Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Tanzania Property Pack
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Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania that attracts expats with its pristine beaches, rich Swahili culture, and growing tourism economy.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data on cost of living, visa rules, safety, and real estate in Zanzibar.
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 Zanzibar.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Grace Makoye 🇹🇿
Manager of Operations, Zinza Real Estate
Is Zanzibar a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Zanzibar is on an upward trajectory, driven by growing tourism infrastructure and an expanding service economy that now offers more cafes, coworking spaces, and international amenities than ever before.
The most improved factor in Zanzibar over the past two to three years is the expansion of hospitality services, with new hotels, restaurants, and water sports operators opening across the island to serve the record 100,729 international visitors who arrived in December 2025 alone.
The persistent challenge in Zanzibar remains unreliable utilities, as power outages and water supply interruptions continue to frustrate residents, forcing most expats to budget for backup generators and water storage systems.
Are hospitals good in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Zanzibar can handle routine medical needs adequately, but they fall short of Western European or North American standards for complex procedures, specialist care, and advanced diagnostics.
The hospitals expats most commonly use in Zanzibar include Tawakal Hospital for private care on the island, and many rely on Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam for more serious conditions that require evacuation from the island.
A standard doctor consultation in Zanzibar in 2026 typically costs between TZS 40,000 and TZS 120,000 (roughly $16 to $48 or €15 to €44) at private clinics, with specialist visits ranging from TZS 120,000 to TZS 300,000 ($48 to $121 or €44 to €111).
Private health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for any expat staying longer than three months in Zanzibar, because the island's limited specialist capacity means serious medical events often require transfer to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi.
Are there any good international schools in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, Zanzibar has a small but credible selection of international schools, with around three to four established options serving the expat community, and the quality at the top schools is generally good for primary and secondary education.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Zanzibar are the International School of Zanzibar (ISZ) in the Mazizini area and the British School of Zanzibar (BSZ), both offering English-medium curricula recognized internationally.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Zanzibar in 2026 range from approximately $2,925 (TZS 7.3 million or €2,700) for early years to $16,410 (TZS 41 million or €15,100) for secondary years 12 to 13 at ISZ, with BSZ offering similar pricing tiers.
Waitlists at popular international schools in Zanzibar can form during peak enrollment periods, so families should apply three to six months ahead of their move, and while public schools offer local curriculum integration, most expats seeking English-medium international pathways choose ISZ or BSZ.
Is Zanzibar a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Zanzibar is generally safe for residents and expats, with violent crime remaining rare, though the island experienced some tension following the October 2025 elections that affected mainland Tanzania more severely.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Zanzibar are petty theft, bag snatching from passing motorbikes, and opportunistic crime targeting tourists in crowded areas like Stone Town markets or isolated beaches after dark.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats to live in Zanzibar include Stone Town (central areas with good lighting), Mbweni, Bububu, and established beach communities like Paje and Nungwi where tourism infrastructure provides added security presence.
Women can live alone safely in Zanzibar with appropriate precautions, including choosing housing with 24-hour security guards, avoiding solo late-night beach walks, dressing modestly in public areas (Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim society), and using trusted transportation options.
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How much does everyday life cost in Zanzibar in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Zanzibar on a monthly budget of TZS 3.5 million to TZS 5.5 million (approximately $1,400 to $2,200 or €1,300 to €2,000), covering a good-quality rental, utilities with backup power, imported groceries, and regular dining out.
A more modest but decent lifestyle in Zanzibar in 2026 is achievable on TZS 2.5 million to TZS 3.5 million per month ($1,000 to $1,400 or €920 to €1,300), though this requires choosing local food options, a simpler apartment, and limiting air conditioning use.
A comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Zanzibar in 2026 requires TZS 6 million to TZS 9 million per month for couples ($2,400 to $3,600 or €2,200 to €3,300), or TZS 14 million to TZS 22 million ($5,600 to $8,900 or €5,150 to €8,200) for families with one child in international school.
The expense category that typically takes up the largest share of an expat budget in Zanzibar is housing combined with utilities and backup systems, because good-quality rentals with reliable power (including generator costs) and stable internet can consume 40% to 50% of total monthly spending.
What is the average income tax rate in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income earner in Zanzibar ranges from approximately 18% to 28%, depending on exact salary level and applicable deductions, since Zanzibar follows Tanzania's national PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax system.
The income tax brackets in Zanzibar in 2026 start at 0% for monthly income up to TZS 270,000, then rise through progressive rates of 8%, 20%, 25%, and 30% for higher brackets, meaning someone earning TZS 4 million to TZS 6 million monthly will face marginal rates in the upper brackets.
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 Zanzibar in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Zanzibar come from European countries (particularly Italy, Germany, France, and the UK), followed by regional East Africans (Kenya, Uganda), South Asians with historical trade connections, and a growing number of Americans.
The approximate number of foreign residents in Zanzibar is difficult to pin down precisely, but estimates suggest several thousand long-term expats live on the island, with many more seasonal residents who spend three to eight months per year in Zanzibar.
The main reason expats from these origin countries are drawn to Zanzibar is the combination of affordable beachfront lifestyle, growing tourism investment opportunities, and the island's accessibility as a base for remote work with reasonable internet and a relaxed pace of life.
The expat population in Zanzibar is a mix of remote workers and digital nomads (the fastest-growing segment), hospitality professionals working in tourism, NGO staff, retirees seeking warm weather, and entrepreneurs investing in hotels or diving operations.
Where do most expats live in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the highest expat concentration in Zanzibar include Stone Town and nearby Ng'ambo for those who prefer walkability and culture, Mbweni and Bububu for quieter suburban living near town, and beach hubs like Paje, Jambiani, Nungwi, and Kendwa for ocean lifestyle.
The main characteristic that makes these neighborhoods attractive to expats in Zanzibar is the clustering of international services, reliable restaurants, coworking options, and proximity to international schools, which creates a support ecosystem that makes daily life more practical for foreigners.
Emerging neighborhoods in Zanzibar that are starting to attract more expats include Fumba (where new development projects are underway), Matemwe and Kiwengwa on the east coast (offering quieter beach living), and areas around Mazizini near the airport for those prioritizing convenience.
Are expats moving in or leaving Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the net trend for expat migration in Zanzibar is positive, with more foreigners moving in or extending their stays, driven by strong visitor growth of 10% year-over-year recorded in December 2025.
The main factor driving expats to move to Zanzibar right now is the island's appeal as an affordable warm-weather destination with improving infrastructure, combined with the rise of remote work that allows professionals to live in paradise while earning foreign salaries.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Zanzibar recently is frustration with utility reliability (especially power and internet outages), limited healthcare options for complex medical needs, and the bureaucratic challenges of obtaining long-term work permits.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Mombasa (Kenya) or Mauritius, Zanzibar's expat growth trend is stronger due to its lower cost base, unique cultural charm, and active government promotion of tourism investment through agencies like ZIPA.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Zanzibar in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Zanzibar are the tourist eVisa (for initial entry and short stays), the Residence Permit Class B (for those with employment), and the Residence Permit Class C (for students, volunteers, or retirees).
The main eligibility requirements for the most commonly used expat visa in Zanzibar (the tourist eVisa) include a passport valid for at least six months, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, and payment of $50 (or $100 for US citizens who receive a multiple-entry visa valid up to 12 months).
Tanzania, including Zanzibar, does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, so remote workers typically enter on tourist visas and must leave before the 90-day limit or apply for residence permits if they wish to stay longer-term.
The tourist eVisa is valid for 90 days for most nationalities (or up to 12 months with multiple entries for US citizens), and those seeking longer stays must apply for residence permits through Tanzania Immigration, which requires sponsorship from an employer or approved investment.
How long does it take to get residency in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a residence permit in Zanzibar ranges from 4 to 12 weeks once all documents are correctly submitted, though this can extend longer for complex cases or incomplete applications.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Zanzibar include missing or incorrectly translated documents, the need for professional registration certificates (for doctors, engineers, teachers), and backlogs during peak application periods, while having a well-organized sponsoring employer can speed things up significantly.
To become eligible for permanent residency in Tanzania (which includes Zanzibar), an expat must typically live in the country continuously for at least 10 years, though investor residence permits and property-linked permits offer faster pathways for those who purchase property worth $100,000 or more in approved developments.
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 Zanzibar in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three industries hiring the most in Zanzibar are tourism and hospitality (hotels, resorts, dive centers, tour operators), real estate and construction (driven by new resort and residential developments), and NGOs and development organizations (health, education, and conservation programs).
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Zanzibar without speaking Kiswahili if they work in international tourism, hospitality management, or NGO roles, though learning basic Swahili significantly improves daily life and opens up more local business opportunities.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Zanzibar include hotel general managers and F&B directors, dive instructors and water sports professionals, international school teachers, NGO program coordinators, and specialist consultants in areas like marine conservation or sustainable tourism.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical salary range for expats working in Zanzibar spans from $1,500 to $7,000 per month (TZS 3.7 million to TZS 17.4 million or €1,380 to €6,440), depending heavily on industry, seniority, and whether the role includes housing or other benefits.
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Zanzibar in 2026 typically pay between $1,500 and $3,500 per month (TZS 3.7 million to TZS 8.7 million or €1,380 to €3,220), common for roles like junior hospitality managers, dive instructors, or NGO field staff.
Senior and specialized expat roles in Zanzibar in 2026 command salaries of $3,500 to $7,000 or more per month (TZS 8.7 million to TZS 17.4 million or €3,220 to €6,440), with general managers of luxury resorts and senior NGO directors at the higher end, sometimes with housing included.
Employers in Zanzibar do sponsor work visas for foreign hires, but this is more common in tourism leadership roles, international NGOs, and specialized positions where local talent is scarce, while smaller local businesses often prefer candidates who already have valid permits.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Zanzibar right now?
What do expats love most about living in Zanzibar right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Zanzibar are the stunning Indian Ocean beaches with world-class water sports, the tight-knit and welcoming expat community where friendships form quickly, and the unique blend of Swahili, Arab, and African cultures that makes daily life feel genuinely different from anywhere else.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Zanzibar is the slower pace of life, often described as "island time," which allows people to enjoy morning swims, sunset dhow cruises, and a healthier work-life balance than they experienced in their home countries.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Zanzibar is the relatively affordable cost of living compared to Western beach destinations, with good-quality beachfront rentals, fresh seafood, and domestic help available at prices that would be impossible in Europe or North America.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Zanzibar particularly enjoyable for expats is the genuine hospitality of local Zanzibaris, who often greet strangers warmly, combined with the vibrant mix of spice tours, historic Stone Town exploration, and lively beach bars that create a rich social scene.
What do expats dislike most about life in Zanzibar right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Zanzibar are unreliable electricity and frequent power cuts that require expensive generator backup, inconsistent internet speeds that disrupt remote work, and limited shopping options for Western products and specialty goods.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Zanzibar is the unpredictability of utilities, where a sudden power outage during a work call or a water supply interruption lasting several days can disrupt carefully planned routines and require constant backup planning.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Zanzibar is the work permit and residence permit process, which involves navigating multiple government offices, lengthy processing times, and occasionally unclear requirements that differ from one official to another.
These common frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats in Zanzibar, as long-term residents learn to adapt by investing in solar panels, backup internet dongles, and building relationships with reliable local fixers who can help navigate bureaucracy.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Zanzibar right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Zanzibar are the conservative dress expectations (covering shoulders and knees in public outside resorts), the prevalence of "pole pole" (slowly slowly) as an approach to everything from service to business, and the call to prayer sounding five times daily as a reminder of the island's Muslim heritage.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Zanzibar is the expectation of modest dress in public areas, where wearing revealing clothing outside of hotel beaches can attract unwanted attention, official fines of $700 or more, and genuine offense from local residents who take religious customs seriously.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Zanzibar is "island time," where shops may open late, appointments often start 30 minutes to an hour behind schedule, and rushing is seen as rude, which requires a fundamental mindset shift for those coming from punctuality-focused cultures.
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 Zanzibar in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Zanzibar is restricted but achievable, as foreigners cannot own land outright but can purchase long-term leasehold rights (typically 33, 66, or 99 years) through government-approved developments registered with ZIPA.
The specific restrictions that apply to foreigners buying property in Zanzibar include the requirement to purchase through a ZIPA-approved project, obtain government consent for the transaction, and accept that all land ultimately remains government-owned with the foreigner holding derivative leasehold rights.
Foreigners in Zanzibar can purchase apartments, villas, and residential units in approved developments with long-term leases, but cannot directly own freehold land, and any purchase outside of the regulated ZIPA framework carries significant legal risk and is not recommended.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Zanzibar.
What is the average price per m² in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Zanzibar ranges from approximately $900 to $1,800 (TZS 2.2 million to TZS 4.5 million or €830 to €1,660) in Stone Town and near-town areas, rising to $1,600 to $3,200 ($1,470 to €2,940) for prime beachfront locations in tourism hubs like Paje, Nungwi, and Kendwa.
Property prices in Zanzibar have trended upward over the past two to three years, driven by growing tourism demand (with visitor numbers up 10% in late 2025), increased interest from international investors, and limited supply of approved development plots in desirable coastal locations.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Zanzibar here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Zanzibar in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Zanzibar are available but limited, with most foreign buyers facing stricter requirements, lower loan-to-value ratios (typically 40% to 70%), and significantly higher interest rates than they would find in Western markets.
The banks in Tanzania most experienced with foreigner mortgage applications include CRDB Bank (the market leader), NMB Bank, and Stanbic Bank, all of which have dedicated mortgage teams that understand the additional documentation requirements for non-citizen borrowers.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Zanzibar in 2026 include down payments of 30% to 50%, interest rates ranging from 14% to 19% for Tanzanian Shilling loans (or slightly lower for USD-denominated loans), and maximum loan terms of 15 to 20 years depending on the lender.
To qualify for a mortgage in Zanzibar, foreigners typically need documented stable income (ideally local employment or a registered business), a valid residence permit, copies of passport and visa documents, proof of property purchase agreement, and sometimes a letter from ZIPA confirming the development is approved.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Tanzania.
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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 Zanzibar, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zanzibar OCGS Consumer Price Index | It's Zanzibar's official statistics office for local inflation data. | We used it to anchor cost-of-living estimates with the real 3.81% inflation rate. We then translated that into what expenses actually feel like for expats in 2026. |
| OCGS Tourism Statistical Release | It's the official monthly dataset capturing tourism demand in Zanzibar. | We used it to gauge whether Zanzibar is getting busier entering 2026. We also used it to explain which areas are most expat-heavy due to tourism concentration. |
| Tanzania Revenue Authority Tax Guide 2025/26 | It's the tax authority's own published rates for income tax brackets. | We used it to state the resident individual income-tax brackets that apply in Zanzibar. We then estimated effective tax rates for typical expat salary ranges. |
| Bank of Tanzania Exchange Rates | It's the central bank's official reference for USD to TZS conversions. | We used it to convert school fees and budgets into both USD and TZS consistently. We cited the January 2026 rate of approximately TZS 2,485 per USD throughout. |
| Tanzania Immigration eVisa Portal | It's the government's official visa application system for Tanzania and Zanzibar. | We used it to describe the standard entry pathway most newcomers follow. We then layered residency and work permit options on top of that baseline. |
| International School of Zanzibar Tuition Fees | It's the school's own published fee schedule for 2025-26. | We used it to give real tuition numbers for a top international option. We then converted the fees into a realistic monthly family budget for 2026. |
| UK FCDO Tanzania Travel Advice | It's an official, regularly updated safety and entry-guidance source. | We used it to cross-check safety and practical risks for expats. We then reflected that guidance in our sections on safety and women living alone. |
| U.S. Department of State Tanzania Advisory | It's an official government risk assessment with actionable safety guidance. | We used it to describe crime and security risk patterns expats should consider. We then translated it into practical neighborhood safety recommendations. |
| Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) | It's the official investment authority that approves foreign property purchases. | We used it to identify sectors Zanzibar promotes for foreign investment. We then connected that to the expat job market and property ownership pathways. |
| World Bank Tanzania GDP Data | It's a standardized international dataset for economic context. | We used it to explain why expat purchasing power differs from local incomes. We then focused the guide on the imported cost structure expats actually face. |
| Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania | It's a major established healthcare provider used for referrals from Zanzibar. | We used it to explain where expats go when Zanzibar's medical capacity is exceeded. We then folded this into our recommendation for private insurance with medevac coverage. |
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.
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