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Zambia Tax Rates

Zambia operates a progressive personal income tax system with rates up to 37.5%. The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) administers the system, featuring a 30% corporate tax rate, 16% VAT, and property transfer tax. Zambia is Africa's second-largest copper producer, with mining as the cornerstone of its economy.

ProgressiveAfricaZMW

Top Income Tax Rate

37.5%

Corporate Tax Rate

30%

VAT / Sales Tax

16%

Capital Gains Tax

0%

Income Tax Brackets

Zambia levies progressive income tax with rates from 0% to 37.5%. The first ZMW 57,600 annually is tax-free. Employment income is taxed through PAYE. Non-residents are taxed on Zambian-sourced income at applicable rates.

Income RangeTax Rate
ZK 0 – ZK 58K0%
ZK 58K – ZK 82K20%
ZK 82K – ZK 106K30%
ZK 106K+37.5%

Corporate Tax

The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. Mining companies pay 30% on profits. Farming income is taxed at 10%. Turnover tax of 4% applies to businesses with turnover below ZMW 800,000. Companies listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange enjoy a 2% discount.

Standard Rate

30%

Capital Gains Tax

Zambia does not impose a capital gains tax. However, a property transfer tax of 5% applies to the transfer of land, shares, and mining rights.

Rate

0%

VAT / Sales Tax

VAT is levied at 16% on most goods and services. Essential goods, healthcare, and education are exempt or zero-rated. Registration is mandatory for businesses with taxable supplies exceeding ZMW 800,000.

Standard Rate

16%

Cryptocurrency Tax

Zambia does not have specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Bank of Zambia has warned against crypto but has not banned it. The Securities and Exchange Commission has been studying regulatory options.

No crypto taxTreatment: Not specifically regulated

Tax Treaties

Zambia has approximately 22 double taxation agreements.

Treaty Network

22

Double taxation agreements

Major treaty partners:

South AfricaUnited KingdomGermanyNetherlandsIndiaCanadaJapanChinaIrelandDenmark

Key Details

Tax AuthorityZambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Fiscal YearJanuary 1 - December 31
Tax SystemProgressive
CurrencyZambian Kwacha (ZK)
Filing DeadlineJune 21 of the following year
Residency RuleAn individual is resident if they are ordinarily resident in Zambia or present for more than 183 days in a tax year.
Last Updated2026-01-28

Relocate to Zambia

See how much you could save by moving here from your current country.

Annual Savings

+$9K

Tax in United States

$24K

24.4% effective

Tax in Zambia

$15K

15.3% effective

You Save

37.1%

less tax annually

US Citizens: Important Note

US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. You'll still need to file US taxes, though the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit may reduce your liability.

Zambia Tax FAQ

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