Tanzania Residence Permit 2026
A Tanzania residence permit is required for all foreign nationals who wish to reside in Tanzania for an extended period, whether for employment, investment, study, or joining family members. Residence permits are issued by the Immigration Services Department and come in three classes corresponding to the purpose of stay.
Residence Permit Classes
| Class | Purpose | Fee (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Employment - holders of Class B work permits employed by Tanzanian companies | $500 - $1,000 | Up to 2 years |
| Class B | Investment/Self-Employment - investors, business owners, directors, holders of Class A work permits | $1,000 - $2,000 | Up to 2 years |
| Class C | Dependents - spouses, children, and parents of work permit holders | $200 - $500 | Tied to principal's permit |
Note: The residence permit class naming (A, B, C) corresponds differently to work permit classes. Class A residence = employed person (Class B work permit), Class B residence = investor (Class A work permit).
Class A Residence Permit - Employment
The Class A residence permit is issued to foreign nationals who hold a valid Class B work permit and are employed by a Tanzanian-registered entity. This is the most common residence permit class.
Required Documents
- Valid Class B work permit
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Completed application form (Form IA.56)
- Four passport-size photographs
- Employment contract
- Employer's business registration and TIN
- Medical certificate from a registered health facility in Tanzania
- Police clearance certificate from home country
- Tax clearance from Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA)
Class B Residence Permit - Investment
The Class B residence permit is for foreign investors, self-employed individuals, and company directors who hold a Class A work permit. This permit allows you to reside in Tanzania while managing your business or investment.
Required Documents
- Valid Class A work permit
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Completed application form (Form IA.56)
- Four passport-size photographs
- Business registration certificate (BRELA)
- TIC certificate of incentives (if applicable)
- Company memorandum and articles of association
- Proof of capital investment
- Tax clearance from TRA
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
Class C Residence Permit - Dependents
The Class C residence permit is issued to dependents (spouses, children under 18, and in some cases elderly parents) of foreign nationals who hold a valid work permit and residence permit in Tanzania.
Required Documents
- Principal permit holder's valid work permit and residence permit
- Valid passport for each dependent
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) - must be authenticated
- Birth certificates (for children) - must be authenticated
- Proof of relationship (for parents)
- Four passport-size photographs per applicant
- Medical certificates for each dependent
- Proof of financial means to support dependents
Children over 18 do not qualify as dependents and must apply for their own permits if they wish to stay. Spouses on a Class C permit cannot work unless they obtain their own work permit.
Application Process
Create Online Account
Visit the Tanzania Immigration e-services portal at eservices.immigration.go.tz. Register an account if you do not have one already. The portal handles both work permit and residence permit applications.
Complete Application Form
Select "Residence Permit" and choose the appropriate class (A, B, or C). Fill in all required fields including personal information, passport details, purpose of stay, and accommodation address in Tanzania.
Upload Documents
Upload all required documents in PDF or JPEG format. Ensure documents are clear, legible, and within the file size limits. Documents in languages other than English or Swahili must include certified translations.
Pay Fees
Pay the residence permit fee online via Visa/Mastercard or through designated bank channels. Keep your payment receipt as proof.
Biometrics & Collection
You may be called for biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) at the Immigration office. Once approved, collect your residence permit card from the designated office or have it delivered.
Renewal Process
Residence permits must be renewed before expiry. Apply for renewal at least 30-60 days before your permit expires.
Renewal Requirements
- Current residence permit (original)
- Valid work permit (must be renewed first if also expiring)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Updated employment contract or business registration
- Tax clearance certificate from TRA
- Renewal fee payment
- Updated medical certificate (if required)
Warning: Overstaying your residence permit is a serious offence. Penalties include fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans on future entry. Always renew before expiry.
Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Class A Residence Permit - Initial | $500 - $1,000 |
| Class A Residence Permit - Renewal | $500 - $1,000 |
| Class B Residence Permit - Initial | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Class B Residence Permit - Renewal | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Class C Residence Permit - Initial (per dependent) | $200 - $500 |
| Class C Residence Permit - Renewal (per dependent) | $200 - $500 |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $500+ |
| Replacement Card (lost/damaged) | $200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
- Class A: Employment ($500-$1,000)
- Class B: Investment ($1,000-$2,000)
- Class C: Dependents ($200-$500)
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Processing: 4-8 weeks
- Portal: eservices.immigration.go.tz