Zimbabwe Citizenship Services in the UK

Information about Zimbabwe citizenship services, birth registration abroad, and citizenship status verification.

Birth Registration

Children born outside Zimbabwe to Zimbabwean citizens can be registered with Zimbabwe through a process called "Notice of Birth" using Form BD3.

Who Can Register:

  • Children born in the UK to at least one Zimbabwean parent
  • Both parents should ideally be present during registration
  • Registration establishes the child's Zimbabwean citizenship by descent

Required Documents:

  • Completed BD3 Form (Notice of Birth) - available from the embassy
  • Child's original UK birth certificate (with apostille from UK authorities)
  • Parents' Zimbabwean birth certificates
  • Parents' Zimbabwe national ID cards
  • Parents' marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Parents' passports
  • Processing fee of approximately £40
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope (if documents need to be returned by mail)

Process:

  1. Obtain form BD3 from the embassy
  2. Get UK birth certificate authenticated (apostilled) by the UK authorities
  3. Complete the form and gather all required documents
  4. Submit in person at the embassy (both parents should be available)
  5. Pay the required fee
  6. The embassy forwards the application to the Registrar General's Office in Harare
  7. Once processed, a Zimbabwean birth certificate will be issued

Note: The embassy prepares the application, but the actual birth registration happens at the Central Registry in Harare. You may need a representative in Zimbabwe to follow up or collect the birth certificate.

Citizenship by Descent

Zimbabwe citizenship by descent applies to children born outside Zimbabwe to a Zimbabwean citizen parent.

Eligibility:

  • Born outside Zimbabwe
  • At least one parent is a Zimbabwean citizen
  • Birth is properly registered with Zimbabwean authorities

Process to Confirm Citizenship:

  1. Register the birth with the embassy using form BD3 (as described above)
  2. Once the Zimbabwean birth certificate is obtained, apply for a Zimbabwean passport
  3. For those over 16, obtain a Zimbabwe National ID card (typically must be done in Zimbabwe)

Dual Citizenship

Under the current Zimbabwe Constitution (2013), dual citizenship is permitted for citizens by birth. However, the situation can be complex depending on individual circumstances.

Current Status:

  • Citizens by birth: May hold dual citizenship
  • Citizens by descent: The situation is more complex and may require legal consultation
  • Citizens by registration: Generally cannot hold dual citizenship

The embassy can provide general guidance but cannot offer definitive legal advice on dual citizenship matters. For official clarification, you may need to contact the Department of Immigration or the Registrar General's Office in Zimbabwe.

Citizenship Certificate

A citizenship certificate may be required for those who became citizens through registration or for citizens by descent in some cases.

When a Certificate is Needed:

  • To confirm citizenship status for those born outside Zimbabwe
  • When applying for certain government services in Zimbabwe
  • To establish citizenship rights if status is unclear

Application Process:

Applications for citizenship certificates must be made to the Registrar General's Office in Zimbabwe. While the embassy can provide information and forms, the actual processing happens in Zimbabwe.

Required documents typically include:

  • Completed application form
  • Birth certificate (Zimbabwean or foreign with translation if needed)
  • Parents' Zimbabwean documents (birth certificates, IDs)
  • Proof of residency
  • Photos
  • Application fee

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, children born in the UK to Zimbabwean parents are eligible for Zimbabwean citizenship by descent. To formalize this, you need to register the birth with the Zimbabwe embassy using form BD3 (Notice of Birth). Once registered, they will receive a Zimbabwean birth certificate, confirming their citizenship status.

No, only one parent needs to be a Zimbabwean citizen for the child to qualify for citizenship by descent. However, when registering the birth, it's preferable for both parents to be present at the embassy. If one parent cannot attend, additional documentation may be required.

Under the 2013 Constitution, Zimbabwean citizens by birth can hold dual citizenship. Citizens by descent or registration have more restrictions. If you were born in Zimbabwe, you can generally hold both British and Zimbabwean citizenship. However, those who became Zimbabwean citizens through descent or registration may face limitations. As citizenship laws can be complex, consulting with a legal expert is recommended for your specific situation.

The embassy processes the birth registration application relatively quickly (usually within a week). However, the complete process, including issuance of the Zimbabwean birth certificate by the Registrar General's Office in Harare, can take several months. Having a representative in Zimbabwe to follow up can help expedite the process.

Yes, it is possible to formally renounce Zimbabwean citizenship. This process involves submitting a declaration of renunciation to the Minister of Home Affairs through the Registrar General's Office in Zimbabwe. The embassy can provide general guidance, but the actual renunciation process must be completed in Zimbabwe. There are fees involved, and once renounced, regaining Zimbabwean citizenship can be difficult.

Contact for Citizenship Inquiries

For specific inquiries about citizenship services, please contact:

  • Email: zimlondon@zimfa.gov.zw
  • Phone: +44 20 7836 7755
  • In person: Visit the Consular Section during operating hours (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday)