Tanzania Work Permits

Tanzania requires foreign nationals undertaking work activities to obtain formal work authorisation through the Labour Commission under the Ministry of Labour. Since the regulatory changes introduced in 2015 and 2016, all foreign nationals intending to work in Tanzania must generally obtain both a work permit and a corresponding residence permit.

Tanzania distinguishes between Short-Term Work Permits and Long-Term Work Permits. Short-Term Work Permits are used for temporary assignments lasting up to six months and were introduced after the abolition of the former Carry-on Temporary Assignment (CTA) system.

Long-Term Work Permits are divided into multiple categories, primarily Class B, Class C, and Class D. Class B applies to prescribed professions such as medical professionals, oil and gas experts, teachers, and technical specialists. Class C applies to other professions not falling under Class B, while Class D applies mainly to religious or charitable activities.

Last updated: 07/05/2026

Applications for Tanzanian work permits require detailed supporting documentation from both the employer and the foreign national. The authorities assess whether the employment will benefit Tanzania and whether suitable local expertise is available.

General requirements include:

• A valid passport with sufficient validity
• Completed work permit application forms
• Passport-sized photographs
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Certified academic qualifications and professional certificates
• An employment contract or appointment letter
• Proof of professional experience

Employer-related requirements generally include:

• A succession plan explaining the gradual replacement of the foreign national by a Tanzanian employee
• Justification confirming that local expertise is unavailable
• Company registration and compliance documentation
• Supporting motivation letters from the employer

Class B permits are generally used for prescribed professions such as healthcare, education, oil and gas, and specialist technical roles. Class C permits apply to professions outside the prescribed Class B categories.

A recent development in Tanzania is the increased use of TCU certificate verification, where foreign educational qualifications are evaluated against Tanzania’s educational standards and grading system.

Processing times for Tanzanian work permits depend on the permit category, the authorities involved, and the completeness of the application.

Short-Term Work Permit processing:

Short-Term Work Permits are generally issued for assignments lasting up to six months. Processing times vary in practice depending on the sector and the urgency of the assignment.

Long-Term Work Permit processing:

• Class B Work Permit: approximately 6 weeks
• Class C Work Permit: approximately 6 weeks
• Class D Work Permit: approximately 3 months

Applications may take longer where additional verification, succession planning review, or educational qualification assessment is required.

Tanzania is known for maintaining one of the more expensive immigration fee structures in Africa, particularly for work and residence authorisation.

Short-Term Work Permit fees:

Applicants for Short-Term Work Permits are generally required to pay the full government fee applicable to standard long-term work permits, even where the assignment lasts only six months.

Long-Term Work Permit fees:

The exact government fees vary depending on the permit class, nationality, and duration of validity. Applicants should confirm the current fee schedule directly with the relevant Tanzanian authorities.

Additional costs may include:

• Educational qualification assessments
• Document certification and legalisation
• Residence permit fees
• Translation costs where required

Because work permits and residence permits are separate processes in Tanzania, applicants should account for costs associated with both applications.

Applications for Tanzanian work permits are processed through the Labour Commission and generally require coordination between the employer and the foreign national.

Step 1: Confirm the correct permit category

The employer and applicant determine whether the assignment qualifies as a Short-Term Work Permit or requires a long-term Class B, C, or D permit.

Step 2: Prepare supporting documentation

The applicant and employer gather all required documents, including qualifications, employment contracts, succession plans, and company records.

Step 3: Submit the work permit application

The application is submitted to the Labour Commission for adjudication and review.

Step 4: Await labour approval

The Labour Commissioner assesses whether the employment will benefit Tanzania and whether local succession planning requirements have been met.

Step 5: Apply for the corresponding residence permit

Once the work permit is approved, the applicant must generally apply separately for the appropriate residence permit through the Immigration Department.

Step 6: Maintain compliance obligations

Employers and foreign nationals must comply with ongoing reporting and permit obligations throughout the duration of employment in Tanzania.