This guide will help you understand 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 everything you need.
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 is for 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 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.
Tanzania Residence Permit Issuance Statuses Explained
These statuses help categorise applicants and streamline decision-making by Immigration Officers.
Status
Description
First Grant (FG)
Initial application for a residence permit
Returnee (RT)
Returning to a previous employer/institution after an absence
Second Grant (SG)
Changing permit category within the same company/institution
Replacement (RPL)
Renewing an expired residence permit
Re-Grant 1 (RG1)
Changing employers within the same residence class
Re-Grant 2 (RG2)
Changing both employer and residence class
Class A Residence Permit
Tanzania's Class A residence permit allows self-employment in sectors such as investment, agriculture, professional services, manufacturing, and hospitality.
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.
Investment incentive certificate.
Company Documents:
Board resolution appointing the applicant as director.
Memorandum & Articles of Association.
Certificate of incorporation, compliance, business name registration, or name change certificate.
Tax & Financial Documents: Valid business license, Taxpayer Identification Number certificate, tax clearance certificate, and tax payment slips.
Location Documents: Lease agreement or Certificate of Occupancy.
Additional Documents: List of company assets and Physical Verification Visit Report.
Financial Information: Current company bank statement.
Class B Residence Permit
Tanzania's Class B Residence Permit grants residency to foreign workers with specialised skills currently in short supply in the country. Notably, applications must be submitted before the worker arrives in Tanzania.
Class B Residence Permit Requirements
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.
Official translations.
Job description for the position.
Employment contract.
Previous Class B permit.
Company Documents:
Organisation structure.
Business license.
Memorandum & Articles of Association.
Certificate of incorporation/compliance/business name registration/name change certificate.
Letter of no objection.
Tax Documents:
Tax clearance certificate.
Taxpayer Identification Number certificate.
Professional Registration.
Registration certificates from relevant professional boards.
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
General Documents (all applicants):
Completed online application & cover letter.
Valid passport (valid for 6 months) with photos.
Academic certificates with official translations.
Previous Class C permit.
Letter of No Objection.
Tax documents.
Additional Documents:
Intern Student: Approval letter from the host institution, sponsorship/scholarship proof, education ministry approval letter, and Physical Verification Visit Report.
Retired Person: Retirement benefits proof, surrendered previous permit, retirement letter, and proof of residence.
Sick Person: Medical evidence from a government hospital, proof of host status.
Court Participant: Evidence of the court case, passport copy, and application forms.
Researcher: Research permit from COSTECH, CV, academic certificates, and an introduction letter from the 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 authorised authorities.
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. Once the documents are uploaded, you will be required to pay the application processing fee.
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.
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 will 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 essential 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 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 an overview of Tanzanian residence and work permits. Rules and procedures are subject to change. To ensure you have the most current and accurate details, contact your home country's Tanzanian embassy or consulate directly.
Visa requirements for entering Tanzania may differ from those for a residence permit. Ensure you have the appropriate visa for Tanzania before travelling.
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.
Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2026, we recommend verifying with the relevant agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure the accuracy of your travel plans.
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Start Your Tanzania eVisa
Fill out the Tanzania eVisa application form online with your passport details.
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