Can you get Tanzania Golden Visa by buying property?

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

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THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Tanzania. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At TheAfricanVestor, we explore the Tanzanian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Stone Town. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

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Grace Makoye 🇹🇿

Manager of Operations, Zinza Real Estate

Grace Makoye is a real estate expert and Manager of Operations at Zinza Real Estate. She helps buyers and investors navigate Tanzania's property market, from commercial deals to high-yield investments. With her expertise, you'll find the right property hassle-free.

Can foreigners legally buy property in Tanzania?

Foreigners cannot directly own land in Tanzania because all land belongs to the state.

However, foreign investors can legally acquire long-term leasehold rights through government-approved investment channels. The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) handles mainland applications, while the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) manages Zanzibar properties.

These leasehold agreements typically last up to 99 years and are renewable. Foreigners can also purchase property through a locally registered company, but this still results in leasehold rather than freehold ownership.

The leasehold system provides security of tenure and allows property development, usage, and transfer within the leasing terms. As of September 2025, this remains the only legal way for non-Tanzanian citizens to control property in the country.

What type of ownership rights do foreigners actually get when buying property there?

Foreigners receive derivative rights through long-term leasehold agreements, not full ownership.

These leasehold rights allow you to use, develop, modify, and transfer the property within the terms of your lease agreement. You can build residential or commercial structures, rent out the property, and sell your leasehold interest to other qualifying parties.

The leasehold typically runs for 99 years and can be renewed before expiration. However, the underlying land remains state-owned, meaning you cannot convert leasehold to freehold ownership regardless of how long you hold the property.

Your leasehold rights are registered with the relevant land registry and provide legal protection against third-party claims. The system offers sufficient security for most investment and development purposes.

Does Tanzania currently have a Golden Visa or investor residency program?

Tanzania does not offer an official Golden Visa program like those found in European countries.

Instead, Tanzania operates investor residency permit programs through different authorities. Mainland Tanzania offers investor residence permits through TIC for qualifying business investments, while Zanzibar has its own residence-by-investment program managed by ZIPA.

These programs grant temporary residence permits rather than the citizenship pathways typically associated with Golden Visa schemes. The permits are renewable and tied to maintaining your qualifying investment.

As of September 2025, neither program offers a direct path to permanent residency or citizenship through property investment alone.

If so, does buying property qualify as a valid route to get that residency permit?

Yes, property investment can qualify you for temporary residence permits in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

How much money must you invest in Tanzanian property to be considered for residency?

Zanzibar requires a minimum investment of USD $100,000 in ZIPA-approved real estate developments.

Mainland Tanzania requires a significantly higher minimum investment of USD $500,000 for investor residency through TIC. This investment must be in approved commercial, industrial, tourism, or agricultural developments.

The Zanzibar program specifically targets real estate investment and is more accessible for individual property buyers. The mainland program focuses on broader business investments where real estate may be a component but cannot be purely residential for private use.

These minimums are strictly enforced, and investments below the threshold will not qualify for residency permits. Currency fluctuations may affect the exact Tanzanian Shilling equivalent required at the time of application.

Is the property investment option officially listed by the Tanzanian Immigration Department?

The property investment routes are officially recognized through TIC and ZIPA rather than directly through the Immigration Department.

TIC manages investor residency applications for mainland Tanzania, including those based on property investments in qualifying sectors. ZIPA handles Zanzibar's residence-by-investment program, which explicitly includes real estate as a qualifying investment category.

Both authorities coordinate with the Immigration Department to process residence permits once investment requirements are met. The Immigration Department's website references these investor residency programs and directs applicants to the appropriate investment authorities.

It's something we develop in our Tanzania property pack.

Are there specific areas or property types that qualify for residency or Golden Visa eligibility?

Zanzibar restricts qualifying properties to ZIPA-approved developments in designated areas.

Approved locations include Stone Town heritage areas, northern beach developments, and planned communities like Fumba Town. Only properties within these officially designated investment zones qualify for the residence-by-investment program.

Mainland Tanzania requires investments in approved commercial, industrial, tourism, or agricultural developments. Purely residential properties for private use do not qualify. Village land must be reclassified as "general land" before it becomes eligible for foreign investment.

The property must be part of a development project that contributes to Tanzania's economic development goals. Single residential houses or small-scale properties typically do not meet the qualifying criteria.

How long does the residency permit last, and can it be renewed?

Zanzibar residence permits are typically valid for 2 years and are renewable.

Region	Initial Permit Duration	Renewal Terms
Zanzibar	2 years	Renewable every 2 years as long as property is held
Mainland Tanzania	Varies (typically 2-5 years)	Renewable based on maintaining qualifying investment
Renewal Cost (Zanzibar)	~$500 main applicant	$50 per dependent every 2 years
Termination Condition	Selling qualifying property	Permit becomes invalid immediately
Maximum Duration	No specified limit	Renewable indefinitely while investment maintained

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.

Does property ownership also grant permanent residency or just a temporary residence permit?

Property investment only grants temporary residence permits, never permanent residency or citizenship.

Both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania programs issue renewable temporary permits tied to maintaining your property investment. Selling your qualifying property immediately terminates your residence permit.

Permanent residency and citizenship require separate naturalization processes that typically take 7 or more years of continuous residence, language proficiency, and other criteria unrelated to property ownership.

The temporary permits can theoretically be renewed indefinitely as long as you maintain your qualifying investment, but they never convert to permanent status automatically.

Can the investor's spouse and children also obtain residency through the property purchase?

Yes, immediate family members including spouse and children are eligible for residency permits when the main investor qualifies through property investment.

Family inclusion applies to both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania programs. Dependent permits are typically issued for the same duration as the main applicant's permit and must be renewed simultaneously.

Renewal fees for dependents are lower than the main applicant - approximately $50 per dependent compared to $500 for the primary permit holder in Zanzibar. Children typically qualify until age 18, though specific age limits may vary.

Family members receive the same temporary residence status and are subject to the same conditions, including permit termination if the qualifying property is sold.

What taxes, fees, and annual costs apply when foreigners buy and hold property in Tanzania?

Transaction costs typically range from 5-10% of the property value when purchasing.

1. **Initial Purchase Costs:** - Stamp duty: approximately 1% of property value - Transfer tax: 1-5% of property value - Legal fees: 1-2% of property value - Survey and registration fees: varies by property size - Development permits and approvals: varies by project 2. **Ongoing Annual Costs:** - Ground rent/property tax: varies by use and plot size - Permit renewal fees: ~$500 main applicant + $50 per dependent every 2 years - Income tax: 15% on Tanzanian-source income, 0% on foreign income - Property management and maintenance costs - Insurance and utilities 3. **Additional Considerations:** - Service charge for developments: varies by project - Capital gains tax: may apply upon sale - Withholding tax: applies to rental income

It's something we develop in our Tanzania property pack.

What alternatives to property investment exist for getting long-term residency in Tanzania?

Several business investment routes offer alternatives to property-based residency permits.

1. **TIC Investor Residency (Mainland):** - Minimum USD $500,000 investment in qualifying business sectors - Includes manufacturing, mining, tourism, agriculture, and social services - Can include hotel or commercial development projects - Requires creating employment for Tanzanian citizens 2. **Business Investment in Zanzibar:** - Commercial or tourism-related investments through ZIPA - Higher capital thresholds for business-oriented projects - Can include hospitality, manufacturing, or service sector investments 3. **Employment-Based Residence:** - Residence permits through employment with Tanzanian companies - Requires work permit and job offer from registered employer - Annual renewal based on continued employment 4. **Retirement Residence:** - Available for retirees with proven pension income - Lower investment requirements but strict income verification - Limited to specific age groups and income thresholds 5. **Student Residence:** - Temporary permits for students enrolled in Tanzanian institutions - Convertible to other permit types after graduation

It's something we develop in our Tanzania property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Tanzania Investment Centre - Foreign Land Ownership FAQ
2. TheAfricanVestor - Tanzania Real Estate for Foreigners
3. LinkedIn - Tanzania Land Law for Foreign Investors
4. Multilaw - Real Estate Guide Tanzania
5. TheAfricanVestor - Can Foreigners Own Land in Tanzania
6. CitizenX - Zanzibar Golden Visa
7. TheAfricanVestor - Moving to Tanzania Buy Property
8. CitizenX - Zanzibar Citizenship by Investment
9. Sandbank Villas - Owning Property in Zanzibar as a Foreigner
10. Tanzania Immigration - Residence Permits