Zimbabwe Citizenship Guide

Everything you need to know about Zimbabwe citizenship, including registration, dual nationality rules, citizenship by descent, and how to navigate the process from abroad.

Types of Zimbabwe Citizenship

Under the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, there are three main pathways to citizenship:

1. Citizenship by Birth

You are a citizen by birth if:

  • You were born in Zimbabwe and at least one parent is (or was at the time of your birth) a Zimbabwean citizen
  • You were born outside Zimbabwe but at least one parent is (or was) a Zimbabwean citizen

Key point: Citizenship by birth is automatic and cannot be taken away. Even if you acquire another nationality, you remain a Zimbabwean citizen by birth.

2. Citizenship by Descent

You may be entitled to citizenship by descent if:

  • One of your parents was a Zimbabwean citizen at the time of your birth
  • One of your grandparents was a Zimbabwean citizen (in some cases)

You must apply for and be granted citizenship by descent; it is not automatic. Application is made through the Registrar-General or at a Zimbabwe embassy.

3. Citizenship by Registration

Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship by registration if they:

  • Have been married to a Zimbabwean citizen for at least 5 years
  • Have been lawfully resident in Zimbabwe for a continuous period of at least 10 years
  • Are a minor adopted by a Zimbabwean citizen

Applications are submitted to the Minister responsible for citizenship.

Dual Citizenship in Zimbabwe

Dual Citizenship IS Permitted

The 2013 Constitution (Section 42) allows Zimbabwean citizens by birth to hold dual citizenship. This was a significant change from the previous constitution which prohibited dual nationality.

Key Rules for Dual Citizenship

CategoryDual Citizenship?Notes
Citizens by birth YES Can hold another citizenship without losing Zimbabwean citizenship
Citizens by descent CONDITIONAL May be required to renounce other citizenship within a specified period
Citizens by registration USUALLY NO Generally required to renounce previous citizenship
For Zimbabweans in the UK: If you became a British citizen but were born in Zimbabwe (or have a parent born in Zimbabwe), you are still entitled to your Zimbabwean citizenship. Contact your nearest Zimbabwe embassy to confirm your status and obtain a Zimbabwe passport.

How to Register Citizenship from Abroad

If you are abroad and need to register your citizenship (or your child's citizenship), follow these steps:

Step 1

Contact Your Nearest Embassy

Find your nearest Zimbabwe embassy and enquire about the citizenship registration process. Requirements may vary by location.

Step 2

Gather Documents

You typically need: birth certificate, parents' ID documents, proof of parents' Zimbabwean citizenship, passport photos, and a completed application form.

Step 3

Submit Application

Submit your completed application with all supporting documents and fees to the embassy. Some embassies accept mail applications; others require in-person submission.

Step 4

Wait for Processing

Processing can take several weeks to months. The embassy forwards your application to the Registrar-General in Harare. Follow up regularly with your embassy.

Registering Children Born Abroad

If your child is born outside Zimbabwe and at least one parent is a Zimbabwean citizen, you should register the birth with a Zimbabwe embassy. You will need:

  • Child's original birth certificate from the country of birth
  • Both parents' passports or national IDs
  • Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Completed birth registration form (available from the embassy)
  • Passport-sized photographs of the child
  • Registration fee (varies by embassy)

This is an important step that establishes your child's Zimbabwean citizenship and enables them to apply for a Zimbabwe passport in the future.

Full Birth Registration Guide

Renunciation of Citizenship

Under Section 41 of the Constitution, a Zimbabwean citizen may voluntarily renounce citizenship by making a written declaration. However:

  • Renunciation only takes effect if you already hold or are entitled to another citizenship
  • Zimbabwe will not leave you stateless
  • Former citizens may be able to reacquire citizenship later
Important: Renunciation of citizenship is a serious legal step. Seek legal advice before proceeding. Contact your embassy for the formal procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you are a Zimbabwean citizen by birth (born in Zimbabwe or with a parent who was a Zimbabwean citizen), you can hold both a British and Zimbabwean passport. The 2013 Constitution allows dual citizenship for citizens by birth.

Your Zimbabwean citizenship is evidenced by your birth certificate (if born in Zimbabwe), national identity card, or Zimbabwe passport. If you need confirmation of your citizenship status, contact the Registrar-General's office through your nearest embassy.

Yes, children born outside Zimbabwe are citizens by birth if at least one parent is (or was) a Zimbabwean citizen. You should register the birth at your nearest Zimbabwe embassy and apply for a Zimbabwe birth certificate and passport for the child.

If you were a citizen by birth, you may be able to reacquire your citizenship. Contact the Registrar-General's office through your nearest embassy to enquire about the reacquisition process. Each case is assessed individually.

Quick Links

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