Birth Registration Abroad
If your child is born outside Tanzania to at least one Tanzanian parent, you should register the birth at the nearest Tanzania embassy or high commission to secure their Tanzanian citizenship.
Important: Under Tanzanian law, a child born to a Tanzanian father (or Tanzanian mother under the 2019 court ruling) is entitled to Tanzanian citizenship by descent. Register the birth promptly to establish citizenship rights.
Required Documents
- Original birth certificate from the country of birth (officially translated into English or Swahili if needed)
- Tanzanian passport(s) of the parent(s)
- National ID of Tanzanian parent(s)
- Marriage certificate (if parents are married)
- Two passport-size photographs of the child
- Completed birth registration form (available at embassy)
- Proof of residence in the host country
- Hospital discharge papers or medical records from the birth
Registration Process
- Obtain the local birth certificate from the civil registry in the country where the child was born
- Contact the nearest Tanzania embassy to schedule an appointment and confirm requirements
- Complete the birth registration form available at the embassy
- Submit all required documents with the application form
- Pay the registration fee (USD 30-50)
- Receive the Tanzanian birth certificate (processing takes 2-6 weeks)
- Apply for a Tanzanian passport for the child using the new birth certificate
Citizenship by Descent
A child born outside Tanzania can acquire Tanzanian citizenship if:
- The father is a Tanzanian citizen at the time of birth
- The mother is a Tanzanian citizen (following the 2019 High Court ruling affirming equal citizenship rights)
Note on dual citizenship: Tanzania does not recognize dual citizenship for adults. Children born abroad who acquire another nationality can hold both citizenships until age 21, when they must choose one. See our dual citizenship guide for details.
Fees
| Service | Fee (USD) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Birth registration | $30 - $50 | 2-6 weeks |
| Birth certificate issuance | $20 - $30 | Included with registration |
| Certified copy of birth certificate | $15 - $25 | 1-2 weeks |
| Late registration (after 90 days) | $50 - $100 | 4-8 weeks |
FAQ
It is recommended to register within 90 days of birth. Late registration is possible but may incur additional fees and require extra documentation.
Children who acquire citizenship of both Tanzania and another country at birth can hold both until age 21. At 21, they must choose one citizenship. Tanzania does not allow dual citizenship for adults.
Yes. Following the 2019 High Court ruling, Tanzanian mothers have the same right as fathers to pass Tanzanian citizenship to their children born abroad.