Dual Citizenship — Zimbabwe and the UK

A critical question for many Zimbabweans in the UK: can you hold both British and Zimbabwean citizenship? Zimbabwe's position: The 2013 Constitution permits dual citizenship for Zimbabwean citizens by birth. This means if you were born in Zimbabwe to Zimbabwean parents (or qualify as a citizen by birth under the constitution), you can acquire British citizenship without losing your Zimbabwean nationality. This was confirmed in the landmark court case Mutumwa Dziva Mawere v The Registrar General. However, dual citizenship is NOT permitted for those who are Zimbabwean citizens by registration or by descent only (not by birth). If you fall into these categories, acquiring another nationality may result in losing your Zimbabwean citizenship. The UK's position: The UK has no restrictions on dual citizenship. You can be both British and Zimbabwean simultaneously. You are not required to renounce any nationality when becoming British. Practical considerations: - You should enter the UK on your British passport and enter Zimbabwe on your Zimbabwean passport - Renewing Zimbabwean documents (passport, ID) from the UK is done through the Zimbabwe Embassy in London at 332 Strand, WC2R 1JE - Zimbabwean passport renewal from London can take several months and costs vary - Your children born in the UK to a Zimbabwean parent should be registered with the Zimbabwe Embassy to preserve their Zimbabwean citizenship rights