Document checklist
Bangladesh → Zambia: Employment Permit
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
16 itemsIdentity
Certified copy of your passport
RequiredA certified copy of your passport's bio-data page and last Zambia entry/exit stamp.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Duly completed application form (Form 23)
RequiredThe official Employment Permit application form (Form 23), fully completed.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
One recent passport-size photograph
RequiredOne recent passport-size photograph of yourself.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Financial
Prescribed application fee
RequiredA government fee applies to the application. The amount isn't published in the brochure, check the Department's Fees page or the eServices portal before you apply.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Purpose of travel
Certified Certificate of Share Capital and List of Directors
RequiredA certified Certificate of Share Capital and List of Directors for the employing company.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
RequiredA copy of the employing company's Certificate of Incorporation.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Covering letter from your employer
RequiredA covering letter from your employer, addressed to the Director General of Immigration.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Employment contract or letter of offer
RequiredYour employment contract, or a letter of offer from your employer in Zambia.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Original press advertisements in two leading newspapers
Original press advertisements that appeared in two leading newspapers, in A5 size, showing the newspaper name and advert date, plus the outcome of the local selection exercise.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Project covering letter (construction, mining, ICT, engineering and other project-based roles)
For construction, mining, ICT, engineering and other project-based engagements, a covering letter specifying the project, plus a copy of the letter of award specifying the completion date and value of the project.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Succession plan with an understudy training program
RequiredA copy of a succession plan, including an understudy training program for the foreign national to transfer knowledge and/or skills to a Zambian worker.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Other
Certified copies of your academic and professional qualifications
RequiredCertified copies of your academic and professional qualifications.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Copies of marriage and birth certificates, where available
Copies of your marriage certificate and any children's birth certificates, where available.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Curriculum vitae
RequiredYour CV, detailing your education, qualifications and work experience.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Police clearance from your country of residence
RequiredA police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Registration certificate from the relevant Zambian professional body
If your profession requires it, a registration certificate from the relevant professional body in Zambia.
Source: Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure
Why applications on this route get refused
Application submitted by the expatriate directly
Only an employer, a practicing lawyer, or a registered immigration consultant can submit an Employment Permit application, the individual expatriate cannot apply on their own.
How to avoid it: Have your employer, a practicing lawyer, or a registered immigration consultant submit the application on your behalf.
First-time applicant already inside Zambia
All first-time applicants should remain outside Zambia until the Employment Permit has been approved.
How to avoid it: Wait outside Zambia for your permit approval before travelling, applying for any required visa only after approval to collect the permit.
Incomplete employer or company documentation
A complete application needs the employer's covering letter, Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Share Capital and List of Directors, and a succession plan with an understudy training program.
How to avoid it: Confirm your employer has prepared every company document on the checklist before the application is submitted.
Sources
- Zambia Department of Immigration, Employment Permit Brochure · checked 24 Sept 2026
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