Welcome to The Zim Gwara
Navigating official processes can be confusing and stressful. Built for Zimbabweans, both at home and abroad, this site was created to provide clear, simple, and practical guides for common tasks in Zimbabwe—from getting a passport to buying a property. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need, all in one easy-to-use place. Learn more about our mission or find your path below.
Community Hub
Document Tracker
See real-world average wait times for official documents, based on user-submitted data.
Community Tips
Read and share practical, real-world tips with other users. Help the community grow!
Service Directory
Find and rate trusted service providers, recommended by the community.
Residential Property Listings
Find rental properties and connect directly with private landlords in the community.
Help Build The Gwara
This resource is powered by you. Every wait time added to the tracker, every practical tip shared, and every service provider rated helps the next Zimbabwean find their path. Your experience is our most valuable asset.
Contribute a Tip →News & Noteworthy
The Ultimate Guide to Property in Zimbabwe
Our most comprehensive resource, covering everything from buying a stand and building a house to renting, legalities, and avoiding common scams. This is the best place to start your property journey.
Read the Ultimate Guide →Explore Our Guides
Apply for a New Zim e-Passport
The complete guide to the online booking and application process for a new passport from within Zimbabwe.
View Guide →Get a National ID Card (New & Replacement)
The process for getting a first-time ID or replacing a lost/old one at the Registrar's office.
View Guide →Register a Private Business Corp. (PBC)
How to formalise your small business in Zimbabwe with the simplest and most popular company structure.
View Guide →Understanding Commercial Leases
An advanced guide for business owners on key clauses to look out for when renting an office or shop.
View Guide →Where to Get Documents Certified
A guide to finding a Commissioner of Oaths at police stations, post offices, and other locations.
View Guide →Get a Police Clearance Certificate
The complete guide to the application process at the ZRP Criminal Records Office for both local and diaspora applicants.
View Guide →How to Get Proof of Residence
A crucial guide explaining the different ways to get a valid proof of residence, a requirement for many official processes.
View Guide →Find Key Govt. Offices
Locate Civil Registry and Companies Registry offices on our interactive map.
View Map →Buy a Residential Stand Safely
How to verify title deeds, avoid scams, and navigate the legal process of purchasing land.
View Guide →Build a House (The Official Process)
From getting your plans approved by the council to obtaining a certificate of occupation.
View Guide →Buy & Sell a House
A guide to the process for both buyers and sellers, including valuations and tax clearance.
View Guide →A Guide to Capital Gains Tax on Property
Understand how ZIMRA calculates Capital Gains Tax when you sell a property and what exemptions are available.
View Guide →A Renter's Guide to a Home
Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, from the lease agreement to the security deposit.
View Guide →A Landlord's Guide to Renting
Learn how to vet tenants, create a solid lease, and handle the legal eviction process.
View Guide →Install Solar Power at Your Home
A guide to the legal requirements, finding a certified installer, and understanding net metering in Zimbabwe.
View Guide →Drill a Borehole Legally
The process for getting the right permits from ZINWA and your local council before you drill.
View Guide →Building Cost Estimator
Get a rough, ballpark estimate of the cost to build a new house based on size and quality.
Use Tool →Open a Bank Account
A guide to the KYC documents you'll need and the difference between a ZWL and a Nostro FCA account.
View Guide →A Beginner's Guide to EcoCash
Learn how to register, send money, pay bills, and cash out using the *151# mobile money menu.
View Guide →Receive Money from Overseas
A comparison of popular services and the documents you need to collect cash remittances.
View Guide →Loans & Credit Cards
An explanation of personal loans, asset-backed lending, and how credit cards work in Zimbabwe.
View Guide →Mortgages (Bonds)
The requirements for getting a mortgage to buy a house, including the need for USD income and a deposit.
View Guide →A Beginner's Guide to Investing on the ZSE
Learn the fundamentals of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, from choosing a stockbroker to making your first trade.
View Guide →ZIMRA Duty Calculator
Estimate the customs duty payable on personal goods you bring into Zimbabwe.
View Tool →PAYE Salary Estimator
Get an estimate of your monthly take-home pay after NSSA, PAYE, and AIDS Levy deductions.
View Tool →Building Cost Estimator
Get a rough, ballpark estimate of the cost to build a new house based on size and quality.
View Tool →Investment Growth Calculator
A simple tool to visualize how your investments could grow over time with the power of compound interest.
View Tool →Useful External Links
Find useful external links to some of the resources we use to create our guides and stay up to date.
View Tool →Interactive Services Map
Find the locations of key government offices, border posts, and other service points.
View Map →Register a Birth
The process for new parents to get their child's first and most essential legal document.
View Guide →Get a Death Certificate
The required steps and documents needed to register a death and handle the deceased's estate.
View Guide →Get a Marriage Certificate
The legal process for giving notice and having a marriage officially registered.
View Guide →The Divorce Process
An overview of the legal steps for both contested and uncontested divorce in Zimbabwe.
View Guide →How to Write a Will in Zimbabwe
A step-by-step guide to creating a legally valid will to protect your family and assets.
View Guide →A Guide to Funeral Policies
An impartial overview of how funeral insurance works in Zimbabwe, what to look for, and how to choose a policy.
View Guide →How to Administer a Deceased Estate
The official process for registering an estate and carrying out the duties of an executor after a loved one has passed.
View Guide →A Guide to Power of Attorney
Understand how to legally appoint someone to manage your affairs in Zimbabwe, a crucial tool for those abroad.
View Guide →How to Set Up a Trust in Zimbabwe
A guide to using a trust for asset protection, estate planning, and caring for your dependents.
View Guide →A Guide to Medical Aid Societies
An impartial overview of how to choose a medical aid plan in Zimbabwe for you and your family.
View Guide →How to Claim Your NSSA Pension
The complete process for claiming your NSSA retirement pension, including eligibility, documents, and where to apply.
View Guide →School Term Dates & Public Holidays 2025
Important dates for your diary 2025.
View Guide →Find Civil Registry Offices
Locate the main offices for registering births, deaths, and marriages.
View Map →Apply for University
A guide for school-leavers on using the ZIMSEC portal and applying to institutions like UZ, NUST, and MSU.
View Guide →Get a NSSA Number
The process of registering with the National Social Security Authority for your pension.
View Guide →Understand Your Payslip
A simple breakdown of common deductions like PAYE, NSSA, and the AIDS Levy.
View Guide →Register as a Taxpayer (ZIMRA)
How to get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to stay tax compliant.
View Guide →Find University Campuses
See the main campus locations for UZ, NUST, and MSU on our interactive map.
View Map →Get a Class 4 License (Car)
From the provisional learner's license to passing your final road test with the VID.
View Guide →Get a Class 2 License (Trucks/Buses)
The requirements for a professional heavy vehicle license, including the DDC and medical exam.
View Guide →Get a Class 3 License (Motorcycles)
A guide to the practical yard test and requirements for a motorcycle license.
View Guide →Get a Defensive Driving Certificate (DDC)
A step-by-step guide on the process, costs, and requirements for getting your DDC from the Traffic Safety Council.
View Guide →Change Ownership of a Used Car
How to safely handle the police clearance and ZIMRA transfer process when buying or selling a vehicle.
View Guide →A Guide to Vehicle Licensing (ZINARA)
The annual process for renewing your vehicle license disc, including costs, required documents, and where to pay.
View Guide →What to Do After a Road Accident
A legal and insurance guide on the essential steps to take after an accident, from the scene to the claim.
View Guide →Convert a Foreign Driver's License
A guide for returning residents on how to convert a valid foreign license to a Zimbabwean license at the VID.
View Guide →Find VID Centers
Locate the main Vehicle Inspection Department depots in Harare and Bulawayo.
View Map →Get an Electricity Connection
A guide to the ZETDC application process, pre-paid meters, and buying electricity tokens.
View Guide →Get a Municipal Water Connection
How to open an account with your local council and understand your monthly rates and water bill.
View Guide →Get Internet & Mobile Services
A breakdown of the main providers for mobile data and home internet (Fibre/ADSL).
View Guide →Get Starlink Satellite Internet
A guide to the legal status, ordering process, and self-installation of Starlink in Zimbabwe.
View Guide →Find Utility Offices
See the main ZETDC and ZINWA office locations on our interactive map.
View Map →Renew a Zim Passport in South Africa
The complete process for applying for a new e-passport at the consulate in South Africa (for diaspora).
View Guide →Driving Through a Border Post
A guide to the documents and processes for crossing Zimbabwe's land borders with a private vehicle.
View Guide →Clear Personal Goods at the Border
Understand ZIMRA customs, duties, and the traveller's rebate for goods bought in South Africa.
View Guide →Apply for a UK Visa
A step-by-step guide to the UK visa process from Zimbabwe, covering the online application, VFS appointments, and required documents.
View Guide →Apply for a US Visa
The complete process for the US non-immigrant visa, from the DS-160 form to preparing for the in-person interview.
View Guide →Apply for a Canadian Visa
A guide to the Canadian visa application, including the IRCC portal, required documents, and biometrics at VFS Global.
View Guide →Apply for an Australian Visa
Our guide to the Australian visa process, covering the ImmiAccount, the GTE requirement, and biometrics.
View Guide →Apply for a New Zealand Visa
The full process for a New Zealand visa, from the RealMe login to submitting documents at VFS Global in Harare.
View Guide →Import a Car from the UK
A step-by-step guide to the shipping, customs, and ZIMRA duty process for UK vehicle imports.
View Guide →Navigating the Airport
A guide to arrivals, departures, and parking for domestic and international flights.
View Guide →Get a Birth Certificate from Abroad
A guide for Zimbabweans in the diaspora on how to apply for a birth certificate from outside the country.
View Guide →Diaspora Guide to Buying Property
How to safely invest in property back home, covering legal representation and avoiding common scams.
View Guide →Repatriate a Deceased Relative
A guide on the process of repatriating the remains of a deceased relative back to Zimbabwe.
View Guide →Shipping a Barrel or Groceries Home
A guide for Zimbabweans in the diaspora on how to ship a barrel, box, or groceries home.
View Guide →Find Airports & Border Posts
See the locations of major airports and the Beitbridge Border Post on our interactive map.
View Map →Guide of the Month
Our complete guide to applying for, renewing, or replacing a Zimbabwean e-Passport, both for locals and the diaspora.
Read the Guide →