Comprehensive Guidelines for Returning Residents to Zimbabwe

Returning to Zimbabwe after residing abroad can be a complex process, especially with clearing your goods through customs. This guideline provides comprehensive instructions for Zimbabwe residents planning to return and use the "Returning Resident Rebate" scheme to clear their goods.

It is crucial to inform us in advance of your intended dates for returning to Zimbabwe. This allows us to adequately prepare and ensure a smooth customs clearance process.

We require a detailed list of all the goods you plan to take back home. This list helps in preparing the necessary documentation and determining any duties or taxes applicable for goods that do not qualify for RRR scheme.

If you need a quotation for your move, it is compulsory that you provide the dimensions of your packages. Accurate dimensions are essential for calculating shipping costs and ensuring your goods are properly accommodated.

NB: If you are Sydney, we can come to your place, measure your stuff and give you a more accurate quotation, however this service chargeable.

For furniture items such as sofas, dining room tables, chairs, lawn mowers, and bicycles, please provide pictures. Visual references assist in the accurate categorization and handling of your items.

Please note that a container typically takes about 3 months to reach Zimbabwe. Ensure you will be in Zimbabwe when the container arrives to facilitate the timely collection and customs clearance of your goods.

You must use a Zimbabwean passport when traveling from Australia to Zimbabwe. An Australian passport cannot be used for this purpose. Upon arrival in Zimbabwe, it is important to get your passport stamped by immigration to indicate your status as a returning resident. 

NB: If you are an Australian citizen, please call migration and inform them that you will be using a Zimbabwean passport to travel to Zimbabwe. 

Vehicles will be cleared at the Mutare, Forbes border post. Clients will need to travel to the Forbes border post to pick up their vehicles. The Vehicle being cleared will require a CBCA certificate; this certificate is chargeable.

Applying for Returning Resident Rebate 

Our office will help you apply for Returning Resident Rebate from ZIMRA, this is your responsible and you need to ensure it issued in advance before the container reaches Zimbabwe. Part of the process will be to attend a Returning Resident interview at the Forbes Border Post. 

Clients can choose between booking a whole 40ft container or a 20ft container. The choice depends on the volume of goods being transported. Due to the falling Australian dollar, the charges for a 40ft container range from AUD25,000 to AUD35,000.

If you are on a budget, you can opt for a communal container. In this case, charges will be based on the size of the goods being sent, offering a more cost-effective solution.

Shipping a vehicle start from AUD7500, (from Sydney) depending on the size. This charge includes the purchase of timber and the construction of a platform to accommodate the vehicle during transport.

The documentation required by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for customs clearance is attached to this guideline. Ensure all paperwork is completed accurately to avoid delays.

Detailed vehicle requirements are also attached to this guideline. Please review these requirements carefully to ensure your vehicle meets all criteria for customs clearance.

The 10-year vehicle rule does not apply to the "Returning Resident Rebate" scheme. Therefore, you can import vehicles older than ten years under this scheme.

We hope this guideline provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in returning to Zimbabwe and using the "Returning Resident Rebate" scheme for customs clearance. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.