1 entry rule for Zambia based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Zambia
Money
3
Currency
Zambian Kwacha
ZMW
Zambian Kwacha
Cost of living
33
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–37%
Income tax (national)
VAT 16%
2026 bands: 0% up to K5,100 a month; 37% above K9,200 a month.
Living
1
Happiness
#131 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals with a job offer in Zambia for more than six months. A Temporary Employment Permit covers business visitors staying more than 30 days.
Eligibility
Employment over six months
The permit is for a job in Zambia lasting more than six months.
Official wording
The permit is for foreigners entering Zambia to take up a job lasting more than six months.
Eligible employers
The Government of Zambia or a statutory body, the private sector, NGOs (including volunteers) and religious organisations.
Applicant via representative
Only an employer, a practising lawyer or an immigration consultant can apply on the expatriate's behalf. Individuals cannot apply themselves.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementStay outside Zambia
- Document checklistCovering letter from employer to the Director General of Immigration
- FeesEmployment Permit issuance (private sector)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 6 more requirements
- 13 documents
- 7 fees
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Zambia
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Zambia
All routes to Zambia →Work permits in other countries
- ZimbabweTemporary employment permit
- AndorraResidence and work authorisation
- United Arab EmiratesWork permit (MOHRE) and residence visa for private sector employees
- AfghanistanEntry visa (invitation by licensed company or institution) and residence visa
- Antigua & BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda Work Permit
- AnguillaAnguilla work permit
