What are the fees for the Zanzibar Golden Visa?

Current fees commonly cited are approximately USD 500–550 for the main applicant and approximately USD 50 for each dependent. East African Community citizens and diaspora typically pay a lower main-applicant rate.

Does selling the property affect the Golden Visa?

Yes. The Class C-11 residence permit is renewable only while the qualifying property is held. If the property is sold, eligibility for renewal on that basis ends.

Can foreigners buy property in Zanzibar?

Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Zanzibar, but not freehold land. Under the Land Tenure Act 1992 there is no private freehold ownership of land. The practical residential route is an individual unit title in a ZIPA-approved condominium project under the Condominium Act No. 10 of 2010.

What is the difference between a unit title and a company lease in Zanzibar?

An individual unit title is registered in the buyer’s own name inside a ZIPA-approved condominium project and does not require a company. A company lease is required for stand-alone land, hotels, commercial projects, or residential properties outside a condominium scheme.

How Does the Zanzibar Golden Visa Work for Property Buyers? (2026)

Q: How does the Zanzibar Golden Visa work for property buyers?

Investment of more than USD 100,000 in a qualifying ZIPA-approved condominium project with the necessary accreditation opens a Class C-11 residence permit for the buyer, spouse and up to four dependent children once the individual unit title is registered. The permit is valid for two years and renewable while the property is held. Selling the property ends eligibility for renewal on that basis. Fees are approximately USD 500–550 for the main applicant and USD 50 per dependent. The residence permit is not automatic on purchase; application is required after title registration.

Paul Tellwright, FCSI

Aug 26

4 min read

Updated: Sep 23

The Zanzibar Golden Visa is a Class C-11 residence permit. It's available to foreign buyers who invest more than USD 100,000 in a qualifying ZIPA-approved condominium project. This permit covers the buyer, their spouse, and up to four dependent children. The cost is approximately USD 500–550 for the main applicant and USD 50 per dependent. It lasts two years and is renewable as long as the property is held. However, the residence permit isn't automatic upon purchase; an application is required after the individual unit title is registered.

What the Zanzibar Golden Visa Actually Is

In practice, the Golden Visa is a Class C-11 investor residence permit. This permit is commonly marketed as the Golden Visa. The legal framework is based on a long-term leasehold under the Land Tenure Act of 1992. For most residential buyers, it involves an individual unit title under the Condominium Act No. 10 of 2010. Here are some key points to consider:

Investment Threshold: You must invest more than USD 100,000 in a single qualifying ZIPA-approved project.
Project Requirements: The development must be ZIPA-approved and carry the necessary condominium accreditation.
Title Timing: The individual unit title is typically registered once construction is complete.
Family Coverage: The permit covers the buyer, spouse, and up to four dependent children under 20 years old.
Nature of the Right: Residency is linked to the investment, not permanent citizenship or freehold land ownership.
Loss of Residency: If the qualifying property is sold, the residence permit is no longer renewable.

Zanzibar Golden Visa Fees and Family Coverage

Current fees commonly cited across practitioner and project sources are as follows:

Main Applicant: Approximately USD 500–550. East African Community citizens and diaspora may pay a lower rate, typically USD 250–300.
Each Dependent: Approximately USD 50.
Coverage: The permit covers the investor, their spouse, and up to four children under 20 years old.

Always confirm exact fees and age limits with current Immigration or ZIPA practices at the time of application.

Who Qualifies for the Zanzibar Golden Visa

To qualify as a foreign buyer, you must meet several criteria:

The property must be part of a ZIPA-approved condominium project.
The project must have the required condominium accreditation for the residency route.
The purchase value must exceed USD 100,000 in a single project.
The individual unit title must be registered in the buyer’s name.
The subsequent residence-permit application must be accepted by the competent authority.

The condominium route is the cleanest path for most individual buyers.

Condominium Title Registration Costs — Check the Specific Project

Statutory stamp duty is 1% of the declared purchase price. A 50% reduction is available on many qualifying ZIPA or strategic projects, bringing the effective rate to 0.5%. Additional registration and administrative costs may also apply.

In practice, some condominium projects include the cost of issuing and registering the individual unit title within the purchase price. Others charge these costs separately, typically ranging from 1% to 3% of the unit value. Always check the specific sale agreement for the project you are considering. Confirm whether condominium title registration costs are included or payable in addition, and obtain the exact figure in writing from the project or your lawyer before signing the sale agreement.

How the Zanzibar Golden Visa Process Works (High Level)

The process for obtaining the Zanzibar Golden Visa is straightforward:

Select a Project: Choose a qualifying ZIPA-approved condominium project that carries the necessary accreditation.
Complete the Purchase: Finalize the purchase and obtain registration of the individual unit title.
Apply for the Residence Permit: Once the title is registered, apply for the Class C-11 residence permit based on the qualifying investment. The main applicant fee is approximately USD 500–550, and dependents cost around USD 50 each.
Maintain Ownership: Keep ownership of the qualifying property for renewal. If you sell the property, you lose eligibility for renewal.

A qualified Zanzibar lawyer or the project’s designated advisor usually coordinates the documentation.

What the Zanzibar Golden Visa Does Not Give You

It's important to understand what the Golden Visa does not provide:

Freehold Ownership: Freehold ownership of land is impossible under the Land Tenure Act of 1992.
Automatic Citizenship: The visa does not grant automatic or permanent citizenship.
Survival of Rights: The right does not survive the sale of the qualifying property.
Ignoring Structure: You cannot ignore the correct leasehold or condominium structure.

Common Pitfalls

Be aware of common pitfalls when pursuing the Golden Visa:

Non-ZIPA Approved Projects: Buying in a project that is not ZIPA-approved or lacks the required condominium accreditation can lead to issues.
Misunderstanding Residency Triggers: Don’t assume any property purchase above USD 100,000 automatically triggers residency.
Title Registration Confirmation: Always confirm that the individual unit title will be registered in your name.
Clarifying Costs: Failing to clarify whether title registration costs are included or extra can lead to unexpected expenses.
Due Diligence: Treating the Golden Visa as a substitute for proper title due diligence is a mistake.

Always verify the specific project’s accreditation status, the exact residency pathway, and the title-cost position before committing funds.

Closing Thoughts

Zanzibar’s residency-by-investment route is straightforward once the correct project and title structure are in place. Zanzibar Luxury Properties looks across the approved condominium market and matches the buyer to a project that can support the Class C-11 permit.

Explore new condominium residential opportunities on our residential projects page, or get in touch. We’ll walk you through the structure that fits the property you’re considering.

The Zanzibar Golden Visa can be your gateway to a luxurious lifestyle in this stunning paradise. Why wait? Start your journey today!