Exemption from work permits for investment-related activities
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ZIPA-Diaspora Desk
Connecting Zanzibaris Abroad with Investment Opportunities Back Home
Welcome to the Zanzibar Investment Portal, your one stop platform for exploring, investing and reconnecting with your homeland. This portal links Zanzibari living abroad with trusted investment opportunities through the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA). Our mission is to connect you – the Zanzibar Diaspora to the islands’ economic growth while preserving your roots and cultural identity.
About the Zanzibar Diaspora
Zanzibaris living abroad who maintain cultural, social, or economic ties to Zanzibar are recognized as members of the Zanzibar Diaspora. Through registration with ZIPA’s Diaspora Desk, diaspora members enjoy personalized investment facilitation, exclusive incentives and streamlined procedures.
Explore & Invest in Zanzibar Now
Legal Framework
The legal basis for diaspora investment in Zanzibar
Investment Framework
The Investment basis for diaspora in Zanzibar
The Investment basis for diaspora in Zanzibar
Together, these instruments ensure that diaspora investments are legally recognized, protected and efficiently managed under Zanzibar’s investment framework.
Required Documents (Investor)
- 1. Copies of passport pages
- 2. Passport-size photographs
- 3. Police clearance from the country of origin
- 4. Academic & professional certificates (if applicable)
- 5. Evidence of funds (for investors)
- 6. Business registration documents (depending on the intended activity in Zanzibar)
Zanzibar Diaspora Registration(ZADIA)
Get Start RegistrationPrivileges of the Registered Diaspora
Subject to the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania and the laws of Zanzibar, the registered Diaspora may have the following privileges:
Multiple-entry and multi-purpose long term visa to visit Zanzibar
permission for long stay in Zanzibar
Application and registration of diaspora status
Full Name (First and Last Name)
Email Address
Cell Phone Number
Occupation/Profession (e.g., Employed, Self-Employed, Student
Current Address (Zip Code, City, State/Province/Region)
Next-of-kin information for emergencies
Note: Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Incomplete applications including those missing a valid Zanzibar Diaspora ID or other required documents will not be processed and may result in ineligibility for the Certificate of Investment.
Investment Opportunities
Why you should choose Zanzibar for Investment
The Zanzibar Diaspora is encouraged to participate in high impact sectors aligned with Zanzibar’s Vision 2050 and Blue Economy priorities. Explore projects and sectors ready for diaspora participation, including:=>
Successfully
Tourism and Hospitality
Blue Economy
Real Estate and Construction
Renewable Energy
Manufacturing and Agro-Processing
ICT and Innovation
Health, Education and Skills Transfer
Under the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority Act, No 10 of 2023 part four: Certificate of Investment and Incentives.
Approval Procedures
Investment Capital Threshold & Diaspora Incentives
General Investment
| Sector | Foreign (USD) | Domestic (USD) | Diaspora (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel & Real Estate | 2,500,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 |
| Others | 500,000 | 100,000 | 200,000 |
Strategic Investment
| Location | Criteria 1 | Criteria 2 | Criteria 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unguja | USD 50 million | USD 10M and creates 500 jobs | Invest in small islands |
| Pemba | USD 5 million | USD 2M and creates 500 jobs | Invest in small islands |
Diaspora Incentives
| General Investment | Strategic Investment | Free Economic Zones Investment |
|---|---|---|
| 100% foreign ownership is allowed | 100% foreign ownership is allowed | Up to 10 years exemption of withholding tax |
| 75% exemption from import duties and VAT on capital goods | 100% exemption from import duties and VAT on capital goods | Stamp duty exemption |
| Up to 5 years corporate tax exemption | Up to 10 years corporate tax exemption | Exemption from pre-shipment or destination inspection requirement |
| Up to 99 years of land and marina lease agreement | Up to 99 years of land and marina lease agreement | On-site customs inspection of goods within FEZS |
| Employment of foreign expatriates in key positions | Employment of foreign expatriates in key positions | Access to competitive, modern and reliable services available in the FEZS |
| 100% repatriation of all profits after taxes | 100% repatriation of all profits after taxes | Up to 10 years exemption of property tax |
| Real estate buyer incentive | Real estate buyer incentive | |
| Up to five years grace period on land and marina lease |
Privileges for Registered Diaspora Investors
- Long-term multi-entry visas for easy travel to and from Zanzibar.
- Exemption from work permits for investment-related activities.
- Extended residence permits for investors and immediate family
- Dedicated support through ZIPA’s Diaspora Desk
- Access to exclusive diaspora investment projects and events