Residency and Work Permits in Tanzania

Welcome to your one-stop guide for understanding Tanzania's residency and work permit requirements! Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, or simply yearning for a life under the Tanzanian sun, this guide will equip you with the essential information.

Who Needs a Residence Permit?

Foreigners planning to reside in Tanzania for more than simply visiting will require a Residence Permit. Here's a breakdown of the three main permit categories:

• Class A: This permit caters to foreign individuals employed within the country.

• Class B: This permit is issued to foreign employees sponsored by companies or institutions registered in Tanzania.

• Class C: This category is for foreign nationals residing in Tanzania for purposes other than employment, such as missionaries, students, volunteers, researchers, or retirees.

The official Immigration Services Director holds the authority to approve residence permits. Applicants outside Tanzania who disagree with the Director's decision can appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Note! Applications for Residence Permit Classes B and C should be submitted from outside the country.

Tanzania Residence Permit Issuance Statuses Explained

These statuses help categorize applicants and streamline decision-making by Immigration Officers.

Class A Residence Permit

Tanzania's Class A residence permit allowsself-employment in sectors like investment, agriculture, professional services, manufacturing, and hospitality. Applications can be submitted electronically through immigration offices, the Tanzania Investment Centre, or relevant investment promotion authorities.

Class A Residence Permit Requirements

• Online application & letter: Completed application and cover letter.

• Valid Passport & Photos: Passport (valid for 6+ months) with standard and large photos.

• Work Permit: Issued by the Labour Commissioner.

• Business Registration:

• Certificates from relevant regulatory authorities (if needed).

• Investment incentive certificate (if registered with TIC, ZIPA, or EPZA).

• Company Documents:

• Board resolution appointing the applicant as director (if not a founding director).

• Memorandum & Articles of Association (or extract showing shareholders, share distribution, and capital).

• Certificate of incorporation, compliance, business name registration, or name change certificate.

• Tax & Financial Documents:

• Valid business license, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate, tax clearance certificate, and tax payment slips.

• Location Documents: Lease agreement or Certificate of Occupancy.

• Additional Documents (if applicable): List of company assets and Physical Verification Visit Report (PVV).

• Financial Information (if applicable): Current company bank statement.

Class B Residence Permit

Tanzania's Class B Residence Permit grants residency to foreign workers with specialized skills currently scarce in the country. This includes professionals employed for specific roles by a single company or those involved in critical government or private sector projects. Notably, applications must be submitted before the worker arrives in Tanzania.

Class B Residence Permit Requirements (FG, SG, RT, RG1, RG2 & RPL)

• Online Application & Letter: Completed online application and cover letter.

• Valid Passport & Photos: Passport (valid for 6+ months) with standard and large photos.

• Work Permit: Issued by the Labour Commissioner.

• Employment Documents:

• Covering letter from the employer.

• Employee's CV.

• Certified copies of academic certificates. (if applicable)

• Official translations (for non-English/Swahili documents).

• Job description for the position.

• Employment contract.

• Previous Class B permit (for renewals/replacements).

• Company Documents:

• Organization structure.

• Business license.

• Memorandum & Articles of Association (or extract showing shareholders, share distribution, and capital).

• Certificate of incorporation/compliance/business name registration/name change certificate.

• Letter of no objection (if changing employers).

• Tax Documents:

• Tax clearance certificate.

• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificate.

• Professional Registration (if applicable):

• Registration certificates from relevant professional boards (e.g., NBAA, ERB, PSPTB, medical council, etc.).

Note: This list covers various Class B permit categories (FG, SG, RT, RG1, RG2 & RPL). Specific requirements may vary.

Class C Residence Permit

Tanzania's Class C Residence Permit caters to foreigners ineligible for work permits (Class A & B). It grants residency to researchers, retirees, missionaries, individuals seeking medical treatment, volunteers, interns, and even those involved in court cases. Notably, applications are required before arrival except for retirees and those finalizing business in Tanzania.

Class C Residence Permit Requirements (FG, SG, RT, RG1, RG2 & RPL)

General Documents (all applicants):

• Completed online application & cover letter (from institution if applicable).
• Valid passport (valid for 6+ months) with photos.
• Academic certificates (if applicable) with official translations (if needed).
• Previous Class C permit (for renewals/replacements).
• Letter of No Objection (changing institutions).
• Tax documents (clearance certificate & TIN certificate).

Additional Documents (by category):

• Intern Student: Approval letter from the host institution, sponsorship/scholarship proof, education ministry approval letter, Physical Verification Visit Report (PVV - if needed).

• Volunteer: Volunteer contract, job description, NGO activity evidence, organization constitution, Physical Verification Visit Report (PVV - if needed).

• Missionary: Job description, relevant professional registration certificate (ERB, teaching license, medical board, NBAA), ordination certificate (priests), volunteer contract (missionary volunteers), Physical Verification Visit Report (PVV - if needed).

• Retired Person: Retirement benefits proof, surrendered previous permit, retirement letter, proof of residence.

• Sick Person: Medical evidence from a government hospital, proof of host status (local/foreigner).

• Court Participant: Evidence of court case, passport copy, application forms.

• Researcher: Research permit from COSTECH, CV, academic certificates, introduction letter from university/college/institute.

Note: This list covers various Class C permit categories (FG, SG, RT, RG1, RG2 & RPL). Specific requirements may vary.

How to Apply for a Residence Permit:

Tanzania offers a convenient online application system for residence permits! Here's a simplified overview of the process:

• Prepare Your Application

Before starting the online application, gather all the necessary documents required for your chosen residence permit class. Ensure that any documents in languages other than English are translated and certified by authorized authorities. Familiarize yourself with the Tanzania Residence Permit Guidelines to understand the eligibility criteria and specific requirements.

• Create an Online Account and Fill the Application Form

Visit the Tanzania e-Immigration portal and create an online account using your email address, phone numbers, and a strong password. Once your account is created, log in and start filling out the online application form. Provide accurate and complete information about yourself, your employer, and your intended stay in Tanzania.

• Upload Required Documents and Pay Fees

After completing the Tanzania visa application form, upload all the required documents in the specified format. These documents may include your passport, visa, medical certificate, police clearance certificate, and employment contract. Once the documents are uploaded, you will be required to pay the non-refundable application processing fee.

• Attend Enrollment and Interview (If Required)

Upon successful payment, you will receive a Residence Permit Enrolment Notification. This notification will require you to visit the nearest Immigration Office to undergo biometric enrollment, including fingerprint and photo capture. In some cases, the Immigration Department may request an interview to further assess your application.

• Collect Your Residence Permit

You will then receive a notification informing you about the collection of your residence permit. You can collect your Residence Permit at the relevant location:

• Regional Immigration Office where your company is located
• Immigration Headquarters
• Immigration Head Office Zanzibar
• Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)
• Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA)
• Tanzania Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA)

Work Permits

If you're seeking employment in Tanzania, you'll typically need a Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Youth Development. Your employer usually obtains this on your behalf. However, it's important to be familiar with the process:

• Employer responsibilities: Your Tanzanian employer will initiate the work permit application process by submitting relevant documentation to the Ministry of Labour.

• Required documents for Work Permit: These typically include your qualifications, a detailed job description, proof of your experience, and a letter from your employer requesting the work permit.

• Processing Time: Work permit processing times can vary, so plan accordingly.

Important Notes

• This guide offers a general overview of Tanzanian residence and work permits. Rules and procedures may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most current and accurate details, consult the official Residence Permit Guidelines or contact your home country's Tanzanian embassy or consulate directly.
• Visa requirements for entering Tanzania might be separate from residence permits. Ensure you have the appropriate Tanzania visa before traveling to Tanzania.
• Immigration processes can take time. Plan accordingly and submit your application well before your desired arrival date.

Conclusion

For foreign workers seeking employment in Tanzania, understanding the work permit requirements and application process is essential. Employers and employees should collaborate to ensure they're applying for the right Tanzanian Visa Type and gather all necessary Documents. This promotes a smooth and compliant application process. Additionally, considering the associated Fees and Processing Times for work permits in Tanzania is crucial for successful planning and securing employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Tanzania while I wait for my residence permit application to be processed?

In most cases, yes! You'll likely need a separate visa to enter Tanzania while your residence permit is being processed. Double-check visa requirements with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

I'm a digital nomad, can I get a residence permit in Tanzania?

Potentially! Class A Residence Permits allow for self-employment in certain sectors. Research the specific requirements and consult with the official immigration authorities to see if your digital nomad work aligns with their classifications.

How long does a work permit typically take to process?

Work permit processing timelines can fluctuate, so planning in advance is crucial. Give yourself ample time by starting the application process well before your desired start date in Tanzania.

If I change jobs in Tanzania, will I need a new work permit?

It depends! The type of residence permit you hold (Class A, B, or C) and the change in your employment will determine if a new work permit is necessary. 

Can I extend my residence permit once it expires?

Generally, you can extend your residence permit when it expires in Tanzania. Renewal procedures and required documents can vary depending on your permit class. Check the official immigration website or contact them directly for the latest information.

Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in November 2024, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.