Introduction
Investing in Tanzania presents significant opportunities across various sectors. As a foreign investor, understanding the residency requirements is crucial for a smooth and successful venture. Tanzania offers three primary types of residence permits: Class A, B, and C, each designed to cater to different categories of foreigners intending to reside in the country for investment, employment, or other legal activities. This guide provides detailed insights into these residence permits, including application processes, requirements, and fees.
Types of Residence Permits in Tanzania
1. Class A Residence Permit
This permit is designed for self-employed foreigners, specifically investors in various sectors, including professional artists, diaspora, refugees, and other industry investors. It is essential for those looking to establish a business or invest in Tanzania.
General Requirements:
Duly filled online application
Application letter
Work Permit from the Labour Commissioner (Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar)
Valid passport and passport size photographs
Registration certificates from relevant authorities
Business license and tax-related documents
Evidence of capital and financial statements
Specific Requirements According to Sector:
Sector | Registration Body |
Food and Drug | Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority (TFDA) |
Construction | Contractors Registration Board (CRB) |
Engineering Consultancy | Engineers Registration Board (ERB) |
Insurance | Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) |
Financial Activities | Bank of Tanzania (BOT) |
Tour Operations | Ministry of Tourism |
Agriculture & Livestock | Export License |
Education | Ministry of Education |
Health | Ministry of Health |
Airport Ground Handling Services | Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) |
Radio, TV, and Telecom Companies | Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) |
Mining | Mining License |
Class A Permit Matrix:
Permit Code | Category | Eligibility | Fees (USD) | EAC Citizens Fees (USD) | Re-Entry Pass (USD) |
A-1 | Professional Artist Investor | Shareholder and Director of a registered company | 1,000 | 500 | 50 |
A-2 | Diaspora Investors | Shareholder and Director, former Tanzanian nationality | 1,000 | - | 50 |
A-3 | Other Sector/Industry Investors | Shareholder and Director of a company in any other sector | 3,000 | 1,500 | 50 |
A-4 | Refugee Investors | Shareholder and Director with refugee status | 1,500 | 1,500 | 50 |
2. Class B Residence Permit
Class B permits are issued to expatriates with qualifications or skills not readily available in the local labor market. These include professionals engaged in highly technical occupations and those working on strategic government or private projects.
General Requirements:
Duly filled online application
Work Permit from the Labour Commissioner
Valid passport and passport size photographs
Certified academic certificates and curriculum vitae
Employment contract and job description
Business license and registration certificates
Tax clearance certificate
Class B Permit Matrix:
Permit Code | Category | Eligibility | Fees (USD) | EAC Citizens Fees (USD) | Diaspora Fees (USD) | Re-Entry Pass (USD) |
B-1 | Specific employment by specific employer | Foreigners with specific employment and qualifications | 2,000 | 500 | - | 50 |
B-2 | Specific employment by specific employer (Diaspora) | Diaspora with specific employment and qualifications | 500 | - | - | 50 |
B-3 | Specific employment by specific employer (Short Term) | Foreigners with specific short-term employment (up to 6 months) | 500 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
B-4 | Specific employment by specific employer (Refugees) | Refugees with specific employment and qualifications | 500 | 500 | 500 | 50 |
3. Class C Residence Permit
This permit is for foreigners not eligible for Class A or B permits. It includes researchers, retirees, missionaries, volunteers, and others engaged in non-remunerated activities. This category also covers those attending medical treatment, real estate buyers, and court witnesses.
General Requirements:
Duly filled online application
Work Permit or exemption letter from relevant authority
Valid passport and passport size photographs
Relevant academic or professional qualifications
Evidence of purpose for stay (e.g., research permit, retirement benefits, medical treatment)
Class C Permit Matrix:
Permit Code | Category | Eligibility | Fees (USD) | EAC Citizens Fees (USD) | Diaspora Fees (USD) | Re-Entry Pass (USD) |
C-1 | Researchers | Approved researchers conducting studies in Tanzania | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
C-2 | Retired Persons | Retirees with assured income, aged 55 and above | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
C-3 | Missionaries | Persons engaged in government-approved religious activities | 200 | 100 | 100 | 50 |
C-4 | Winding Up Affairs | Former employees winding up affairs after employment contract termination | 200 | 100 | 100 | 50 |
C-5 | Volunteers | Persons engaged in volunteer activities | 200 | 100 | 100 | 50 |
C-6 | Medical Treatment | Persons attending medical treatment at recognized institutions | 200 | 100 | 100 | 50 |
C-7 | NGO’s Employees | Persons employed by NGOs with a Charitable Certificate | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
C-8 | Parties and Witnesses in Courts | Persons attending courts and tribunals as parties or witnesses | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
C-9 | Intern | Persons engaged in internships | 200 | 100 | 100 | 50 |
C-10 | Professional Artist | Persons employed as professional artists | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
C-11 | Buyer of Real Estate | Persons purchasing real estate in Tanzania | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
C-12 | Refugees | Refugees eligible for Class C permits | Gratis | Gratis | Gratis | Gratis |
C-13 | Others | Persons not eligible for any other immigration status | 500 | 250 | 250 | 50 |
Key Considerations for Investors
Investors looking to establish a presence in Tanzania should carefully review the requirements and application processes for the relevant residence permit. Ensuring compliance with Tanzanian regulations not only facilitates smoother operations but also builds a solid foundation for long-term success.
Final Notes:
Applications for residence permits should be submitted and approved before entering Tanzania.
Always ensure that all necessary licenses and certificates from relevant authorities are obtained before applying.
Renewal or replacement applications should be submitted with sufficient time before the expiration of the current permit.
Conclusion
Navigating the residency requirements in Tanzania is a critical step for foreign investors. By understanding the different types of permits and their specific requirements, investors can make informed decisions that align with their business goals. Tanzania’s investment landscape is rich with opportunities, and with the proper legal framework in place, investors can fully capitalize on the potential the country offers.
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