Sending a Loved One's Belongings and Estate Back to Zimbabwe: Customs, Legal Process and Practical Steps

When a Zimbabwean passes away in the UK, the practical and legal work that follows can feel overwhelming — particularly when it comes to sending personal belongings back to Zimbabwe and dealing with an estate that may span two countries. Understanding the process clearly can save families significant time, money, and distress. ## Returning Personal Belongings with the Deceased If the deceased is being repatriated to Zimbabwe, the most practical approach is to arrange for personal belongings to travel alongside the body. Reputable repatriation services such as Rowland Brothers International, Mears Repatriation, and Homeland International all offer assistance with the return of luggage and personal effects as part of their repatriation packages. Costs for UK-to-Zimbabwe repatriation start from around £2,300 to £4,110 depending on the provider, the weight of the deceased, and whether remains are flying into Harare International Airport. For families who are not present at the time of death, personal belongings found on the deceased are typically handed to the police. If a repatriation company is instructed, they can liaise with the relevant authorities to collect those items and arrange for them to travel with the deceased. If there is an ongoing investigation into the death, clothing or specific items may be retained as evidence and will not be released until court proceedings conclude. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) does not cover the cost of returning personal belongings and does not intervene in the process — families must make their own arrangements. ## Shipping Belongings Separately Where belongings need to be shipped independently — for example, furniture, household goods, or larger personal effects — families typically use international freight or courier services. Items being sent to Zimbabwe as part of a deceased person's estate may qualify for duty relief under Zimbabwe's customs regulations, though this is subject to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) approval and typically requires documentation proving the goods belonged to the deceased. Families should engage a clearing agent in Zimbabwe to handle the customs declaration process at the Harare end. It is advisable to compile a detailed inventory of all items being shipped, supported by photographs where possible, along with a copy of the death certificate. This documentation helps prevent delays at Zimbabwean customs and protects the family if any disputes arise. ## Dealing with the Estate: UK and Zimbabwe Legal Considerations Estates with assets in both countries require navigating two separate legal systems. **In the UK**, if the deceased was domiciled in Zimbabwe (i.e., they regarded Zimbabwe as their permanent home), UK inheritance tax generally applies only to UK-based assets. Assets held in Zimbabwe are subject to Zimbabwean law. UK-based assets — including bank accounts, property, or investments — must go through UK probate before they can be transferred or liquidated. **In Zimbabwe**, the Administration of Estates Act governs how deceased estates are administered. If the person died with a valid will, the executor named in the will applies to the Master of the High Court to have the will accepted and to obtain Letters of Administration. If there is no will, the estate is distributed according to Zimbabwe's intestate succession laws, which prioritise the surviving spouse and children. Zimbabwe's 2013 Constitution enshrined gender equality and non-discrimination, and the law formally protects widows and children from being disinherited. Surviving spouses and children are legally entitled to inherit from the deceased's estate. However, practical enforcement of these rights — particularly for women in unregistered customary unions — can remain challenging. Women without formal marriage certificates may face significant hurdles in court and may need to provide affidavits or testimony from the deceased's relatives to establish their relationship. The Legal Resources Foundation Zimbabwe offers free legal assistance and can be reached on their toll-free helpline: 08080402. ## Appointing a Zimbabwean Lawyer For UK-based families dealing with an estate in Zimbabwe, appointing a Zimbabwean lawyer is strongly recommended. The FCDO maintains a list of English-speaking lawyers in Zimbabwe. A lawyer can register the estate with the Master of the High Court, deal with ZIMRA on tax matters, and ensure that assets — whether property, bank accounts, or business interests — are properly distributed to the rightful heirs. This is particularly important where extended family disputes or customary inheritance claims may arise. ## Transferring Money Out of Zimbabwe Once an estate is wound up in Zimbabwe, transferring funds to the UK requires approval through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the deceased's Zimbabwean bank. Foreign currency transfers from Zimbabwe remain subject to exchange control regulations, and delays are common. A local lawyer or registered bank can guide families through the formal application process. ## Key Documents to Have Ready To manage both the shipping of belongings and the estate process smoothly, families should gather the following as early as possible: - Original and certified copies of the death certificate (UK-issued) - The deceased's passport - Any existing will - Marriage certificate (if applicable) - Proof of ownership for key assets (property deeds, bank statements, vehicle registration) - A detailed inventory of personal belongings being shipped Dealing with a loved one's estate across two countries is never simple, but having the right professionals on both sides — a UK solicitor familiar with cross-border estates and a Zimbabwean lawyer registered with the Law Society of Zimbabwe — makes the process significantly more manageable.