Tanzania Residence Permits

Tanzania separates work authorisation from residence authorisation. Foreign nationals who obtain permission to work in Tanzania must also obtain the appropriate residence permit through the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Tanzania issues several categories of residence permits, the most common being Residence Permit Class B and Residence Permit Class C. Class B residence permits are linked to employment and are issued to foreign nationals who have already obtained an approved work permit. Class C residence permits apply to categories such as students, researchers, volunteers, missionaries, retired persons, and individuals receiving medical treatment.

Dependants, including spouses and minor children, may accompany the principal permit holder in Tanzania for the duration of the approved residence permit. However, dependants are not permitted to work or study independently unless they separately qualify for the relevant permit category.

Last updated: 07/05/2026

Applications for residence permits and dependant status require supporting documentation confirming lawful stay, employment status, or family relationship to the principal permit holder.

General residence permit requirements include:

• A valid passport
• Completed residence permit application forms
• Passport-sized photographs
• An approved work permit or supporting immigration status
• Supporting employer or institutional documentation

Residence Permit Class B requirements generally include:

• An approved Work Permit issued by the Labour Commission
• Employment-related documentation
• Professional registration or licensing documentation where required

Residence Permit Class C may apply to:

• Students
• Researchers
• Religious workers and missionaries
• Volunteers
• Retired persons
• Persons receiving medical treatment

Dependant applications generally require:

• A marriage certificate for spouses
• Birth certificates for dependent children
• An undertaking from the principal applicant confirming financial support
• Copies of the principal applicant’s residence documentation

Tanzania recognises only legally recognised marriages for immigration purposes. Life partnerships are not recognised, and same-sex relationships do not provide immigration rights in Tanzania.

Processing times for Tanzanian residence permits depend on the category of permit, the supporting work authorisation, and the immigration office handling the application.

Typical processing timelines include:

• Residence Permit Class B: generally linked to the work permit timeline
• Residence Permit Class C: varies depending on the category and purpose of stay
• Dependant residence processing: depends on the status of the principal applicant

The validity of residence permits generally ranges between 4 months and 24 months, depending on the employment contract, approved work permit, educational programme, or other underlying status.

Applications involving students, retirees, or dependants may require additional review depending on the supporting documentation submitted.

Tanzania maintains a relatively high immigration fee structure, and residence permit fees are separate from work permit fees.

Residence permit fees:

The exact government fees vary depending on the residence permit category, nationality of the applicant, and duration of validity granted.

Additional costs may include:

• Document certification and legalisation
• Translation costs where applicable
• Educational or institutional verification
• Residence permit card issuance fees

Because Tanzania operates separate work and residence permit systems, applicants should budget for both processes independently.

Applicants should confirm all applicable government fees directly with the Tanzanian Immigration Department before submission.

Residence permit applications are processed through the Immigration Department after the relevant underlying status or work authorisation has been obtained.

Step 1: Obtain the underlying immigration status

The applicant must first obtain the relevant work permit, student approval, retirement eligibility, or qualifying immigration status before applying for residence.

Step 2: Gather supporting documentation

The applicant prepares all required documents, including passports, permit approvals, relationship documents, and institutional support letters.

Step 3: Submit the residence permit application

The application is submitted to the Immigration Department through the relevant immigration office or approved electronic system.

Step 4: Await adjudication

The Immigration Department reviews the application and may request additional information or clarification.

Step 5: Receive residence approval

Once approved, the residence permit is issued for the authorised duration linked to the underlying immigration category.

Step 6: Maintain immigration compliance

The holder must comply with all permit conditions, including renewal obligations and reporting requirements where applicable.