Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Tanzania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Republic of the Congo Property Pack
Tanzania is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats looking for adventure, career opportunities, and a lower cost of living compared to Western countries.
Whether you're considering Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar, this guide covers everything you need to know about living in Tanzania in 2026, from salaries and taxes to safety, housing, and daily life.
We constantly update this blog post to ensure you have the most accurate and current information available.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Tanzania.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Grace Makoye 🇹🇿
Manager of Operations, Zinza Real Estate
Is Tanzania a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the quality of life trajectory in Tanzania is best described as improving in urban infrastructure and services, but with heightened short-term political uncertainty following the October 2025 elections.
The most notable improvement in Tanzania over the past two to three years has been the expansion of mobile money services, better private healthcare facilities in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and a growing number of international schools serving expat families.
However, the persistent challenge in Tanzania remains the security environment, which requires more vigilance than many first-time expats expect, especially in Dar es Salaam where petty crime and occasional political unrest have increased in late 2025.
Are hospitals good in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospital quality in Tanzania varies significantly, with top private facilities in Dar es Salaam approaching good regional standards, while public hospitals often face resource constraints compared to Western European or North American benchmarks.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Tanzania include Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam, Regency Medical Centre, and Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre for those based in the northern region.
A standard doctor consultation in Tanzania in 2026 typically costs between TZS 50,000 and TZS 150,000 (about $20 to $60 USD or 18 to 55 EUR) at private clinics in expat areas, while public facilities charge much lower fees around TZS 7,000.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Tanzania because private facility costs can add up quickly, and comprehensive coverage including medical evacuation is essential for peace of mind.
Are there any good international schools in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, Tanzania has a solid selection of around 15 to 20 internationally accredited schools, mostly concentrated in Dar es Salaam and the Arusha-Moshi corridor, offering IB, Cambridge, and British curricula.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Tanzania include the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Dar es Salaam, UWC East Africa with campuses in Moshi and Arusha, and the International School of Zanzibar (ISZ).
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Tanzania in 2026 typically range from $8,000 to $25,000 USD (about 7,400 to 23,000 EUR or TZS 20 million to TZS 64 million), with flagship IB schools in Dar es Salaam at the higher end.
Waitlists at the most popular international schools in Tanzania, especially IST, can be long for certain grade levels, and public schools are generally not a practical alternative for expat families seeking English-medium international curricula.
Is Tanzania a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Tanzania is not uniformly dangerous, but it does require more security awareness than many expats initially expect, particularly in Dar es Salaam where petty crime and post-election unrest have been notable concerns.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Tanzania include opportunistic theft like bag snatching from moving vehicles (especially along Toure Drive on the Msasani Peninsula), street robbery at night, and the need to avoid political demonstrations which can turn unpredictable.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Tanzania are Masaki, Oysterbay, and Mikocheni in Dar es Salaam, as well as Njiro and Usa River corridor in Arusha, where secure compounds, guard services, and expat amenities are standard.
Women can and do live alone safely in Tanzania, particularly in expat neighborhoods with secure housing, though common precautions include avoiding solo walks at night, using trusted transport arrangements, and keeping valuables discreet in public.
Thinking of buying real estate in Tanzania?
Acquiring property in a different country is a complex task. Don't fall into common traps – grab our guide and make better decisions.
How much does everyday life cost in Tanzania in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single expat can live comfortably in Dar es Salaam on a monthly budget of about TZS 5 to 8 million (roughly $2,000 to $3,200 USD or 1,850 to 2,950 EUR), covering secure housing, utilities, transport, and a reasonable social life.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Tanzania, a single person can manage on around TZS 3.5 to 5 million per month ($1,400 to $2,000 USD or 1,300 to 1,850 EUR), though this may mean a smaller apartment and fewer imported goods.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Dar es Salaam, with a larger home in Masaki, a car, regular dining out, and international school fees for one child, can easily require TZS 15 to 25 million per month ($6,000 to $10,000 USD or 5,500 to 9,200 EUR).
The expense category that typically dominates expat budgets in Tanzania is housing, especially in Dar es Salaam's premium neighborhoods like Masaki and Oysterbay where monthly rents for a two-bedroom apartment can range from $1,500 to $4,000 USD.
What is the average income tax rate in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income expat earner in Tanzania (around TZS 5 million gross per month) faces an effective income tax rate of approximately 26% to 27%, based on the progressive PAYE brackets.
Tanzania's income tax brackets range from 0% on the first TZS 270,000 of monthly income, then progressively increase through several bands, reaching a top marginal rate of 30% on earnings above TZS 1,000,000 per month.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Tanzania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Tanzania in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top countries of origin for expats in Tanzania include the United Kingdom, United States, India, China, and neighboring East African countries like Kenya, plus a significant population from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi (though many of the latter are refugees rather than professional expats).
Tanzania hosts several hundred thousand foreign-born residents according to UN estimates, but the majority are refugees concentrated in the Kigoma region, while the professional expat population in cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar numbers in the tens of thousands.
The main reasons expats are drawn to Tanzania include employment with NGOs, UN agencies, and international organizations (especially in Arusha where the UN and African Union have offices), tourism and safari industry careers, and business opportunities in trade and logistics.
The expat population in Tanzania is predominantly a mix of working professionals (NGO staff, diplomats, corporate employees) and tourism industry workers, with a smaller segment of retirees and entrepreneurs, rather than a large digital nomad community.
Where do most expats live in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top neighborhoods where expats concentrate in Tanzania are Masaki, Oysterbay, and Mikocheni in Dar es Salaam, Njiro and Sakina in Arusha, and Stone Town plus the beach areas of Paje and Nungwi in Zanzibar.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer secure compounds with guards, reliable electricity and water backup, proximity to international schools and embassies, and easy access to restaurants, supermarkets, and healthcare facilities that cater to international residents.
An emerging neighborhood in Tanzania attracting more expats is Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam, which offers newer developments and more space than the Msasani Peninsula, though it requires crossing the ferry or new bridge, and Usa River outside Arusha is growing popular with families seeking greener, quieter surroundings.
Are expats moving in or leaving Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the expat migration trend in Tanzania is best described as a selective inflow, with new arrivals tied to tourism recovery, NGO projects, and regional business, but some risk-sensitive expats have delayed moves or left temporarily due to post-election unrest in late 2025.
The main factor driving expats to move to Tanzania right now is the strong tourism and safari industry rebound, combined with ongoing demand for international staff in NGOs, UN agencies, and multinational companies based in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Tanzania recently has been the political uncertainty and security concerns following the October 2025 elections, including reports of curfews, internet shutdowns, and increased attention from local security authorities toward foreigners.
Compared to similar East African destinations like Kenya and Rwanda, Tanzania's expat population growth has been more cautious in early 2026 due to the recent political situation, though the long-term draw of Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar keeps Tanzania competitive.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Tanzania
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What paperwork do I need to move to Tanzania in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Tanzania are the Class B Residence Permit (for employed professionals), the Class A Residence Permit (for investors), and the business visa (for short-term assignments up to 90 days).
The Class B work permit, the most common route for employed expats, requires employer sponsorship, an employment contract, proof of professional qualifications, and evidence that the position cannot be filled by a local Tanzanian worker.
Tanzania does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, so remote workers typically enter on tourist visas (valid for 90 days) and must leave to renew, or they arrange business visas if conducting short-term professional activities.
Class B residence permits in Tanzania are typically issued for two years and can be renewed, with the renewal process requiring updated employment documentation and continuation of the employer sponsorship.
How long does it take to get residency in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a work and residence permit in Tanzania is about 4 to 8 weeks when the employer has all documents in order, though more complex cases can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.
Factors that can delay the residency process in Tanzania include incomplete documentation, missing translations of certificates, peak processing periods, and additional scrutiny for certain regulated professions like doctors and engineers that require board registration.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Tanzania, an expat must generally live in the country continuously for at least five years, and citizenship is rarely granted to foreigners except in exceptional circumstances.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Tanzania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Tanzania in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Tanzania are tourism and hospitality (safaris, lodges, and beach resorts), the NGO and international development sector (with major hubs in Dar es Salaam and Arusha), and logistics and port-related services centered around Dar es Salaam's strategic harbor.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Tanzania without speaking Swahili if they work for international organizations, multinational companies, or international schools, but learning basic Swahili significantly helps with daily life and opens up more local market opportunities.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Tanzania include safari guide and lodge management positions, teaching roles at international schools, specialized healthcare positions, and professional roles in NGOs covering areas like project management, finance, and communications.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in Tanzania varies widely from TZS 2 to 6 million per month ($800 to $2,400 USD or 740 to 2,200 EUR) for locally hired roles, up to $5,000 to $10,000 USD per month for senior international positions with housing included.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Tanzania, such as teaching at an international school or working as an NGO program officer, typically pay between TZS 3 to 8 million per month ($1,200 to $3,200 USD or 1,100 to 2,950 EUR).
Senior or specialized expat roles in Tanzania, such as country director positions for NGOs or general managers at safari lodges, can command salaries of TZS 12 to 25 million per month ($4,800 to $10,000 USD or 4,400 to 9,200 EUR), often with additional benefits like housing and school fees.
Employers in Tanzania do commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires, particularly in specialized or senior roles where local talent is scarce, though the employer must justify the need to hire a foreigner as part of the permit application process.
Get to know the market before buying a property in Tanzania
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.
What's daily life really like for expats in Tanzania right now?
What do expats love most about living in Tanzania right now?
Expats consistently praise Tanzania for its world-class access to nature (weekend safari trips to the Serengeti, climbing Kilimanjaro, and beach escapes to Zanzibar), the warm and welcoming local culture, and the ability to live a high-quality lifestyle at a lower cost than in Western countries.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Tanzania is the ease of accessing incredible natural experiences, from game drives in Tarangire to diving in the Indian Ocean, all within a few hours of the main expat hubs.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Tanzania is the affordability of domestic help, including house staff, drivers, and gardeners, which allows for a comfortable daily life that would be unaffordable back home.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Tanzania particularly enjoyable is the genuine friendliness of Tanzanians, the slower pace of life outside of work, and the strong expat community networks in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha that help newcomers settle in quickly.
What do expats dislike most about life in Tanzania right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Tanzania include the heavy traffic and long commutes in Dar es Salaam, occasional infrastructure interruptions (power cuts and water shortages), and the heightened security awareness required compared to many other destinations.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Tanzania is the unpredictable traffic in Dar es Salaam, where a commute that should take 20 minutes can easily stretch to over an hour during peak times or rainy season.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Tanzania is the work permit and residency permit process, which can involve multiple government offices, long wait times, and occasional requests for additional documentation even after initial approval.
These frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats, especially those who embrace the pace of life, plan around infrastructure challenges with backup generators and water tanks, and work with experienced local staff to navigate paperwork.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Tanzania right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Tanzania include the slower pace of business and government processes (things take longer than expected), the visible gap between expat living standards and local norms, and the security-conscious lifestyle of guarded compounds and avoiding flashy displays of wealth.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Tanzania is the importance of greetings and relationship-building before getting down to business, as jumping straight into requests without proper pleasantries can be seen as rude.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Tanzania is "African time," where meetings, deliveries, and services often run behind schedule, requiring patience and flexibility that can be challenging for those used to strict punctuality.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Tanzania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Tanzania in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Tanzania is restricted, meaning foreigners cannot own land outright under freehold title but can acquire property through long-term leases, derivative rights of occupancy, or investment-linked structures approved by the Tanzania Investment Centre.
The specific restrictions that apply to foreigners buying property in Tanzania include the requirement to obtain derivative rights through a Tanzanian entity or the TIC pathway, limitations on purchasing agricultural land, and different rules applying to Zanzibar which has its own separate land law system.
Foreigners in Tanzania can typically acquire apartments and buildings through approved structures, but direct ownership of land is generally not permitted, and any property purchase should involve thorough legal due diligence with a qualified Tanzanian lawyer.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Tanzania.
What is the average price per m² in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Tanzania varies significantly by location, with Dar es Salaam premium areas averaging around $1,300 to $1,800 USD (about 1,200 to 1,650 EUR or TZS 3.3 to 4.5 million) per square meter.
Property prices in Tanzania have trended upward over the past two to three years, driven by urban population growth, increased foreign investment, and limited supply of quality housing in desirable expat neighborhoods like Masaki and Oysterbay.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Tanzania here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Tanzania are available but limited, with only a handful of banks willing to consider non-citizen applications, and most foreign buyers end up using cash, employer-backed arrangements, or offshore financing.
The banks in Tanzania with the most experience handling foreigner mortgage applications are CRDB Bank (the market leader with about 38% market share), NMB Bank, and Stanbic Bank.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Tanzania include down payments of 30% to 50% (higher than for locals), interest rates of 15% to 19% for shilling-denominated loans, and maximum loan terms of 15 to 20 years.
Foreigners applying for a mortgage in Tanzania typically need proof of residence permit, verifiable local income or substantial offshore income documentation, property valuation, and comprehensive insurance coverage on the property.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Tanzania.
Buying real estate in Tanzania can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Tanzania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of Tanzania | Tanzania's central bank provides official exchange rates. | We used BoT rates to convert all budgets and prices into TZS, USD, and EUR. We also verified currency trends for 2026. |
| Tanzania Revenue Authority | The official tax authority publishes the current PAYE brackets. | We calculated effective tax rates at various salary levels using TRA's 2025/2026 schedule. We also verified bracket thresholds for accuracy. |
| U.S. Department of State | Official U.S. government travel advisory updated regularly. | We used it to frame baseline security risks for expats in Tanzania. We also cross-checked with UK and Australian advisories. |
| UK FCDO | Official UK government travel guidance for Tanzania. | We used it to identify specific areas of concern and practical safety advice. We triangulated this with U.S. and OSAC sources. |
| OSAC | U.S. State Department security resource for employers and expats. | We translated advisory language into practical day-to-day security guidance. We also used it to validate crime patterns in specific cities. |
| UN DESA | Global standard dataset for international migrant populations. | We anchored foreign population estimates to UN migrant stock data. We separated refugees from professional expats using UNHCR figures. |
| UNHCR Tanzania | The authority on refugee and asylum-seeker populations. | We used it to distinguish refugees from expat professionals in migration statistics. We avoided conflating these distinct populations. |
| International Baccalaureate | Official accreditation body for IB schools worldwide. | We verified which Tanzania schools are truly IB-authorized. We then gathered fee and admissions details from school websites. |
| Numbeo | Widely used crowdsourced cost of living database. | We used Numbeo as a secondary check on rent and grocery prices. We cross-referenced with our own data to ensure estimates are realistic. |
| CAHF | Leading research center on African housing finance. | We referenced their Tanzania mortgage market data for lender landscape and interest rates. We verified their figures against bank publications. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Tanzania. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.