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Tanzania Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Tanzania? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Dodoma

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling

(

TSh

)

Timezone

EAT

(

GMT +3

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

15%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Tanzania: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Tanzania? Navigating Tanzania’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Tanzania, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers or EOR providers must be registered with the Tanzanian Immigration Department to sponsor foreign workers.

Work permits typically take 4–8 weeks to process.

Common types of visas include the Class A Work Permit ($400) and Class B Work Permit ($500).

Independent contractors follow a separate process, which may require a business visa or work permit.

Work permits are location-specific; changing jobs or locations may require re-approval.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Tanzania

In Tanzania, a work permit is required for all foreign nationals intending to engage in employment, business, or consultancy within the country. Employers must ensure that non-Tanzanian employees secure the appropriate work authorization before commencing their roles. This applies to expatriates hired locally or relocated from other countries.

Types of Work Visas in Tanzania

Tanzania offers several types of work visas to accommodate different employment situations. Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and purposes.

Visa Type	Description
Class A Work Permit	For investors or self-employed individuals establishing businesses in Tanzania.
Class B Work Permit	For employees in specialized professions or skilled workers.
Class C Work Permit	For missionaries, volunteers, and individuals in non-profit organizations.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Tanzania

When hiring talent in Tanzania, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Tanzania. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 4–8 weeks on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Tanzania.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Tanzania

Independent professionals in Tanzania can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in British Pound Sterling (GBP) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Tanzania.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Tanzania

Transferring an existing team member to Tanzania? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Europe, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Tanzania? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements For a Work Permit in Tanzania

To obtain a work permit in Tanzania, both the employer and employee must meet certain prerequisites.

Completed Application Form: A properly filled application form to initiate the process.
Employment Contract: Proof of a formal employment agreement, detailing the job role and salary.
Educational Credentials: Certified copies of qualifications or professional certifications.
Company Registration Documents: Employer must provide proof of business registration in Tanzania.
Health Certificate: Recent medical examination results showing fitness to work.

Tanzania Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Submit the application form along with required documents to the Labor Commissioner’s office.
Step 2: Pay the relevant fees for the chosen work permit category.
Step 3: Await review and approval, which involves verifying the necessity of hiring a foreign national.
Step 4: Collect the work permit once approved.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In Tanzania

Visa sponsorship involves the employer taking responsibility for the employee’s application process. This includes filing the work permit application, providing supporting documentation, and covering applicable fees. Sponsorship also extends to ensuring compliance with immigration laws during the employee’s tenure.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Tanzania

Work permit and visa fees in Tanzania vary depending on the type.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Class A Work Permit	$3,000
Class B Work Permit	$2,000
Class C Work Permit	$500

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Tanzania, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

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Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in Tanzania

The processing time for work permits and visas in Tanzania typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or additional verification is required.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Tanzania

Work permits in Tanzania are generally issued for two years and can be renewed. Employers must begin the renewal process at least three months before the permit's expiration date to avoid disruptions.

Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Tanzania

While Tanzania does not have a specific digital nomad visa, individuals working remotely for foreign companies can apply for other relevant visas.

Proof of Remote Employment: Documentation verifying employment with a foreign company.
Sufficient Funds: Bank statements showing the ability to sustain living expenses.
Valid Passport: A passport with at least six months’ validity.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Tanzania

Lengthy Approval Times: Work permit applications can take weeks to process.
Regulatory Compliance: Employers must meet labor law standards to justify hiring foreign workers.
Cost Considerations: High application fees can be a barrier for some businesses.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Tanzania

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Tanzania?

Yes, Playroll can sponsor work visas in Tanzania. As the legal employer, we manage the full visa process with local authorities — from documentation to approvals — ensuring your hire is compliant and ready to work. Whether you're relocating a team member or hiring in Tanzania, our experts will guide you step by step.

Want to get started? book a demo and we’ll walk you through the process.