Zanzibar Digital Free Zone
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Who Can Join ZDFZ?

Eligibility requirements for digital residency and company formation.

Digital Residency Eligibility

The Zanzibar Digital Free Zone is open to individuals from around the world who meet the following criteria:

✓ Basic Requirements

  • • Be at least 18 years of age
  • • Hold a valid passport or government-issued ID
  • • Have a verified email address
  • • Pass KYC (Know Your Customer) verification

✓ No Restrictions On

  • • Nationality or country of origin
  • • Current country of residence
  • • Business experience level
  • • Industry or business type (see restrictions below)

Countries We Accept

We accept applications from individuals in most countries worldwide. However, applicants must not be included, or related to anyone included, on any United Nations, European Union, or United States Government sanctions lists.

Sanctions Compliance

In accordance with ZDFZ regulations, we cannot accept applications from individuals who are subject to international sanctions. This includes persons listed on:

  • • United Nations Security Council sanctions lists
  • • European Union sanctions lists
  • • United States Government sanctions lists (OFAC)

Eligibility criteria may be amended at any time at the discretion of the Zone authority.

Permitted Business Activities

Companies registered in ZDFZ can engage in a wide range of business activities, including:

✓ Technology and software development
✓ E-commerce and online retail
✓ Digital marketing and advertising
✓ Consulting and professional services
✓ Creative services and design
✓ Educational technology and online learning
✓ Fintech (subject to additional licensing)
✓ Cryptocurrency and blockchain projects
✓ SaaS and cloud services
✓ Media and content creation

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are not permitted in the Zanzibar Digital Free Zone:

✗ Gambling and betting operations
✗ Adult entertainment
✗ Weapons manufacturing or trading
✗ Tobacco products
✗ Unlicensed financial services
✗ Pyramid or Ponzi schemes
✗ Money laundering or illicit finance
✗ Activities illegal under Tanzanian law

Company Formation Requirements

To form a company in ZDFZ, you must first become a digital resident. Once you have your digital residency, you can register a company with:

  • ✓ At least one director - Must be a digital resident
  • ✓ At least one shareholder - Can be an individual or corporate entity
  • ✓ Registered address - Provided by ZDFZ
  • ✓ Company name - Subject to availability and approval

Share Capital must equal the total nominal value of issued shares. 100% foreign ownership is permitted.

KYC Requirements

All applicants must complete our Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process. You will need to provide:

Identity Document

Valid passport, national ID, or driver's license

Proof of Address

Utility bill, bank statement, or official letter (less than 3 months old)

Selfie Verification

Live photo to match your identity document

Ready to apply?

Learn about the application process and fees.

Application Process → View Fees →