Hiring with the Class B Work Permit: Requirements & Process in Tanzania

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Class B Work Permit

The Class B Work Permit applies to foreign nationals employed by a Tanzanian company under a local employment contract. The permit is employer-sponsored and role-specific, and approval is typically granted only where authorities are satisfied that the position cannot be easily filled by a qualified Tanzanian citizen. Employers are often expected to demonstrate knowledge transfer or localisation plans.

Employee Requirements

 
• A confirmed job offer from a Tanzanian-registered employer
 
• Relevant qualifications and professional experience for the role
 
• Agreement to work only for the sponsoring employer in the approved position
 
• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
 
• Compliance with general immigration and character requirements

Required Documents for Employees

 
• Valid passport
 
• CV/resume and proof of professional experience
 
• Academic and professional certificates
 
• Signed employment contract or appointment letter
 
• Passport-style photographs
 
• Police clearance certificate (where required)
 
• Medical examination report (if requested)

Required Documents for Employers

 
• Company incorporation and business registration documents
 
• Tax compliance certificates and business licences
 
• Employment contract outlining role, salary, and duration
 
• Justification letter explaining the need for a foreign hire
 
• Organisation chart and localisation/understudy plan (if requested)

Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Class B Work Permit in Tanzania

 
1. The employer defines the role and confirms it meets Class B eligibility criteria.
 
2. The employer gathers corporate documents and prepares a justification for hiring a foreign national.
 
3. The work permit application is submitted to the Ministry of Labour for approval.
 
4. Once approved, the employee applies for the appropriate residence permit with Immigration.
 
5. The employee completes biometric registration and local formalities after arrival (if abroad).
 
6. The employee can legally begin work once both work and residence permits are issued.

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Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor a Class B Work Permit

Tanzania publishes standard government fees for work permits and residence permits, but employers should also budget for administrative and compliance-related costs.

Government Fees & Who Pays What

 
• Class B Work Permit fee: Paid by the employer, typically annually or for the permit duration.
 
• Residence permit fee: Required in addition to the work permit.
 
• Processing/application fees: Payable at submission.

Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs

Costs Born By the Employer

 
• Work permit and residence permit fees
 
• Internal HR and compliance resources
 
• Optional immigration or legal advisory fees
 
• Relocation or onboarding support (if offered)

Costs Born by the Employee

 
• Personal document preparation and certification costs

Costs Covered by Both

 
• Post-approval registration and onboarding steps

Renewal/Extension Fee

Class B Work Permits are usually issued for up to two years and can be renewed if employment continues. Employers should start renewals early to avoid work authorisation gaps.

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Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance

Tanzania’s immigration framework places ongoing obligations on sponsoring employers:

 
• Ensure the employee works only in the approved role and for the sponsoring employer.
 
• Maintain compliant employment terms, including salary and benefits.
 
• Report termination or significant role changes to immigration and labour authorities.
 
• Track permit expiry dates and manage renewals on time.
 
• Keep accurate employment and immigration records.
 
• Understand penalties for non-compliance, including fines or permit cancellation.

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Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll

Borders shouldn’t slow your hiring plans. Playroll gives you two flexible ways to hire globally. If relocation to Tanzania is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the Class B Work Permit process –from application to compliance.

If relocation isn’t required, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.