📦 Zanzibar Buyer's Toolkit
6 tools included with your brief – no downloads needed, all interactive.
✅ ZIPA Approval Checker
Is the property legally eligible for foreign ownership? Answer 3 questions.
💰 True Cost Calculator
See the real total – beyond the sticker price.
📋 Due Diligence Tracker
Check off each step before you commit.
Legal: Verify leasehold registration
Legal: Check for encumbrances/liens
Financial: Review 3 years of statements
Financial: Confirm tax compliance
Physical: Boundary survey & building condition
Operational: Review tenant/management contracts
⬜ 0/6 completed
⚖️ Lawyer Scorecard
Ask these 5 questions before hiring.
"How many foreign property transactions have you closed?"
"Can you provide references from foreign clients?"
"Do you have a physical office in Zanzibar?"
"Is your fee fixed or hourly? (fixed is safer)"
"Will you check ZIPA compliance and lease terms?"
✅ Red flag: If they suggest nominee structures or sham marriages → walk away.
🏠 Leasehold vs Freehold
What foreigners can actually get in Zanzibar.
| Freehold | Leasehold | |
|---|---|---|
| Available to foreigners? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (33–99 yrs) |
| Own the land? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Renewal guaranteed? | N/A | ⚠️ No – requires approval |
| Resale ease | High | Medium (buyer approval needed) |
| Risk of govt revocation | Low (but possible) | Higher (public interest clause) |
Bottom line: Leasehold is your only legal path – protect it with the Business Purchase Strategy.
🛂 Residency Pathway
Buying property ≠ right to live there. Here are the legal routes.
🏡 Property route: Buy $100k+ in ZIPA project → apply for Class C residence (no guarantee)
💼 Business investor route: Invest ~$2.5M as sole shareholder → Class A permit (approved)
🤝 Local partner route: Invest ~$600k with local partner (minority shares) → tied to business activity
📋 Employment/other: Work permit or retirement visa – not automatic through property
⚠️ All routes require annual renewal and tax compliance. Always consult a Zanzibar immigration lawyer.