Tanzania Work Visa

Tanzania Work Visa

The Tanzania Work Visa, often referred to as a residence permit or employment visa, allows foreign nationals to work legally in Tanzania. This visa is mandatory for those who have secured a job offer or employment contract with a registered employer in Tanzania. It is different from the business visa, which only allows short-term visits for meetings or negotiations. The work visa is granted after labour market clearance and is typically valid for up to two years, depending on the employment type.

Eligible applicants include teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals, hospitality workers, and NGO staff. Applications are submitted through the Immigration Services Department, often facilitated by the employer. Indian nationals are advised to apply well in advance due to approval timelines and document verification. Online application services and visa agents offer assistance at competitive prices, helping applicants with everything from visa form filling to booking hotels in Tanzania during their stay.

Tanzania Visa Requirements

To apply for a Tanzania Work Visa, Indian applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents. Meeting the official photo guidelines and document specifications is critical to avoid processing delays. All images submitted should comply with Tanzania Visa Photo Specifications.

General requirements include:

• A valid Indian passport with at least six months’ validity
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Scanned copy of the employment contract and job offer letter
• Work permit approval or application receipt from Tanzanian authorities
• Educational and professional certificates (attested)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Accommodation details in Tanzania
• Proof of return flight or onward travel
• Financial documents as proof of sustenance
• Application form submitted through the Tanzania visa online portal

Applicants may also wish to arrange for best foreign currency exchange rates and ensure they’ve applied for an Indian passport online if it’s a first-time application.

Tanzania Visa Fees

The cost of a Tanzania Work Visa depends on the visa duration and the category of employment. For Indian citizens, the typical fee structure is as follows:

• Employment Visa (1 Year): USD 550 ≈ ₹45,650
• Employment Visa (2 Years): USD 1,000 ≈ ₹83,000
• Residence Permit (Class B or C): May vary depending on the employer’s sector and the applicant’s role
• Application Processing Time: 10–15 working days

In case of a change in job or extension of employment, applicants must apply for a Tanzania Visa Renewal. Similarly, for extended stays, a Tanzania Visa Extension can be requested through official channels. It is advisable to track visa application status regularly to ensure timely updates.

Tanzania Visa Documents

When preparing your Tanzania visa application, ensure all required documents are submitted clearly and accurately. Missing or invalid paperwork can lead to visa rejection or delays.

Here are essential documents for Indian citizens applying for a work visa:

• Original passport
• Passport-size photographs meeting Tanzania visa photo requirements
• Tanzania visa application form
• Work permit or employer’s immigration submission confirmation
• Educational qualifications and work experience letters
• Proof of accommodation and return travel bookings
• Visa fee receipt

Additionally, travellers are encouraged to book prepaid roaming SIMs for communication, reserve bus tickets online for inter-city travel, and use reliable platforms to book car rental services online for commuting during their stay.

Tanzania Visa Photo Specifications

Photographs must meet the Tanzanian Government’s updated photo standards to ensure visa acceptance. These are the current photo requirements for 2025:

• Photo size must be 2 x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm)
• Background should be plain white without shadows
• No glasses or head coverings unless for religious reasons
• Face should be directly facing the camera with a neutral expression
• Recent photograph (taken within 6 months)
• File format: JPEG for digital uploads

Improper photo submission is a common cause of visa rejections, so it’s crucial to follow these guidelines carefully.