Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to come to or stay in Tanzania and invest as both a shareholder and director?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Tanzania
You can enter and live in Tanzania for the time and in the area stated on your permit.
Renewal is not automatic.
Work in Tanzania
You can run the self-employed business or investment specified in your permit, subject to its conditions and a separate work permit.
This does not cover working for another employer or running an unrelated business.
How to apply
From outside TanzaniaFrom outside Tanzania
Get a work permit
Obtain a work permit from the Labour Commissioner before applying for your Class A residence permit, unless an exception applies to you.
Find work permit informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a Tanzania work permit before applying for a Residence Permit Class A?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your Class A residence permit application.
See required documentsArrange return cost security
Arrange a deposit or a bond to cover the required return costs for you and any spouse and dependent children. You or someone acting for you can provide it.
Find security requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I provide a deposit or bond for a Tanzania Residence Permit Class A?”
Fill in the application online
Create an account in the residence permit system and fill in the online application for the Class A investor category that applies to you. You can do this from outside Tanzania or while you are in Tanzania.
Fill in the applicationSubmit your application
Upload the required documents and submit your application through the residence permit system to the appropriate processing office.
Submit your applicationWait for payment approval
Wait for Immigration to tell you that your application is approved for payment. Respond to any requests for more information through the residence permit system.
Check your applicationPay the fee online
Pay the amount shown in the residence permit system within 60 days of payment approval. If you do not pay in time, your application will be deleted.
Pay the feeWait for your notification
After you pay, wait for the system to issue your residence permit enrolment notification.
Get your notificationOnce in TanzaniaOnce in Tanzania
Find an immigration office
Find the nearest Immigration Office in Tanzania for your fingerprints and photograph.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Tanzania Immigration Office near your city can take my fingerprints and photograph for a Residence Permit Class A?”
Give fingerprints and photo
After arriving in Tanzania, go to the nearest Immigration Office when notified so staff can take your fingerprints and photograph.
Find enrolment informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I give fingerprints and a photograph for a Tanzania Residence Permit Class A?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for Immigration to process your application after your fingerprints and photograph have been taken. Respond to any further requests through the residence permit system.
Check your applicationCollect your permit
Once your permit is ready, collect it from the applicable Immigration or investment office. You can then live in Tanzania for the permitted period and carry out the activity allowed by your permit.
Find collection informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where do I collect my approved Tanzania Residence Permit Class A?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Children's birth certificates *
Provide your children's birth certificates as proof of your relationship. Have the documents certified before you upload them.
* Only if you want your children's names added to your permit.
Marriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate as proof of your relationship. Have the document certified before you upload it.
* Only if you want your wife's name added to your permit.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit conditions
Stay within your permit's area and conditions, keep to your approved business and hold the required work permit.
If you leave Tanzania permanently, cancel and surrender your permit.
A one-month grace period follows expiry or cancellation unless the minister directs otherwise.
Permit can end
Your permit ends at expiry, on permanent departure or if you become barred from remaining in Tanzania.
It ends immediately if you stop your approved activity or do different work.
It can be cancelled for breaking immigration rules or permit conditions, or if failure to support yourself or dependants makes public support likely.
Written notice must state the reasons and give at least 3 days before cancellation takes effect.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Residents of Zanzibar
English Facebook group for people interested in Tanzanian visas and 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
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