Are you a foreigner looking to work in Tanzania but unsure about the requirements for obtaining a work permit? This article is here to guide you.
Tanzania, one of East Africa’s most promising destinations, offers numerous opportunities for expatriates and foreign businesses. However, to legally access these opportunities, foreign nationals must follow the country’s regulations, starting with obtaining a valid work permit. Knowing the work permits requirements in Tanzania is a crucial first step before beginning the application process. We also explain how we can assist you in getting a work permit in Tanzania.
Before we go into the details, here’s what this article will cover:
What a work permit is
Types of work permits in Tanzania
Requirements to get a work permit in Tanzania
Application process
What's a work permit?
A work permit is an official document that authorizes a foreign national to legally engage in employment or business activities within Tanzania. To comply with the work permits requirements in Tanzania, individuals must obtain the appropriate permit corresponding to their intended activities. The Tanzanian government issues several classes of work permits, each tailored to specific categories of foreign nationals.
- Class A permits: For Investors and Self-Employed Individuals. This permit is designated for foreign nationals intending to invest in Tanzania or engage in self-employment. Eligible activities include trade, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and other business ventures. Applicants must demonstrate substantial investment capital and provide relevant documentation, such as business licenses and tax identification numbers.
Class B permits: For Expatriates with Specialized Skills. This permits are issued to foreign professionals possessing qualifications and skills not readily available in the Tanzanian labor market. This includes roles in sectors like healthcare, education, engineering, and strategic government or private projects. Applicants must have a confirmed employment offer and submit credentials verifying their expertise.
- Class C permits for missionaries, volunteers, students, researchers, and more
Types of work permits in Tanzania
Just Like any other country in the world, Tanzania has guidelines for foreigners who plan to travel within its borders. A variety of visas are available to foreigners, and the most common types follow:
- Tourist/ordinary visa: This visa allows tourists and other visitors to travel to Tanzania through designated entry points along the border
- Business visa: This visa applies to foreigners who intend to invest in Tanzania and need to visit for related purposes, such as establishing professional contacts and conducting feasibility studies.
- Multiple-entry visa: Tanzanian officials issue this visa to foreigners who need to travel to the country frequently, typically for business and investment purposes. The validity of this visa ranges from a month to a year.
- Transit visa: This visa allows foreigners to travel through Tanzania without visiting on their way to another destination.
- Diplomatic visa: The diplomatic visa applies to diplomats and other representatives who plan to travel to Tanzania on official business.
Work Permits Requirements in Tanzania
Visa requirements for foreigners who plan to travel to Tanzania include:
- A completed visa application form
- A passport that is valid for at least six months after the applicant’s intended date of entry
- Five passport photos
- Proof of vaccination against yellow fever
- Evidence of sufficient financial means
To get a Class B work and residence permit, applicants will need to provide the following:
- A signed employment contract
- A valid passport
- Passport photographs
- A copy of the applicant’s CV
- Copies of academic records and other qualifications for the job, including referrals from previous employers
Requirements to get a work permits in Tanzania
Foreign nationals who need a visa should begin the application process by finding the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. The embassy will be able to provide an accurate, updated list of the visa requirements. After confirming the list of documents needed to support the application, the employee should gather all required items and submit them to the embassy.
If the employee needs a Class B permit, it’s up to the employer to apply for it on their behalf before they can travel to Tanzania. The employee will need to send the necessary documents to the employer in support of the application. The employer will also have to prove the need for a foreign hire to the Ministry of Labor.
In October 2022, Tanzania introduced a shorter, simpler process for work permit applications, and employers can now apply for a worker’s residence and work permits online.
Once the relevant officials issue the work and residence permit, the employee can travel to Tanzania to start working.
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