🇹🇿Tanzania · Work Permits

Work Permits in Tanzania

End-to-end work permit management for expatriates in Tanzania. Residence Permit Class B, Special Pass, and Dependent Pass applications handled by our immigration specialists.

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Tanzania Work Permit Quick Reference

Primary Work Permit

Residence Permit Class B

Permit Duration

2 years (renewable)

Temporary Pass

Special Pass (Up to 90 days)

Processing Time

30–60 days for Class B; 5–14 days for Special Pass

Immigration Authority

Immigration Services Department (ISD)

Permit Types

Tanzania immigration options for foreign nationals

Residence Permit Class B

2 years, renewable

For: Foreign nationals employed by a Tanzania-registered company

The primary work authorisation for employed expatriates in Tanzania. Issued by the ISD after assessment that no qualified Tanzanian national is available for the role. Holder is tied to the sponsoring employer and must apply for a new permit to change employers.

Special Pass

Up to 90 days

For: Foreign nationals awaiting a Residence Permit Class B decision

Allows the holder to work legally in Tanzania while a Class B application is under assessment. Applied for at the ISD regional office. Can be renewed in limited circumstances but is not intended as a long-term solution.

Residence Permit Class A

2 years, renewable

For: Self-employed foreign nationals and investors

For foreign nationals operating their own business or investing in Tanzania. Requires proof of investment and BRELA company registration. Does not cover salaried employment.

Dependent Pass

Co-terminus with the primary permit

For: Spouses and minor children of Residence Permit holders

Allows dependants to reside in Tanzania for the duration of the holder's permit. Does not grant work rights — a separate Class B is required if a spouse wishes to work.

Requirements

Documents required for a Residence Permit Class B

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond permit end date)

Completed ISD application form

Formal offer letter from the Tanzania employer

Proof of employer's BRELA company registration certificate

Employer's TIN (Tanzania Revenue Authority tax identification)

Evidence of local recruitment attempt (job advertisements or justification)

Academic and professional certificates (notarised)

Medical certificate from a recognised Tanzanian health facility

Police clearance certificate (home country, Interpol)

Curriculum vitae / resumé

Two recent passport-size photographs

Application Process

How we handle your Tanzania work permit

Document Preparation

We advise on the exact document list for your role and nationality, complete the ISD application forms, and review all documents for completeness before submission.

Special Pass Application

Where the employee needs to start immediately, we apply for a Special Pass (5–14 days processing) to cover the period while the Class B is under assessment.

Class B Submission

Complete application package submitted to the ISD. We track the application status and liaise with the immigration department on your behalf throughout the process.

ISD Assessment

The ISD assesses whether the role can be filled by a qualified Tanzanian national. Our preparation of the local recruitment justification evidence is critical to a successful first-time approval.

Permit Issued

Residence Permit Class B issued — typically 30–60 days from submission. We collect the permit and ensure the holder's employment records are updated.

Renewal Management

We track permit expiry dates and initiate renewals at least 90 days before expiry to ensure no gap in authorisation across the two-year permit cycle.

Common Questions

Tanzania Work Permit FAQs

Need a work permit in Tanzania?

We handle the full application — documents, submission, and follow-up with ISD.

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