For Families & Individuals

Your New Life in Zimbabwe Begins Here

Whether you're reuniting with family, following your career, retiring to a country of extraordinary beauty, or simply exploring — Nova Migration makes your Zimbabwe journey possible, clear, and stress-free.

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Family
Spousal & Dependent Permits
Following your partner to Zimbabwe
Family Reunion
Family Reunion Permits
Joining family already resident in Zimbabwe
Retirement
Retired Persons Permit
Retiring to Zimbabwe's remarkable landscapes
Study
Student Permits
International study at Zimbabwean institutions
Family

Spousal & Dependent Permits

If your partner holds a Zimbabwe work permit or temporary residence permit, you and your dependent children can apply for accompanying permits to live legally in Zimbabwe alongside them. These permits are aligned to the principal permit holder's duration and are renewed at the same time.

Nova Migration manages spousal and dependent permit applications simultaneously with the principal work permit application, so the entire family's immigration status is aligned from day one — avoiding the situation where one partner is documented and the other is not.

Spousal PermitGrants legal residence in Zimbabwe for the spouse of a permit holder
Dependent PassesFor minor children under 18 accompanying parents
Work Rights for SpousesSpouses may apply for a separate work permit if they wish to work
Aligned Renewal DatesAll family permits renewed together — one process, one timeline
Typical Documents Required
Valid passport (6+ months)
Marriage certificate (certified)
Principal permit holder's permit
Proof of shared residence
Birth certificates (children)
Passport photographs
Completed application form
Police clearance certificate
Apply for Spousal Permit Ask a Question
Family relocating to Zimbabwe
"

Nova managed our entire family's move from the UK — my work permit and my wife's spousal permit were both approved at the same time. The whole process was incredibly smooth.

— Relocated Family, United Kingdom
Family reunion in Zimbabwe

Did You Know?

Zimbabwe's family reunion permit pathway allows not just immediate family but in some circumstances adult children and parents to join a qualifying resident. Nova Migration assesses your full family situation to identify every available route.

Family Reunion

Family Reunion Permits

If a family member — a parent, adult child, sibling, or close relative — holds permanent or temporary residence in Zimbabwe, other family members may be eligible to join them through the family reunion permit pathway.

Family reunion applications require careful preparation. Proof of relationship, demonstration of financial support, and a convincing case for the genuine family connection must all be presented clearly and convincingly. This is exactly what Nova Migration is experienced in doing.

1

Eligibility Assessment

We assess your relationship to the Zimbabwe resident, your immigration history, and the strength of your case before any application is started.

2

Relationship Evidence Package

We help you compile compelling relationship evidence — official documents, correspondence history, photographs, and statutory declarations where required.

3

Financial Support Documentation

The Zimbabwe resident must demonstrate capacity to financially support the incoming family member. We prepare the full financial evidence package.

4

Submission & Approval

We submit the complete application and manage all communication until your permit is approved and the family is reunited.

Start Your Family Reunion Application
Retirement

Retired Persons Permit

Zimbabwe's Retired Persons Permit is one of the most attractive retirement visa options in southern Africa. It allows individuals over the age of 45 who can demonstrate a qualifying regular income to live in Zimbabwe indefinitely, enjoying the country's magnificent wildlife, warm climate, and vibrant culture.

The permit does not permit the holder to work, but there is no restriction on passive income, dividends, or pension income. Spouses are included in the application. Nova Migration manages the full application process, including all financial documentation requirements.

Age RequirementAvailable to applicants aged 45 and over
Income RequirementMinimum monthly income from pension, investments, or savings
Spouse IncludedSpouses of any age may be included in the same application
2-Year PermitIssued for 2 years initially and renewable indefinitely
Property PurchasePermit holders can legally purchase and own residential property
PR PathwayLong-term holders may qualify for permanent residence

Financial requirement: Applicants typically need to demonstrate a minimum of USD 1,500 per month in pension, investment, or passive income. Nova Migration will confirm the exact current requirement and help you present your financial position most effectively.

Apply for Retired Persons Permit
Zimbabwe wildlife and natural beauty for retirees
Why Retire in Zimbabwe?
✦ World-class wildlife: Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou
✦ Warm, sunny climate year-round
✦ Lower cost of living than most Western countries
✦ English-speaking country with strong legal system
✦ Victoria Falls — one of the world's 7 natural wonders
✦ Thriving expat community in Harare and Bulawayo
International student studying in Zimbabwe
Education

Student Residence Permits

International students enrolled at accredited Zimbabwean universities, colleges, or schools require a student residence permit for their duration of study. Zimbabwe is home to several well-regarded institutions, including the University of Zimbabwe, Harare Institute of Technology, and Africa University.

Nova Migration manages the full student permit process, from confirming the correct permit category to managing renewal applications as students progress through their course. We also advise students on pathways from student status to graduate work permits or temporary residence after completing their studies.

Full-Time Student PermitLinked to your specific institution and course of study
Annual Renewal ServicePermits renewed automatically as your studies continue
Post-Study TransitionAdvisory on work permit options after graduation
Family MembersAccompanying parents or guardians can apply for visitor status
Required Documents
Letter of acceptance from institution
Valid passport (6+ months)
Proof of fee payment
Financial support evidence
Academic transcripts/certificates
Completed application form
Passport photographs
Medical report (if required)
Apply for Student Permit
Extensions & Renewals

Permit Extensions & Visitor Extensions

Staying in Zimbabwe longer than originally planned? Whether you're on a tourist visa, a business visa, or an existing temporary permit that's coming up for renewal, Nova Migration handles the full extension and renewal process on your behalf.

It is important to apply for extensions before your current status expires. With the PRN now removed, there is no safety net if you allow your permit to lapse — the consequences of overstaying are immediate. Overstaying in Zimbabwe — even by a few days — can result in fines, detention, and future immigration restrictions. Nova Migration tracks your permit expiry and initiates the renewal process well in advance.

Tourist Visa ExtensionApplication to extend beyond your initial 30-day entry stamp
Work Permit RenewalManaged renewal of all work permit classes before expiry
Temporary Residence RenewalAll TRP categories, including spousal and student permits
Overstay RemediationIf you've already overstayed, we advise on the best path to regularising your status

Important: Nova Migration recommends beginning renewal applications at least 90 days before expiry. The Department of Immigration processing times mean that late submissions risk a gap in legal status. Our renewal tracking service automatically flags upcoming deadlines to ensure this never happens to our clients.

Apply for an Extension
Immigration document renewal processing
Beyond the Permit

Settling Into Life in Zimbabwe

Getting your permit approved is just the beginning. Settling into a new country — finding the right neighbourhood, getting children into school, opening a bank account, understanding healthcare — takes time, local knowledge, and the right connections.

Nova Migration's Settlement Advisory service gives you and your family that local knowledge from day one, so you can focus on enjoying your new life rather than navigating administrative complexity.

🏫
School Guidance
Recommendations for international schools in Harare and Bulawayo, with enrolment process guidance
🏘
Neighbourhood Advice
Insider guide to the best suburbs for expats and families, with safety, transport, and lifestyle context
🏦
Banking Setup
Guidance on opening bank accounts as a foreign national — which banks, which account types, and what documents you'll need
🏥
Healthcare
Recommendations for private healthcare providers, medical insurance options, and specialist services
🚗
Driver's Licence
Guidance on converting your foreign driver's licence to a Zimbabwean licence
🤝
Expat Network
Introduction to Zimbabwe's active expat community, networking groups, and social organisations
About Zimbabwe

Key Facts for New Arrivals

Capital & Main City
Harare — population 2.1m. Bulawayo is the second city. Victoria Falls is the key tourism hub.
Currency
Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is the official currency. USD is widely accepted and preferred for major transactions.
Language
English is the primary official language of business, government, and education. Shona and Ndebele are the main indigenous languages.
Time Zone
Central Africa Time (CAT) — UTC+2. No daylight saving adjustments.
Electricity
230V, 50Hz. Type G plugs (UK-style). Load shedding is common — solar inverters and generators are widely used.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 995 · Ambulance: 994 · Fire: 993. Private healthcare recommended for expats — Avenues Clinic and West End Hospital in Harare.
Your Roadmap

Your Zimbabwe Immigration Journey

From your first enquiry to being fully settled and documented in Zimbabwe — here's what to expect when you work with Nova Migration.

1
Free Consultation
30-minute assessment of your situation, goals, and the right permit pathway for your family
2
Document Checklist
We issue a personalised, complete checklist of every document required for your specific application
3
Document Review
Your dedicated case manager reviews every document before submission to eliminate delays
4
Submission & Tracking
Application lodged with the Department of Immigration and tracked with regular updates to you
5
Permit Approved
Permit issued — we brief you on conditions, entry procedures, and your rights in Zimbabwe
6
Arrival Support
Settlement advisory begins — schools, banking, neighbourhoods, and expat network introductions
Family Stories

Families We've Helped

★★★★★
"

We moved our family of four from the UK to Harare and were overwhelmed by the paperwork. Nova Migration held our hand through every step — my work permit, my wife's spousal permit, and passes for both children, all handled simultaneously. We arrived to a completely clean immigration status.

JT
James & Claire T.
Relocated Family · United Kingdom → Harare
★★★★★
"

I retired to Zimbabwe at 58 and the Retired Persons Permit process looked daunting online. Nova Migration made it straightforward. My wife and I were approved in under 8 weeks and their settlement advice helped us find our perfect home in Borrowdale. Exceptional service.

RH
Robert & Anne H.
Retired Persons Permit · South Africa → Harare
★★★★★
"

My mother had been waiting 18 months to join me in Zimbabwe because her family reunion application had been rejected twice by a previous consultant. Nova Migration reviewed the refusals, identified the issues, resubmitted with the correct evidence, and she was approved within 10 weeks. I'm so grateful.

TN
Thandi N.
Family Reunion Permit · Nigeria → Harare
FAQs

Individual & Family Immigration Questions

A spousal permit alone does not grant work rights. However, spouses holding a valid spousal permit can apply for their own separate work permit, which enables them to take up employment. Nova Migration handles this application concurrently with or subsequent to the spousal permit. We can advise on what type of work permit applies based on the type of employment your spouse intends to pursue.
Spousal permits typically take 4–8 weeks from submission. We submit the spousal permit application alongside the principal work permit application wherever possible, so both are processed and issued together — avoiding the situation where one partner arrives documented and the other does not.
The current minimum is approximately USD 1,500 per month in pension, annuity, or investment income. This figure can change, and Nova Migration will confirm the exact current requirement during your consultation. The income can come from any legitimate source including pension, dividends, rental income, or annuities — it does not need to come from a single source.
Yes, absolutely. Refusals are often the result of incomplete documentation, incorrect form completion, or an inadequately presented case — not necessarily because the applicant doesn't qualify. We review the refusal notice in detail, identify the exact cause, and advise whether a resubmission or formal appeal is the stronger route. Our resubmission success rate in these cases is very high.
Yes. Dependent children require a Dependent Pass, which is separate from the parents' permit. However, the application is straightforward and is managed alongside the parents' applications as part of a single family package. Dependent passes are issued for the same duration as the principal permit. Children over 18 are treated as adults and require their own separate permits.
In some circumstances, yes. The family reunion permit pathway may be available for parents who can demonstrate a close and genuine dependency on a Zimbabwe-resident child. The case needs to be well-evidenced. Nova Migration assesses each situation individually and will give you an honest view on the strength of any potential application before you commit to the process.
Harare has several strong international and private schools including Harare International School (IB curriculum), St George's College, Dominican Convent, Prince Edward School, and Arundel School. Nova Migration's Settlement Advisory service includes a detailed school guide, information on the enrolment process, and can make introductions on your behalf. We do not charge separately for this service — it's included in our family immigration package.
Yes. After holding temporary residence in Zimbabwe for a qualifying period (typically 5 or more years of continuous and lawful residence), individuals may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Certificate. Investors and spouses of Zimbabwean citizens may qualify sooner. Nova Migration advises clients on the permanent residence pathway from the outset, so they're positioned to apply as soon as they become eligible.

Ready to Start Your Zimbabwe Chapter?

Book a free 30-minute consultation with one of our family immigration specialists. We'll map out exactly what you need, what it will cost, and how long it will take — no obligation, no pressure.

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