Travel tip: Is snow birding from Zimbabwe possible?
The Zimbabwean diaspora grew exponentially from starting from the 1993 drought and has continued to grow with each coming year. As the first group has begun approaching retirement, interest in planning to spend extended periods of time in retirement has grown.
Snow birding is the act of migrating between countries in search of favorable weather on an annual basis. Those who live in colder climates may choose to spend their winters in Zimbabwe and return to their colder climates during the warmer seasons. This is favorable to full-term migration if one has relatives, close friends and community in the other country. It is also a consideration if you have a restrictive pension, that requires residency, or ongoing business interests.
The most common question we get is around residency status. Zimbabwe since 2013, Zimbabweans by BIRTH have been allowed to hold dual nationality, all others have to apply and may be denied. One does not need to be a citizen to reside in a country, or do business, but they do need to have the appropriate residency documents. Citizenship is easier, as it allows you the freedom to engage in all activities.
Residency enquiries are best made at the Zimbabwean embassy of the country in which you reside, prior to arriving in Zimbabwe. This is because on arrival, only short-term visitor visa’s are allowed, however different types of visas can be applied for in advance from the embassy.
Healthcare is another concern. Most Zimbabwean pharmacies can provide the equivalent prescription medication that you may be currently using. It’s recommended to connect with a pharmacy, prior to arriving in Zimbabwe to confirm availability.
Healthcare plans are available for short-term residents, but it’s also recommended that you enlist the services of a private doctor, or family physician, who you can work with on a regular basis. They will be able to provide you with your medical information that you can take back to your doctor in your other country of residence.
Dentistry, chiro, massage and other specialty services are broadly available in most larger Zimbabwean cities. Your doctor will be able to connect you to other specialists as necessary.
Income is by far the most commonly asked question. Contact us to discuss your specific financial situation and how to create an income strategy that works for you and your family to spend extended periods of time in Zimbabwe.
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