Work Permit Requirements In Tanzania
A work permit is a legal document that officially authorizes you to seek work, get employed, and earn an income in a foreign country, legally.
Types of Work Visas in Tanzania
Like any other country, Tanzania has specific guidelines in place for foreign nationals 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.
In addition to these visas, Tanzania offers three different categories of work and residence permits:
- Class A permits for foreign investors
- Class B permits for foreign employees with specialized skills who are filling a position for which there are no eligible workers in Tanzania
- Class C permits for missionaries, volunteers, students, researchers, and more
Most employees will need to get a Class B work permit in Tanzania.
Requirements to Obtain Tanzania Work Visas
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
Application Process
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.