Introduction.
A work permit is a legal document issued by the government of Tanzania, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, granted to non-citizens who have secured employment, investment or established a business in Tanzania. An application is always made online within the online permit application system (e-permit) and the Commissioner for Labour is responsible for issuing the work permit after a thorough review. The issuance of work permit in Tanzania is generally governed by the Non-Citizens (Employment Regulations) Act No.1 of 2015 (the Non-Citizens Act) while the authority is vested on the Labour Commissioner.
Categories of Work Permits
In Tanzania, work permits are categorized based on the nature of employment and the applicant’s qualifications. There are five primary classes of work permits:
- Class A Permit: This is issued to investors, including those who intend to engage in trade, business, prospecting of minerals or agriculture. It allows the permit holder to reside in Tanzania and manage their investments.
- Class B Permit: This permit is designated for employees with specific qualifications in professions like healthcare, engineering, law, healthcare professionals and education. Skilled professionals who secure employment with a Tanzanian entity typically apply for this class of permit.
- Class C Permit: This category is for volunteers, researchers and other non-paid workers. It is also applicable to those engaged in certain types of vocational work that do not fall under the investment or professional categories.
- Class D Permit: This category is for religious personnels and charitable activities
- Class E Permit: This is for refugees.
Work Permit Application Process
The work permit application process in Tanzania is thorough and involves multiple steps, which both the employer and the prospective employee must complete:
- Create an account with the online permit application system (e-permit)
- Create a strong password that you will remember and an email address that you frequently check to ensure you can regularly monitor the status of your application
- Fill in the online application form with all relevant information’s
- Scan all relevant documents and upload them to your account including,
- Justification letter (All Classes)
- Recent passport size photographs with blue background (All Classes)
- Curriculum Vitae (All Classes)
- Academic Qualifications (Classes B, C and D)
- Official translation from Embassy or National Kiswahili Council of Academic Certificates (if certificates are in other language than English or Swahili) (Classes B, C and D)
- Proof of experience (Classes B, C and D)
- Proof of shares (Class A)
- Employment/Engagement contract (Classes B, C and D)
- Sectoral approvals (where applicable) (All Classes)
- Copy of a Valid Passport (All Classes)
- Industrial/Business/Operating Licence (All Classes)
- TIC/EPZA Certificate (Where Applicable) (All Classes)
- Proof of NSSF and WCF registration and Contribution (All Classes)
- Certificate of Tax Identification Number (TIN) (All Classes)
- Certificate of Value Added Tax (VAT) (All Classes)
- Current Tax Clearance Certificate (All Classes)
- Sectoral permits/ Approvals/ Registrations (where applicable) TMDA, ERB, TALA, TCAA, LATRA, NBAA, TASAC, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mining Commission, etc (All Classes)
- Valid Business Licence (All Classes)
- Certificate of Incorporation (All Classes)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (All Classes)
- Verification of Academic/ Professional Qualifications by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) for University Graduates and the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) for applicants who are not University graduates (Classes B, C and D)
Approval and Issuance of Work Permit
Once all the required documents are submitted and the fees are paid, the Labour Commissioner reviews the application. If approved, the work permit is issued, and the applicant can then proceed to obtain a residence permit.
Fees Pertaining to Work Permit
- Class A Permit: USD 1000 for a duration of ten (10) years/ as long as the business exists
- Class B Permit: USD 500 for a duration of five (5) years only.
- Class C Permit: USD 1000 for a duration of five (5) years only.
- Class D Permit: USD 500 for a duration of five (5) years only.
- Class E Permit: Gratis for a duration of five (5) years only.
Duration and Renewal of Work Permit
Work permits in Tanzania are usually issued for an initial period of up to two (2) years. They can be renewed, but the total duration of employment for a non-citizen should not exceed five (5) years, unless in exceptional circumstances as it applies to self-employed individuals such as Company Directors and Shareholders under Class A Permit, who can renew their work permit for an undefined time as long as their business is still active in Tanzania.
Conclusion
Securing a work permit in Tanzania is a critical step for foreign nationals wishing to work in the country. Both employers and employees must ensure they understand the requirements and adhere to the legal procedures to avoid complications. As Tanzania continues to grow economically, understanding the work permit process is essential for businesses and professionals looking to contribute to the nation’s development.
Let’s help you secure a work permit in Tanzania. Kindly reach out to our team directly at www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz, Mob: +244 742 826 955
