What visa do you need to buy property in Tanzania?

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 The African Investor, 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, Arusha, and Zanzibar. 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.

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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.

What type of visa is required for foreign nationals to buy property in Tanzania?

You do not need a specific visa to purchase property in Tanzania as a foreign national.

Any valid tourist, business, or temporary visa allows you to complete property transactions in Tanzania. The Tanzanian government permits foreigners to buy or lease property regardless of their residency status, making the property acquisition process accessible to international buyers.

However, if you plan to stay in Tanzania long-term to manage your property investment, you should consider applying for a residence permit. The Class C-11 residence permit is specifically designed for property investors and requires a minimum investment of $100,000 in real estate.

For investment activities beyond property ownership, you might need a Class A investor permit, which costs between $2,000 and $3,050 depending on your specific circumstances and nationality.

Tourist visas typically allow stays of up to 90 days, which is sufficient time to complete most property purchase procedures in Tanzania.

Can you buy property in Tanzania as a non-citizen or do you need to be a resident?

You can buy property in Tanzania as a non-citizen without being a resident.

Tanzania's property laws allow foreign nationals to purchase real estate without requiring residency status first. This means you can complete property transactions while visiting on a tourist visa or any other temporary visa arrangement.

Non-citizens can acquire apartments and condominiums through direct ownership via strata title arrangements. For land purchases, foreigners can obtain leasehold rights for up to 99 years through government approval, typically for investment purposes.

While residency is not mandatory for property purchase, obtaining a residence permit becomes beneficial if you plan to spend significant time in Tanzania managing your investment. Property investments exceeding $100,000 automatically qualify you for a Class C-11 residence permit application.

The absence of a residency requirement makes Tanzania an attractive destination for international property investors who want to diversify their real estate portfolio without complex immigration commitments.

What is the maximum amount of land you can own as a foreigner in Tanzania?

Foreigners cannot own land outright in Tanzania but can secure leasehold rights for up to 99 years with no strict acreage limitations.

All land in Tanzania is government-owned, and foreigners can only obtain derivative rights through long-term leases. These leasehold arrangements must be approved by the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) or the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) for investment purposes.

The government typically does not impose specific acreage limits on foreign leaseholds, but approval is required and the land must be designated for legitimate investment projects. Commercial, agricultural, and mixed-use developments are commonly approved for foreign investors.

Zanzibar offers more flexibility for foreign buyers compared to mainland Tanzania, with streamlined approval processes and more favorable terms for international investors.

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

Are there any restrictions on property types that foreigners can purchase in Tanzania?

Foreigners face specific restrictions on property types they can purchase in Tanzania, with different rules for land versus built properties.

Direct residential land purchases for personal use are restricted unless tied to an approved investment project. Foreigners cannot buy land simply for building a personal residence without demonstrating investment value or economic benefit to Tanzania.

Apartments and condominiums can be purchased directly through strata title arrangements without special government approval. This makes urban residential properties in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha more accessible to foreign buyers.

Commercial properties are permitted for foreigners but must be part of legitimate business or investment activities. Agricultural land can be leased by foreigners for farming or agribusiness ventures with proper TIC or ZIPA approval.

Industrial properties and mixed-use developments are available to foreign investors who can demonstrate job creation or economic development benefits for local communities.

What is the process for obtaining a long-term visa for property ownership in Tanzania?

The process for obtaining a long-term residence permit for property ownership in Tanzania involves applying for a Class C-11 residence permit through official government channels.

You must first complete your property purchase or secure a binding purchase agreement for real estate valued at $100,000 or more. This investment threshold qualifies you for the property-linked residence permit category.

Applications can be submitted online through the Tanzania Immigration Department website or processed through TIC for investment-related permits. You will need to provide your valid passport, proof of funds, police clearance certificate, and property transaction documents.

The immigration authorities will review your application along with supporting documentation to verify your property investment and financial capacity. Background checks and due diligence procedures are standard parts of the approval process.

Once approved, you will receive a residence permit valid for 1-2 years, which can be renewed as long as you maintain your property investment in Tanzania.

How long does it take to process a visa for property ownership in Tanzania?

Processing time for a Class C-11 residence permit for property ownership typically takes several weeks to a few months in Tanzania.

The exact timeline depends on the completeness of your documentation and the efficiency of government approval processes at the time of application. Applications with complete documentation and clear investment purposes generally process faster.

Simple apartment purchases with straightforward documentation may be processed within 4-6 weeks, while complex land lease arrangements requiring TIC approval can take 2-3 months or longer.

Submitting applications during peak periods or with incomplete documentation can extend processing times significantly. Ensuring all required documents are properly notarized, translated, and authenticated before submission helps expedite the process.

Working with local legal counsel or property agents familiar with the permit application process can help navigate potential delays and ensure proper documentation submission.

What are the specific requirements for applying for a residency permit in Tanzania?

1. Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity 2. Completed residence permit application forms 3. Police clearance certificate from your home country 4. Proof of financial capacity and investment funds 5. Property purchase agreement or ownership documents 6. Medical certificate from an approved medical facility 7. Two passport-sized photographs 8. Payment of applicable permit fees ($500 for Class C-11)

All foreign documents must be properly notarized, apostilled, and translated into English or Swahili where required. The police clearance certificate must be issued within 6 months of your application submission.

For property-linked permits, you must demonstrate a minimum investment of $100,000 in Tanzanian real estate. Investment certificates from TIC or ZIPA may be required for certain types of property acquisitions.

Medical certificates must be obtained from government-approved medical facilities and include HIV/AIDS testing results as required by Tanzanian immigration regulations.

Additional documentation may be requested depending on your specific circumstances and the type of property investment you are making in Tanzania.

How much does it cost to apply for a residence permit in Tanzania?

The cost for a Class C-11 residence permit for property owners is $500 for both initial application and renewal in Tanzania.

Class A investor permits cost between $2,000 and $3,050 depending on your nationality and specific investment activities. These permits are designed for larger-scale business and investment operations beyond simple property ownership.

Additional costs include document preparation fees, such as notarization, translation, and apostille services, which typically range from $200 to $500 depending on your home country's requirements.

Legal representation fees for permit applications generally cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the complexity of your property investment and the law firm you choose.

Processing fees, medical examination costs, and other administrative expenses can add another $300 to $600 to your total permit application costs.

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 is the validity period of a residence permit in Tanzania for property owners?

Class C-11 residence permits for property owners are typically valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed as long as you maintain your property investment.

The specific validity period depends on your initial investment amount and the immigration officer's assessment of your application. Larger property investments may receive longer initial permit periods.

Renewal applications must be submitted before your current permit expires, typically 30-60 days in advance. The renewal process requires proof that you still own the qualifying property investment and continue to meet financial requirements.

As of September 2025, permit holders must demonstrate ongoing compliance with investment conditions and may need to show evidence of property maintenance or development progress for renewal approval.

Failure to renew your permit on time can result in penalties, deportation, or difficulty obtaining future permits, making timely renewal crucial for property owners.

Do you need to establish a Tanzanian company to buy property, and if so, what are the steps?

Establishing a Tanzanian company is not required for most property purchases, but it can be beneficial for certain types of investments and business activities.

Foreign individuals can purchase apartments and condominiums directly without forming a company. Land leases can also be obtained by individuals through TIC or ZIPA approval processes.

However, forming a local company becomes necessary for sectors requiring Tanzanian majority ownership or for complex commercial developments. Joint ventures with local partners may be required in certain circumstances.

If you choose to establish a company, you must register with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and comply with sector-specific regulations. The process requires a Memorandum & Articles of Association, minimum two directors/shareholders, and local tax registration (TIN).

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

Are there any tax obligations or fees when buying property in Tanzania as a foreigner?

Tax/Fee Type	Rate/Amount	When Applied
Stamp Duty	1-4% of property value	At time of purchase
Capital Gains Tax	3% of approved value	When selling property
Annual Property Tax	Varies by location/size	Yearly payment
Registration Fees	Fixed government rates	During title transfer
Legal Fees	1-3% of property value	At time of purchase
Valuation Fees	$200-800	Before purchase
Survey Fees	$300-1,000	Before purchase

What legal documentation and approvals do you need to submit when buying property as a foreigner in Tanzania?

Foreign property buyers must submit comprehensive legal documentation to complete purchases and obtain necessary government approvals in Tanzania.

Mandatory documents include the property's title deed or land certificate, current land survey certificate, notarized sale agreement, seller's consent documentation, and clearance certificates from local authorities. Payment receipts and proof of funds transfer are also required.

For investment-linked purchases, you need an investment certificate from TIC or ZIPA demonstrating approval for your specific property acquisition. This is particularly important for land leases and commercial property purchases.

Due diligence documentation should include a professional property valuation report, physical inspection certificate, and legal review confirming clear title and no encumbrances on the property.

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. The African Investor - Tanzania Real Estate for Foreigners
2. The African Investor - Foreigners Own Land Tanzania
3. BambooRoutes - Moving to Tanzania Buy Property
4. Gerpat Solutions - Guide to Residence Permits in Tanzania
5. Tanzania Investment Centre - Foreign Investors Land Ownership
6. Tanzania Immigration - Residence Permits
7. The Property Hub TZ - Property Taxes and Fees
8. Tanzania Revenue Authority - Capital Gains Tax
9. Breakthrough Attorneys - Registering Business in Tanzania
10. Clyde & Co - Tanzania Business Guide