Permanent residency in Tanzania

Please note that all information in this article was correct at the time of writing, but is subject to change without notice. This article is intended for use as a guideline only; consult your travel advisor before moving to the country.

General Information

All of the residence permits mentioned below are granted by the Director of Immigration Services. If you are not satisfied with the Director's decision, however, you may appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs (provided that you are still outside the country).

Do note that applications for Zanzibar differ slightly, and sometimes an application to both Tanzania's mainland and Zanzibar are required. In order to find out more information refer to the useful links below.

For the majority of applications, regardless of which class, you are going to have to submit the following:

• Relevant duly filled in and signed forms

• Photocopy of your passport

• 4-5 passport-sized photos

• A cover letter

• In the case of employment:

  • A tax-clearance certificate

  • Organisation chart

  • Employment contract signed by both employer and employee

  • CV (curriculum vitae) of applicant

  • Registration certificates from professional institutions/boards (e.g. medical doctors, lawyers, accountants, pilots, and so on)

  • Evidence of business premises

• Translations of any/all documents that are not written in either English or Swahili

Class A Residence Permit

This type of residence permit is given to investors - people who are bringing financial resources into the country to invest in people or companies, create jobs, and generate wealth. Prospective areas for investment include industry, mining, forest, social services, and business.

The fee for this permit for most applicants is USD$2000 for both the initial application as well as the renewal of the permit.

Class B Residence Permit

You will apply for this type of residence permit if you are a foreigner employed by a local company or institution, and will generate an income from within the country. This type of visa needs to be applied for whilst still outside of the country.

The fee for this permit for most applicants is USD$1500 for both the initial application as well as the renewal of the permit.

Class C Residence Permit

This type of permit is issued to all other foreigners who are entering the country for a prolonged period of time; for example, students, volunteers, family dependents, missionaries, researchers, or retired persons. This type of visa needs to be applied for whilst still outside of the country.

The fee for this permit for most applicants is USD$500 for both the initial application as well as the renewal of the permit.

Useful links:

Work in Tanzania as a Non-Resident
Permits and Registrations
Residence permit application for classes A, B, and C