Introduction.
A residence permit is an essential document for foreign nationals looking to live and work in Tanzania. The Immigration Department may grant residence permit to a person who intends to reside in Tanzania through an Application and Issuance System (OWAIS); the system which is integrated with the Online System for application of Residence Permit (e-Permit) run by the Immigration Department. The integrated System enables applicants to electronically submit their applications for Work/Residence Permit pay required fees, receive status notification and Grant Notice online via email accounts.
Types of Residence Permit
Tanzania offers three main categories of residence permits based on the purpose of stay as follows:-
- Residence Permit Class ‘A’
This permit is issued to foreign nationals intending to invest in specific sectors including mining, large-scale agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism. It is designed for individuals who intend to enter or remain Tanzania and engage into businesses. An application for residence permit Class A may be lodged online to be determined at the Immigration Department’s Headquarters or at the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) or Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) for Zanzibar (in case the business or project has been registered with TIC and ZIPA respectively).
Eligibility
- Individuals with substantial financial resources for investment
- Directors or shareholders of Companies who will oversee the management of businesses they have invested in
Requirements
- Business license or investment approval certificate from the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)
- Detailed business plan and financial projections
- Proof of sufficient funds for the intended investment
- Residence Permit Class ‘B’
This permit is issued to individuals with specific employment contracts such as professionals, technical experts and expatriates working in Tanzania. It is mainly for people with specialized skills that are scarce in the local workforce. An alien immigrant who is granted this type of residence permit is permitted to enter and remain the country to undertake an employment for which purpose the permit was issued and observe the duration of his residence in Tanzania as specified in the permit. When the permit ceases to be valid for whichever reason, it is unlawful for a person to be engaging in any terms of employment and his presence in the country is illegal. Where the presence of the person in Tanzania becomes unlawful, an employer specified in the permit of that person must report, within the period of thirty (30) days from the date of which the employer fails or ceases to be employee by that employer, that cessation to an Immigration Services Department/Force. An employer who refuses or fails to comply with this requirement, is guilty of an offence.
Eligibility
- Professionals with technical expertise, managers or specialists with employment contracts in Tanzanian companies
- Teachers, researchers and other professionals in education or research institutions
Requirements
- A valid employment contract
- Evidence of academic or professional qualifications
- Work permit approval from the Ministry of Labour
- Curriculum Vitae
- Resident Permit Class ‘C’
This permit is issued to individuals who fall into special categories that do not fit under Class A or B. These include students, volunteers, missionaries, researchers, persons attending cases in courts of law, retired persons and persons attending medical treatment in hospitals.
Eligibility
- Students enrolled in recognized Tanzanian educational institutions
- Volunteers working with recognized organizations
- Missionaries affiliated with registered religious organizations
- Retired individuals looking to reside in Tanzania
Requirements
- Proof of enrolment (for students)
- Letter from the sponsoring organization (for volunteers or missionaries)
- Proof of Financial capability (for retirees)
Application Process of Residence Permit
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Tanzania involves several steps, and the requirements may vary depending on the category of the permit. Here’s a breakdown of the general application process:
- Apply for a Work Permit (for Class B): Before applying for a resident permit, foreign nationals seeking employment in Tanzania must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour. This is mandatory for Class B applicants.
- Submit Resident Permit Application: Once the work permit is granted (for Class B), or once the investment license is in place (for Class A), the next step is to apply for the resident permit. Applications are lodged online in an integrated labour/immigration portal for the CGI to finally issue the e-permit smart card after approval of the work permit from the Labour Commissioner.
Required Documents
Each Residence Permit Category has its special requirements which is different from the other. However, there are general requirements which applies for all the permit categories as follows:
- Application forms (T.I.F.1) in duplicate duly filled
- Valid Work Permit
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A copy of valid Passport (with validity of not less six months)
- Certified copies of Academic Certificates
- Evidence of capital of the Company. This includes Bank Statement, Balance Sheet, A list of the Company’s assets with their value, Proof of ownership of assets/properties
- Evidence of the Premises of the company. This may include; Lease Agreement – (if it is a leased premise) or Title deed (if it is a Company’s property)
- Certificate of Incorporation, Compliance or Registration of the Company/Business as the case may be.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Value Added Tax (VAT) for VAT registered Companies
- Certificate of Tax Payer’s Identity Number (T.I.N.)
- Certificate of Tax Clearance
- Business License
- Certificate of Incentive (in case the Business or project is registered with the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Export License from Export Processing Zone, or Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority – ZIPA for Zanzibar
- Current Search Report of the Company (where the applicant is a shareholder in a registered company)
- One Passport Size photograph.
Estimated Processing Time
The estimated processing time for residence permits can take anywhere between 2-4 weeks, depending on the category and completeness of the application. Once approved, the permit is issued for a specific period (typically 1-2 years) and can be renewed.
Fees Pertaining to Resident Permit
- Class A Permit: USD 3050
- Class B Permit: USD 2050
- Class C Permit: USD 550
Fees For East African Community Citizens.
Apart from the fees for residence permit Class ‘A’, ‘B’ and Class ‘C’; the government of the United Republic of Tanzania has significantly reduced residence permit charges for citizens from the East African Community (EAC) member states seeking to work and live in Tanzania. The current fee structure came through the announcement gazetted by the Government Notices, with among other things, detail of regulations on preferential treatment and residence permits for East African citizens intending to live in the country for investment, business, employment, studies or any other legal activities.
Under the new fee structure Kenyans, Ugandans, Burundians, Rwandans and South Sudanese wishing to reside in the country are eligible to pay:
- USD 1500 for Permit Class A
- USD 500 for Permit Class B
- Students under the age of 18 years are totally exempted from paying students permit fees; instead, they enter the country gratis.
Compliance and Renewal
After obtaining a residence permit, foreign nationals are required to comply with Tanzanian immigration laws. This includes:
- Periodic renewals: Resident permits are typically valid for 1-2 years and must be renewed before expiration.
- Employment restrictions: Individuals holding a residence permit for employment (Class B) must work only for the employer mentioned in the permit. A change in employment requires a new work and resident permit
- Penalties for overstaying: Overstaying a residence permit is a serious offense leading to fines, deportation or being barred from re-entering Tanzania
Conclusion
Navigating the resident permit process in Tanzania can be straightforward with the correct preparation and documentation. Whether you are an investor, professional, student or retiree, securing the appropriate permit is vital for legal residency. Though any non-citizen with legal activity and intention to reside in Tanzania or Zanzibar is eligible for residence permit, non-citizens personally cannot apply for the permit, except for retired persons aged 60 years and above and the buyers of Real Estate form approved projects.
As such, only the Domestic incorporated companies and foreign companies with certificate of compliance and permanent place of business in Tanzania or Zanzibar, are allowed applicants for residence permits. Hence, the company will apply for the permit on behalf of its Directors and Employees, and once issued the permit remains to be property of the company.
If you have specific questions or need assistance with the residence permit process, feel free to reach out to our team directly at www.gerpatsolutions.co.tz info@gerpatsolutions.co.tz, Mob: +244 742 826 955
