Objectives of EPZA

Creating and expanding foreign exchange earnings attracting and encouraging the transfer of new technology attracting and promoting investment for export-led industrialization

Create and expand employment and skilled labor development Foster links between the local economy and the international market

To improve international competitiveness, encourage the processing of local raw materials for export (value addition).

Eligibility Criteria for EPZ Licensing

• New Investment
• Local investors must have a minimum annual export turnover of $100,000, while foreign investors must have a minimum annual export turnover of $500,000.
• At least 80% of the goods produced must be exported.

Tax Incentives

• Access to the export credit guarantee scheme is subject to compliance with applicable conditions and procedures.
• Remission of customs duty, Value Added Tax, and any other tax levied on raw materials and capital goods produced in Export Processing Zones
• Exemption from corporate tax for the first ten years, after which a corporate tax at the rate specified in the Income Tax Act will be charged;
• Exemption from withholding tax on rent, dividends, and interests for the first ten years;
• Exemption from all taxes and levies imposed by local government authorities for products produced in the Export Processing Zones for a period of ten years;
• Exemption from pre-shipment tax
• Customs inspection of goods on-site in export processing zones
• Provision of a business visa at the point of entry to key technical, management, and training staff for a maximum of two months; thereafter, the requirements for obtaining a residence permit under the Immigration Act shall apply;
• Entitlement to an initial automatic immigrant quota of up to five people during the startup period; thereafter, any application for an extra person shall be submitted to the Authority, which shall, in consultation with the Immigration Departments visa at the point of entry to key technical, management, and training staff for a maximum of two months; thereafter, the requirements for obtaining a residence permit under the Immigration Act shall apply;
• Access to competitive, modern, and dependable services within Special Economic Zones
• Unconditional transferability in freely convertible currency through any authorized dealer bank of:
• Net profits or dividends attributable to the investment
• Payments in respect of loan servicing where a foreign loan has been obtained
• Royalties, fees, and charges in respect of any technology transfer agreement
• The remittance of proceeds (net of all taxes and other obligations) in the event of sale or liquidation of the business enterprises or any interest attrition