A Residence Permit confers permanent residence to a holder and is issued to a foreigner who: has held an Employment Permit for a continuous period exceeding ten (10) years; is a dependant (who is 21 years old or below) of someone with a valid Residence Permit or an established resident; has held an Investor’s Permit for more than three (3) years; has held a Spouse Permit for at least five (5) years; is a person (irrespective of age) born from a citizen; is a dependant of foreign origin under the care of a citizen; has intention to retire in Zambia and showing proof of sufficient funds (pension, irrevocable annuity, retirement account); and a holder of an Entry Permit (provided there are reasonable and justifiable grounds for the delayed change).

A residence permit shall cease to be valid if the holder—

(a) fails to enter Zambia within six months of the date of issue of the permit or such later date as the DirectorGeneral of Immigration may endorse on the residence permit;

(b) is absent from Zambia for a period in excess of six months without notifying the Director-General of Immigration, in writing, that that person proposes to return to Zambia; or

(c) is absent from Zambia for any period in excess of twelve months