Tanzania’s system for work and residence permits has changed — and are seemingly always changing — here’s what we know. Photo: Daniel Hayduk
In December 2015, Tanzania revamped it’s work and residence permit process, seemingly without telling it’s embassies or IT guys, leading to all sorts of confusion.
Most noticeably, fees have gone up — however that is already under review and some fees are likely to be harmonized in the future.
Work permits are now handled by the Labour Ministry and residence permits are handled by Immigration. Both permits are required to legally carry out business in Tanzania.
The forms and document requirements have not changed and can be found on their respective websites.
The $250, 3-month single entry Carry-on Temporary Assignment (CTA) visa received on arrival at the airport has been scrapped and replaced with a Business Visa which has the same price and similar restrictions.
According to Dar Post’s inquires at Immigration, persons who receive the 6-month Short Term Permit (STP) from Labour are also required to receive a two year residence permit from Immigration. However, we’ve been told that some people with an STP are receiving 6 month residence permits — and still being told to pay the full two year cost. Good luck.
In some cases, Labour may issue Class A permits valid for 5 or even 10 years, however Immigration will only issue residence permits valid for two years.
Note: ‘classes’ of permits do not necessarily correlate between Labour and Immigration.
Work permit fees
Work permit fees issued by Labour ministry. Current as of January 22, 2016.| Class | Sector | Amount in USD |
|---|---|---|
| A | Investors and self employed | 1,000 |
| B | Non-citizen in possession of prescribed profession (medical and health professionals, experts in oil and gas, teachers and university lecturers in science and mathematics) | 500 |
| C | Non-citizen in possession of other professions | 1,000 |
| D | Non-citizen employed or engaged in registered religious and charitable activities | 500 |
| E | Refugees | Gratis |
| STP | Short term permit, valid for 6 months | 500 |
Residence permit fees
Residence permit fees as issued by Immigration. Current as of November 4, 2016.| Category/ Class | Sector | Amount in USD | EAC citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Investors and self employed | 3,050 | 1500 |
| B | Specific employment by specific employer | 2,050 | 500 |
| C | Researchers, students, Non-governmental organizations | 500 | 250 |
The Ministry of Labour and Employment office is in the Mwalimu Nyerere Pension Tower on Bibi Titi Mohammed Road.
There are Immigration offices at the Ministry of Home Affairs office downtown on the corner of Ghana and Ohio Streets and on Loliondo street in Kurasini.
This information is subject to change, usually without any notice. If you spot something that needs updating, send us an email at news@darpost.com
