Eligibility quiz
Was one of your parents a Tanzanian citizen when you were born?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Tanzanian passport
Tanzanian citizens can get a Tanzanian passport or another travel document.
A Tanzanian mission abroad can help replace a passport.
An emergency travel document may be issued for an emergency journey, if you are stranded or being deported and cannot get a normal passport.
Live in Tanzania for life
Tanzanian citizens can live and move.pdf) anywhere in Tanzania, leave and return, and cannot be expelled.
Lawful restrictions, such as court orders, can apply.
Pursue an education
Tanzanian citizens can pursue education.pdf) to any level that fits their aptitude and ability.
This does not guarantee a place in every school.
Work in Tanzania
Tanzanian citizens can work in Tanzania without a work permit.
They have equal opportunity.pdf) to hold government jobs and carry out activities under government authority, though citizenship does not guarantee a job or income.
Get help abroad
Tanzanian citizens abroad can get emergency help from a Tanzanian mission.
Missions can also help have documents officially confirmed for use.
Vote in elections
Tanzanian citizens can vote from age 18 if they meet the voting rules.
Voters must register in the relevant constituency or ward and vote at their assigned polling station.
Certain convictions, a legal finding of mental incapacity or allegiance to another country can disqualify a voter.
How to apply
Applying at a consulateApplying at a consulate
Find your consulate
Find the Tanzanian embassy, high commission or consulate serving the country where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Tanzanian embassy, high commission or consulate serving your city can help with citizenship by descent?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsGet the application form
Ask the consulate for the current citizenship-by-descent application form and filing instructions.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a Tanzania citizenship by descent application form from the Tanzanian consulate serving your city?”
Fill in the form
Fill in the citizenship-by-descent form as the consulate instructs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in a Tanzania citizenship by descent application form at the Tanzanian consulate serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Ask the consulate how to submit your completed form and documents, then submit them as instructed. Pay any fee the consulate specifies using its instructions.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Tanzania citizenship by descent application at the Tanzanian consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for Immigration's decision and respond to any requests for more information or documents. If approved, ask the consulate what to do next.
Find decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow up on a Tanzania citizenship by descent application submitted through a consulate?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Provide your birth certificate or another official birth record showing where and when you were born and who your parent is. If it does not establish your link to your Tanzanian parent, include documents that do. If your names differ, include records explaining the difference.
Parent's citizenship records
Provide proof that your Tanzanian parent was a Tanzanian citizen when you were born and that their citizenship was not through descent. Ask your office what proof it accepts.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
National service training
Young Tanzanian citizens completing Form Six, the sixth year of secondary school, must take national service training.
The training period is generally three months.
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship may end if you gain another citizenship voluntarily after age 18, except through marriage, or under special rules for people with two citizenships.
Deadlines, limited extensions and special rules apply if the other country does not let you give up its citizenship.
You can give up citizenship, and some citizens who gained it by application can lose it for fraud or disloyalty.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Residents of Zanzibar
English Facebook group for people living in Tanzania interested in Tanzanian local life
Join on FacebookExpatriates in Dar es salaam
English Facebook group for people living in Tanzania interested in Tanzanian local life
Join on FacebookExpats in Arusha
English Facebook group for people living in Tanzania interested in Tanzanian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated