Immigration to Tanzania

United Republic of Tanzania, majorly known as Tanzania is a county in Eastern Africa with the coastline on the Indian Ocean. It is known for its wilderness, covering most area of the country with plains of Serengeti National Park and savannah, woodlands, valleys and Kilimanjaro National Park home to Africa’s highest mountain. Tanzania is famous for wildlife like Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Elephants, Rhinos. Zanzibar, an offshore island with Arabic influences, mafias, marine park home to coral reefs and whale sharks. Dodoma is Tanzania’s capital and major city. It is bordered by the country Rwanda and Burundi in the northwest; Uganda to the north, Kenya to the northeast, Indian Ocean to the east, Congo to the west, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique the south. Tanzania is thirteenth largest country in Africa. However, being more careful is must due to crime, terrorism and targeting of LGBTI persons. Tanzania is a bit expensive travel destination than other countries in the African Continent. Safari is expensive as entry fees are high in cost, especially in Serengeti, however it is possible to enjoy in this country with a smaller budget.

Tanzania is a good place to live as this place has rich natural resources and one of the highest forest covered area in Eastern Africa. Wildlife is beautiful with growing tourism and hospitality sector, contributing approx. twenty percent of the nation’s GDP. The climate is favorable, people are friendly and nice and the cost of living is generally reasonable. Crime is an undeniable issue especially in Dodoma the capital and Zanzibar city. Hence with precautions, presence of mind and tactfulness, foreigners are able to live safe life in this country. Most expats come here for jobs, and to get a work contract or to start a business and to live here. The cost of living is much lower than the countries in the North and South America and Europe as this is a developing and lower middle income economic country. People move to this country often develop fondness for this country, the climate, the people and it is common for expats to stay back in this country after retirement. Expatriate and local communities are non-segregated in Tanzania. Living here is also a good choice as it has easy to access vacation destinations.

Traveling information

There is a global widespread of Covid-19. Some of the restrictions are being lifted by the Tanzanian government. For the latest travel status, please check the official page if Tanzania, link is given below. Travelling to Tanzania is possible by road or by flight depending on the place you live. In Tanzania there are several means of transport you can travel with like buses and commercial flights. It is suggested by the government to reconsider your travel and if it is not necessary postpone the plan as crime and terrorism is increasing everyday in this country especially in bigger cities like Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam. A valid passport and a visa is must to enter Tanzania. Valid passport contains six months validity after visa issuance and date of entry, one or two blank pages are must. Travelers, with visa have to submit a roundtrip ticket and show the proof of sufficient funds. You can also get an e-visa to enter Tanzania. Take a PCR Test and submit the Negative certificate of Covid-19, before initiating travel to this country. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. Keep original documents with you from the starting to end of your trip to this nation due to security reasons. Within cities and town, dalla dalla (minibuses), boda boda (motorcycle) and tuk tuks (bajaji) are available to roam around. These means of transports are cheaper than taxis. There is a modest rail network and boats connecting the islands in the Indian Ocean. 

Documents Required: 

• Passport with two blank pages and six month validity
• Passport size photo
• PCR Test Negative Certificate of Covid-19
• Proof of yellow fever immunization

For more travel advice please visit: moh.go.tz and lonelyplanet.com

How to immigrate to Tanzania  

If you are planning your visit to Tanzania you need a valid passport and a visa, unless you come from a visa free country as citizens of many countries are able to travel without any visa. Most of these countries are allowed a visa exempt stay up to 90 days. Some countries citizens are only permitted for a stay of 30 days without visa. Although a visa is not needed but a valid passport is must for at least 6 months. Also the citizen of neighboring countries like Rwanda and Uganda can enter Tanzania by simply showing the valid national identity proof. As well as Tanzanian passport holders living in abroad do not need a visa while visiting this nation. There are numerous different types of visas available for expats. The type of visa depends on nationality, duration of stay and purpose to visit this country.

Visitors Visa: while it is possible for certain countries to get a 90 days visa at the port of entry in Tanzania, it is best to get one before as the queues are often very long. These can be obtained by the nation’s E-visa application system or at a Tanzanian Embassy or consulate in your home country. 

Work permits: To work in Tanzania, foreigners need a work permit. You can get it through online or from the Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate in abroad before relocation. There are three main types of Work permit Class A, B and C. Class A is for entrepreneurs, investors and businessmen. Most expats apply for Class B work permit as this allows the holder to be employed by any Tanzanian Company. Class C is for missionaries and students who want to work as part-timers. 

Residence Permit: Expats want to reside in this nation for more than three months then they will need to apply for the Tanzanian residence permit. Most of the times these residence permits are bound with the type of work permit an expat has got. The documents required and processing time depends on the type of residence permit an expat is applying for.   

Documents required are mentioned below: 

• Passport valid for 6 minimum months
• Passport must have one or two blank pages
• Passport size photo
• Confirm flight ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (Bank Statements)
• Proof of accommodation in Tanzania (hotel bookings or other stay)

For more information please visit:  allianzcare.com

People 

Tanzania has approx 130 ethnic groups, in which there are four main categories Cushite, San, Bantu and Nilo-Hamite. Nilo peoples are from Maasai, Arusha, Baraguyu and Samburu, mostly situated in the north central part of Tanzania. Bantu is the largest group, as majority of Tanzanians are of Bantu descent, situated in the northern part of the nation. Tanzania’s religious part is dominated by Christianity followed by Islam. Also there are different African traditional religions related to ethnic customs. Population follows Christianity is 61.5% and Islam is 35.5%, Indigenous beliefs are 1.5% and others are less than 1%. People of Tanzania have different sides of their personality like they are friendly. There are many different varieties of languages, customs, music, food, dress and art in their culture. They have a sense of community with the sense of individualism. Tanzania has a rich cultural diversity to maintain humanity. Local population is known for being polite and friendly to visitors and there is a sense of national pride throughout the country. People are diverse here with their uniqueness, which is visibly abundant. Many of them are also fishermen and boat constructors, in cities people work as mechanics and craftsmen. Either hands or the right hand is used to give or to accept a thing, using the left hand is considered rude in their culture just as some other Asian Countries. Many Masaai and Samburu people are working as forest rangers and safari guides along on the coast merchants and storekeepers are either Indians or Arab decent. Farming is also done by people and children start helping them at very early age.

Job offers in Tanzania

This is a relatively lower middle income country and a certain population is still living in poverty. Manufacturing, IT sector, tourism and Hospitality are some industries, where expats can get work. Big cities like Dar es Salaam and Dodoma are preferred by expats to stay and work. Getting a job in Tanzania is difficult. To get a job ‘connection’ is important, like having a local friend or some family member, who is already working here. Without connections landing a job is not easy for people. The jobless rate is high but still people are landing job here in Tanzania. The thing is you need to be smart. Being smart is keeping the right job search knowledge that will keep rest of the job candidates behind you in the competition. Only on the basis of university degree you will not be able to land a job in Tanzania as every year most students graduate from public and private universities. But there is hope for you to get a job here as the quality of education is poor in Tanzanian Universities and the employers need highly qualified persons on the vacant post. Also there are some key points you must work on like discovering yourself, access the hidden job market, Search online and then apply for jobs, Prepare a perfect CV format and then submit it, be smart but not oversmart. Highest paying jobs in Tanzania are in the Executive Manager, Change professionals, Financial services and Finance Control Sector. According to a fresh survey lowest paying job is working as a farmer in Tanzania.  

How to get a job: 

• Create a perfect CV
• Search and apply for jobs
• Send applications directly to employers
• Prepare yourself for job interviews
• Apply to small companies if needed.
• Learn in demand skills
• Sign a contract offered by Company.

For more information please visit: emolument.com

Unemployment rate

According to a report the unemployment rate in the Tanzania was 9.5% in the year 2020, and then in 2021 this rate decreased till 9.3% in the first three months. Covid-19 was one of the reason behind the increased jobless rate in the year 2020, and a year later the market pace was slow still people got jobs and the unemployment rate reduced by 0.2%. The jobless rate in Tanzania is projected to reach 9.7% by the end of the year 2022. The unemployment is a major problem in Tanzania because of the lack of creating opportunities which will give graduates plenty of jobs. Nepotism, favourism and Tribalism are also some factors that barred many deserving young locals or expats seeking jobs. Also recession, depressions, lacking of technologies, jobs outsourcing and leaving job to find another. Other causes are fast growing population and labour force, skill mismatching, lack of enough information in the market, structural adjustment programs, sluggish and declining economic growth and the market setup. Unemployment is a situation where a person actively looking for work but is unable to find job. Joblessness is considered to be a big reason of the health of the economy. 

For more information please visit: tradingeconomics.com

Economy of Tanzania  

Tanzania has mixed and a lower middle income economy that is majorly depended on agriculture with 28.7%, followed by Industry with 22.2%. Industries like mining, quarrying, manufacturing, electricity and natural gas, water supply and construction, these are big and growing factor of the Tanzanian economy. Tanzania is also member with the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Economy of Tanzania is vulnerable to the environment. Tanzania is majorly depended on hydropower to fulfill its need of electricity, however now a days the production of electricity is insufficient, due to the less rainfall and depletion of water reservoirs. Economic growth in this country has shown resilience towards the covid-19 quake, with showing results in the first six months of the year coming above pre pandemic levels driven by a rebound in the service sector. Main industries supporting the economy are agricultural processing (sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal twine); mining (diamond, tanzanite, gold, iron), salt, soda ash; cement, oil refining, shoes apparel, wood products, fertilizers. Export materials are gold, tobacco, cashew, sesame seeds, and refined petroleum. Products imported by this nation are refined petroleum, palm oil, packaged medicines, cars and wheat. Tanzania’s import partners are countries like China, India, UAE.

For more information please visit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Renting and buying of real estates for foreigners

Renting:

Renting a house gives some flexibility which a permanent house will not provide. For foreigners and locals, renting a property is affordable than buying a place as the prices of the properties have plumped in recent years. Most of the people, most of the population in Dar es Salaam are renters. Renting an apartment or a house is cheaper in Tanzania than buying a property. The amount of rent may vary from city to city as it depends on the neighborhood, market, size of the property, main city. Prices in the major cities are comparatively higher than the rural areas. 

Major cities like Dodoma, Arusha, Mwanza, etc are expensive. Some of the cheaper cities are Tanga and Mbeya, etc. To buy a property you need a mortgage which has few loopholes like high interest, cost of house is already high, high incidental cost (legal fee, valuation, stamp duty), low cost of income. You can search for an accommodation online or hire a broker. This will save your time and energy. They will help you to find a reliable and comfortable accommodation. Both the furnished and unfurnished flats are available.

Documents: 

• Passport Photocopy
• Identity Proof
• Photos passport size
• Rental agreement

Buying:

Buying a place to live gives a sense of responsibility and happiness. Owning a property in the Tanzania is only possible if you have investment purpose as the state owns all the land, hence no private ownership is allowed for locals and expats. However the government grants rights of occupancy of land and derivative rights. The right is valid for 5-99 years and is renewable. For an expat to get a right of occupancy, they must get the Certificate of Incentives by the Tanzanian Investment Centre (TIC) first. 

Here also, while getting a property on lease or sub lease, prices may vary due to various aspects. For instance, the property is in the city centre or is in outskirts, its size, near the coastline or in the middle of the country, etc. Apart from the house price you will also need to pay the agency fees, notary and lawyer’s fee, acquisition fee, registration fee, etc. It is suggested to hire a lawyer and a translator if you are not good in Swahili or English.

Documents: 

• Passport
• National Identity Card
• Certificate of Incentives by TIC
• Three photograph passport size
• Mortgage papers

For more information please visit: globalpropertyguide.com

Climate

The climate in Tanzania is variable and has variable climatic conditions; however it is comfortable all year around. Tanzania is on southern side of the equator and the elevation and geography creates the weather tropical on the coastal areas. The tropical coast is hot and humid with heavy rainfall during the rainy season. The central part of Tanzania stays always cool in temperature and the best time to visit this nation is in dry season. 

Spring:  Southern part of Tanzania is dipped in rain during the first half of the spring season but rest of the parts has perfectly fine weather till March. In the month of April it is quite different. Spring season starts from the month of March till the month of May. 

Summer: The summer is good for safari adventure and the best time to roam at the coastal parts. This season starts from the month of June with some light rains, ends in the month of August. 

Rainy: In the rainy season there are major biological activities in the reserves. November has short rains and intermittent rains starts during March. This season starts from November and ends in May, nevertheless afternoon showers can be enjoyed from November to February. 

Winter: Weather is hottest during the daytime and humidity increase in winter. In the western and northern parts of the country winter is different, weather is good and playful. This season starts from the month of December and ends in February.

For more information please visit: snowafricaadventure.com

Languages

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili and English. This is a multilingual country. The Swahili and English are inherited from colonial rule, are widely spoken as lingua franca. These two languages serve as the official working languages in Tanzania with Swahili as the official national language including second language speakers. People here speak in Swahili more than English. Swahili is also known by its native name Kiswahili which is a native language of the people native to Tanzania. This is the language spoken in fourteen countries, namely Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, etc. Swahili is a mix of local Bantu languages and Arabic. Minor languages spoken by the country’s ethnic minorities are: 

Cushitic –   Hadza, Sandawe, Omaio 
Sematic – Arabic 
Indo European – Hindustani, English 
Bantu – Swahili

For more information please visit: wikipedia.org

Traffic

Foreigners are allowed to drive in Tanzania with an international driving license. Roads are in good condition mostly in the northeastern part of the country. Primary road connecting to Arusha and Ngorongoro in the western side, Kilimanjaro/Moshi in the eastern side and Dar es Salaam/Lushoto in the very east are smooth. Some roads in the rural areas are not in very good condition as most roads are chaotic and have large potholes, bumpy surfaces and rivers flowing over them. Conditions of the roads in this nation are constantly improving so you may see some sign boards of road works along the way. There are people who does not follow traffic rules, so be attentive while driving or riding a bicycle. Here you can rent a car here with a driver. According to the traffic rules, traffic runs on the left hand side of the road. Many locals often drive on the right side of the road whenever they see a pothole or an animal coming towards them. Always beware of poor roads, livestock, pedestrians and cyclists. There are only two lanes on the highway in the cities. Lanes are narrow and sometimes there are medians. Also certain roads have a reputation for bandits on the lookout, so it is suggested to seek local advice before driving around. The speed limit is below 80 km/h on the highway, in urban areas the limit is below 60 km/h and in rural areas speed limit is 80 km/h. You will encounter many unmarked speed bumps, so be careful while driving. Avoid driving after dark especially in high risk areas. 

Documents needed as a foreigner: 

• Vehicle’s registration papers
• Liability insurance copy
• International Driver’s license

For more information visit: rhinocarhire.com

Currency

Tanzania’s official currency is Shilling (TSh, /=, /- and code TZS). In Swahili the currency is called as Shilingi ya Tanzania mean Tanzanian Shilling. Notation in the Tanzanian Shilling is written in the form of x/y, x is the amount above 1 shilling while y is the amount in cents. An equal or hyphen represents zero amount. For instance 50 cents is written like “-/50” and 100 shillings as “100/-” or “100/=”. At time ‘TSh’ is prefixed with the currency. The Tanzanian Shilling is divided into 100 cents or senti in Swahili (TSh). Earlier currencies used in this country are East African florin, East African rupee, East African shilling, Zanzibari rupee, Zanzibari ryal and German East African rupie. The paper currency is in five denominations, which are 500/=, 1000/=, 2000/=, 5000/=, 10,000/=. Coins in 50/=, 100/=, 200/=, 500/=. All the bills and coins are minted and managed by the Central Bank of Tanzania.

Payment Transaction

Tanzanians accept cash, cards or online payment. Cash is the original and the oldest payment method. The coins and notes printed by the legalized bank are accepted in every country. Bank transfers can also be done in this country. Digital wallets are least popular amongst Tanzanians. Payment system has transformed over the time with the advanced technology. Furthermore, people and businesses no longer have to use cards and cash to make payments. There are many better and safer ways to make and receive payments online, such as PayGate, Plisio, Crypto.com Pay, etc. Rapyd is the simplest way to receive payment from anywhere in the world. It is available in many countries. DPO Group, is another payment method considered as best in Tanzania. This is a highly secure payment platform makes payments simple by allowing businesses to accept credit cards, mobile payments and cross border payments. iVeri Payment Gateway is helpful if you already have a Merchant facility to accept payments from bank using iVeri, then use this app with your store to increase the reach of your products and increase your sales. 

List of online payment methods in Tanzania: 

• DPO Group
• iVeri Payment
• com Pay
• PayGate
• Plisio
• Rapyd

For more information visit: support.ecwid.com

Cost of living in Tanzania

Tanzania is the cheapest country in Africa and is the second cheapest in the world. Cost of living in Tanzania is cheaper than seventy-eight percent of countries in the world. Major cities like Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha are expensive than rural areas. Average living cost in Tanzania depends upon your lifestyle or your current situation, like whether you are working or a student. Cost of living varies from city to city and also if you are staying alone or with your family. Monthly rent will cost more in the main city than the rent in rural areas. Expense will also rise if you need bigger accommodation, than the smaller one. 

The average monthly expense for a single person is approximately TSh.2,289,930. And the approx. monthly expense will rise if you want to move along with your family of four persons, which will be TSh.3,903,980. Food is cheap compared to housing or dining. If you are staying in a city where you can go by bicycle or by walking to your university or office or live in a city with a good public transport system, then your cost of living will be much lower. 

Here are some products mentioned below, so that you will get a clear idea of the cost of living:

For more information visit: expatistan.com

Apartment Rent 

In many Tanzania cities renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre cost around as much as a two-bedroom apartment outside the city center. If your stay is for short term, then there are many sites on the internet to help you get your accommodation. While talking to the landlord or to the real estate agent, take along your Swahili speaking friend with you so that the conversation will be clear and easy as not many Tanzanians are fluent in English. The city of Dar es Salaam has the expensive apartments followed by Dodoma and Arusha in this nation. Fully furnished one bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost you approx. TSh.1,414,950 and same apartment, outside city will cost approx. TSh.640,652. A furnished studio apartment of 2 to 3 bedrooms in the city centre will cost you approx. TSh.2,605,850 and outside the city it will cost you approx. TSh.654,101. After visiting on the below given link you will get the ideas of the cost of monthly rent. You will find the apartments online or with the help of a local friend. Property showing websites also mentions prices below so that you can choose according to your need and comfort. 

For more information visit: expatistan.com

Taxes 

Taxes in Tanzania has two main types, direct and indirect tax. The indirect taxes are mandatory on the purchase of goods in this country. Taxes under indirect taxes are excise duty, custom duty and VAT. In Tanzania income tax comes under direct tax. Tanzania’s tax system covers income tax, VAT, customs and excise duty. The resident is taxes on his worldwide income, irrespective of source. Non-residents are only taxes on their Tanzanian income. Income tax is charged with the rate of 30% on income of local registered corporation and of a PE of a non-resident corporation of 5% of turnover for technical and management service providers to oil, mining and gas entities (deducted by way of WHT). Some payments to non-residents are taxable at the relevant non-resident WHT rates. The income tax rate is 30% for everyone but there are also some exemptions from tax. Gains from the investments in this nation are taxable as such income comes under the source rules and in these cases the gain will be taxed at rate of 30%. There are no local income taxes imposed by local authorities. 

For more information please visit: taxsummaries.pwc.com

Health Insurance  

Healthcare system in Tanzania has become better in recent years. However, it has not even close to the healthcare system of South Africa. Public healthcare has shortage of staff and limited funds with little access to the adequate medical technology. Most of the hospitals are in cities, even people from rural areas have to come to these places for their medical treatment. Payment has to be made in cash in these medical centers. Numerous medical cases are referred to neighboring countries like Kenya and South Africa for treatment as these nations have latest medical facilities. Expats living in Tanzania go for private health insurance. There are few companies of private health insurance as not many local opt for these health insurances. These insurance plans cover for the treatment at the best private hospitals in Tanzania. It is suggested to take private health insurance plans, which also covers for emergency air evacuation to the nearby countries when needed. Tanzania does not have universal healthcare until now. Those who are without health insurance in this country have to struggle to receive the timely and comprehensive medical assistance. Patients receive healthcare from clinics, hospitals and dispensaries. For more serious conditions patients are sent to community clinics or district hospitals. 

For more information visit:expatfinancial.com

Important addresses 

Julius Nyerere International Airport
Julius K. Nyerere Rd,
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 22 284 4371
Website: taa.go.tz

Dodoma Airport
RPJX+8JG,
Dodoma,
Tanzania
Ph: +243 970 068 319

Kilimanjaro International Airport KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 27 255 4252
Website: kilimanjaroairport.go.tz

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Q6JC+HHJ,
Zanzibar,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 24 223 1336

Tazara Railway Station
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania

Central Railway Station
Gerezani St, Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania

Tanga Railway Station
Ring St,
Tanga,
Tanzania

Morogoro Railway Station
Morogoro,
Tanzania

Ubungo Bus Terminal
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania

Mbezi Mwisho Bus Terminal
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania

Embassy of Angola
1016 Buzwagi St,
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 22 260 2684
Website: embassypages.com

Embassy of Algeria
57XP+836,
Ali Hassan Mwinyi Rd,
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 22 211 7619
Website: mfa.gov.dz

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
Ali Hassan,
Mwinyi Rd,
Dar es Salaam 0572,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 22 211 5841
Website: kemlu.go.id

Embassy of Ethiopia
Yasser Arafat Road Plot Number 230,
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Ph: +255 22 266 8991

Summary

Tanzania, a country in Eastern Africa with Indian Ocean on the coastline with beautiful places, favorable climate and a fun spot for people. Wildlife like Lions, Elephants, Rhinos and Mount Kilimanjaro is worth seeing as well as Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro National Part safaris are worth the visit.  Tanzania has beautiful beaches in the world with golden sand and blue water on the coast of Indian Ocean. Tanzania has great food and many cultural attractions. People are friendly, happy and nice and the cost of living is reasonable. Crime is an undeniable issue especially in Dar es Salaam, and Dodoma the capital city, but with precautions and presence of mind and tactfulness, foreigners are able to live safe life in Tanzania. Job opportunities are available here. To get a work contract or to start a business and to live here expats choose to make contact first. The cost of living is much lower in Tanzania than the countries in Africa, Middle East and Europe. Tanzanian government is also working towards providing good healthcare system to locals as well as foreigners. Tanzania is a good place to live, work or study, but there are still some safety precautions people should take to lessen the risk such as crime and scams. Many Places are safe and fun to visit, if you have a local friend or you know where they are and what areas to ignore.