🇹🇿map Tanzania [Residency]

Overview

Tanzania blends Indian Ocean coastlines with world‑class wildlife and a warm, Swahili-speaking culture. For most travelers, the entry process is straightforward: many nationalities can apply for an eVisa online before arrival, and some are eligible for visas on arrival at major airports and land borders. Expect common visa categories like Ordinary (tourist), Business, Multiple-Entry, and Transit, with typical stays of up to 90 days per visit for tourist or business purposes. Entry usually requires a passport valid for at least six months, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation; some nationalities also need a referral pre-approval, so it’s smart to check your status in advance on the Tanzania Immigration Services Department website or with a Tanzanian embassy. Health-wise, travelers arriving from yellow fever risk countries are often asked for a vaccination certificate, and routine travel insurance is highly recommended.

Tourist and Short-term Visas

If you’re coming to see the Serengeti, Zanzibar, or Kilimanjaro, the Ordinary (tourist) visa is the go-to option. It’s generally single-entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days, suitable for holidays, family visits, and short-term non-remunerated activities. Business visas cover short assignments like meetings, trainings, and professional tasks without formal employment; they typically permit up to 90 days per entry and are useful for consultants or project scoping trips. Applications usually require a passport bio page, a recent photo, itinerary or accommodation details, and for business, an invitation letter from the host company in Tanzania. Fees vary by nationality and visa type, and processing for eVisas commonly takes several working days; paying in advance and printing your approval helps speed airport arrivals. Tourist extensions are sometimes possible at Immigration offices inside the country, but plan ahead and don’t assume approvals are automatic, especially in peak seasons.

Work Visas and Permits

To work legally, you’ll need both a work authorization and a residence permit. Broadly, Tanzania aligns work permissions with categories such as investors/self-employed and employees sponsored by a local company. Employer sponsorship is standard for most professionals: your Tanzanian employer typically initiates the process, demonstrating the role, your qualifications, and why your expertise is needed. Expect to provide degree certificates, CV, professional licenses if relevant, and police clearance from your country of residence; certain regulated fields (healthcare, engineering, education) may require local professional registration. Timelines vary—plan for several weeks to a few months from document gathering to approval. A practical tip: start your background checks and credential verifications early, as these can be the slowest pieces for expats relocating on tight project schedules.

Long-term Residence

For stays beyond a few months, look at residence permits tailored to your purpose: employment, investment or self-employment, study, religious/NGO work, or family joining a permit holder. Investors can pursue routes linked to registered businesses or significant capital commitments; you’ll need company registration evidence, a business plan, and proof of funds. Family members (spouses and dependents) of valid permit holders can often apply for dependent residence status once the principal applicant’s permit is approved. Tanzania does not market a classic “retirement visa,” but some retirees structure their stay through long-stay categories connected to investment or extended visit permissions—always confirm the most current pathways with Immigration before making commitments. Permanent residence is more selective and typically follows prolonged lawful stay and specific criteria; it’s wise to map a multi-year plan if settlement is your goal.

Application Process

Start by confirming your nationality’s requirements on the Tanzania Immigration Services Department portal or your nearest Tanzanian embassy site. For short stays, submit an online eVisa application with your passport scan, photo, travel details, and supporting letters if applicable; pay the fee, then wait for email approval and bring a printout when you travel. For work and residence permits, coordinate with your employer or host in Tanzania: they usually file the initial application locally, while you compile notarized/attested degrees, police clearances, and passport photos. If an interview is required, it’s usually brief and focused on your purpose of stay; bring originals of all documents. Keep copies of everything and note your application reference number so you can track status and follow up if processing exceeds the stated timeframe.

Costs and Fees

Visa fees depend on nationality and type—tourist and business visas are commonly a flat fee for many passports, while multiple-entry and long-stay categories cost more. Beyond government fees, budget for service charges if you use a visa agent, plus costs for notarization, document legalization/apostilles, and professional translations. Work and residence permits carry separate government fees from the entry visa, and employers often cover them, but confirm this in your contract. Some categories may require medical checks or health insurance; even when not mandatory, comprehensive travel or expat insurance is sensible given the distances between medical facilities in remote safari regions and on islands.

After Arrival

On arrival, make sure your entry stamp aligns with your visa approval and intended stay; keep the entry slip with your passport. If you’re on a work route, your employer will typically help activate your work authorization and complete any local registrations. For taxes, obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) if required for your role, and confirm whether you’re liable for Pay-As-You-Earn withholdings or personal filings; Tanzania has social security schemes that may apply to employees, depending on your contract and employer participation. Opening a local bank account usually requires your passport, valid visa or residence permit, a TIN in some cases, and proof of address—ask your employer or landlord for a letter to speed things up.

Common Issues and Tips

The most common mistakes are mismatched dates between flights and visa requests, missing invitation letters for business applications, and submitting photos that don’t meet specifications. Police clearances and degree verifications often delay work permits—start those early and keep digital and hard copies ready. If your application is refused, you can usually address the specific deficiency and reapply; formal appeals are possible but take time, so it’s faster to correct documentation when you can. Policies and eVisa eligibility lists can change, especially for referral-nationality applicants and multiple-entry permissions, so always double-check the Immigration Services Department’s latest guidance before you book tickets. For complex cases, reputable immigration lawyers or established relocation firms in Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar can be worth the expense, particularly for investors, NGOs, and families relocating with school-age children.

Amara
Amara is a business strategist and cultural liaison originally from Nairobi, Kenya, with over 12 years of experience in African markets and international corporate development across the continent. Having worked for major multinational corporations and regional organizations including the African Development Bank and East African Community, Amara has extensive experience facilitating the relocation of international talent to Kenya, South Africa, and other key African markets, as well as helping African professionals navigate assignments abroad.