Moving to Tanzania

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Tanzania requires careful attention, as requirements vary significantly based on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. For citizens of many European Union countries, initial tourist visas may be obtainable upon arrival, but this is not a guarantee for all nationalities, nor does it grant the right to work or reside long-term.

Typical routes for obtaining a long-term stay include:

• Work Permits: If you have secured employment with a Tanzanian company, your employer will typically sponsor your work permit application. This is a multi-stage process involving various government departments.
• Family Permits: Spouses or dependents of individuals holding valid work or residence permits may be eligible for a family permit.
• Study Permits: For those enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Tanzania.
• Residence Permits: For individuals not covered by work, family, or study categories, such as investors or retirees, specific residence permit classes exist. These often have financial requirements or require a detailed business plan.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the Tanzanian High Commission or Embassy in your home country, or the Immigration Department in Tanzania. Regulations can change, so always consult official government sources well in advance of your planned move.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Tanzania, particularly in major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Zanzibar, can be done through several channels. While online portals are growing, local real estate agents and word-of-mouth remain very effective.

• Real Estate Agents: Many expatriates find success by engaging a reputable local real estate agent who understands the expat market. They can help navigate cultural nuances and local rental practices.
• Online Platforms & Social Media: Websites and expat-focused social media groups can be useful for identifying available properties, especially for temporary or shared accommodation.
• Networking: Connecting with other expatriates already living in Tanzania can provide valuable leads and recommendations.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: It's highly recommended to view properties in person or have a trusted representative do so.
• Lease Agreement: Once a property is chosen, a lease agreement (often in Swahili and English) will be drafted. Ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing.
• Deposits: It is common to pay a security deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent, in addition to several months' rent in advance. The exact amount can vary.

Consider temporary accommodation (hotel, serviced apartment, or short-term rental) for your initial weeks to allow ample time for a thorough housing search and to familiarize yourself with different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Tanzania is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively for your move:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you ship, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters.
• Distance & Origin: Shipping costs vary significantly based on your starting location and the distance to Tanzania.
• Shipping Method: Air freight is considerably faster but more expensive than sea freight. For most household goods, sea freight is the more economical option.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination (e.g., ground floor, elevator access, narrow roads) can impact labor and transport costs.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing, unpacking, storage, insurance, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation can significantly reduce stress. Here's a general 4-8 week timeline and some practical packing tips:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means paying less.
• Research & Quotes: Obtain quotes from international moving companies.
• Visa & Permits: Reconfirm all visa and permit requirements and begin the application process if you haven't already.

6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to ship.
• Important Documents: Gather and organize all vital documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records, educational certificates, financial statements). Make digital and physical copies.
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical appointments, vaccinations, and obtain prescriptions.

4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Utilities & Notifications: Notify utility providers (electricity, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions.
• Banking: Inform your bank of your impending move and explore international banking options.
• Packing Supplies: If self-packing, acquire boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Essentials Box: Pack a "first-night" box with essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers).
• Valuables: Keep all important documents, jewelry, and other high-value items with you personally.
• Confirm Arrangements: Reconfirm moving dates and logistics with your relocation company.

Last Few Days:

• Clean Out: Empty the refrigerator and dispose of perishables.
• Final Checks: Do a final walkthrough of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

For a smooth transition, start planning early and consider requesting a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Tanzania: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Tanzania involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide breaks down what you need to know to ensure a smooth import process, whether you're a returning citizen, an expatriate, or a diplomat.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Expatriate, non-diplomat)

As an expatriate moving to Tanzania, your household goods will undergo a thorough inspection. Be prepared for taxes on any new items you bring. All wooden furniture and electronic appliances are subject to excise duty, with no exemptions for non-diplomats. It's important to note that certain consumables are prohibited unless you obtain specific import permits from government authorities.

What you'll need

• Packing lists in English
• Original valid passport
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Original Work Permit
• Original Residence Permit
• Copy of your employment contract
• Invoices for all new items
• 2 x original Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, Telex Release, Air Waybill, or Road Consignment Note (RCN)
• Inventory in English, dated and signed by you

Good to know

• Your goods will be subject to 100% physical inspection.
• New items will be taxed.
• Excise duty applies to all wooden furniture and electronic appliances.
• Alcohol, wine, spirits, medicines, and cigarettes are not permitted.
• Customs may request your working contract, especially for cross-border shipments.
• You must have acquired your work permit, resident permit, and a copy of your TIN certificate before your imports arrive.

Returning residents

Tanzanian citizens returning home will also have their non-diplomatic goods fully inspected. New items will be taxed, and excise duty applies to wooden furniture and electronic appliances without exemption. Certain items like alcohol and tobacco are not allowed.

What you'll need

• Packing lists in English
• Original valid passport (with entry stamp)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Invoices for all new items
• Expired visa from abroad
• 2 x original Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, Telex Release, Air Waybill, or Road Consignment Note (RCN)
• Inventory in English, dated and signed by you

Good to know

• Your goods will be subject to 100% physical inspection.
• New items will be taxed.
• Excise duty applies to all wooden furniture and electronic appliances.
• Alcohol, wine, spirits, medicines, and cigarettes are not permitted.
• You will need your original passport (with entry stamp) and expired visa from abroad.
• A copy of your TIN certificate and abroad visa are also required.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments benefit from duty exemptions. However, specific documentation and a timely application process are crucial to secure these exemptions.

What you'll need

• Packing lists in English
• Passport copy
• PRO6 (diplomatic exemption form)
• 2 x original Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, Telex Release, Air Waybill, or Road Consignment Note (RCN)
• TIN certificate
• Inventory in English, dated and signed by the shipper

Good to know

• Documents must be express mailed 30 days before the shipment's arrival to allow your employer to apply for duty exemption.
• Road Consignment Note and packing list are required to process exemptions for diplomatic road shipments.
• Bill of Lading, Air Waybill, or Road Consignment Note will be required for PRO6 applications.
• Diplomats can import consumables but must have import permits from Government authorities.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Tanzania comes with strict regulations, including age restrictions and specific documentation. Returning Tanzanians and non-diplomats are generally allowed to import only one car, which must have been owned for more than 12 months to qualify for duty/tax exemption. The car should also be less than 8 years old to avoid over-aged fees.

• Original logbook or registration certificate (or cancellation)
• De-registration certificate for used cars/boats/motorcycles
• Original invoice for new cars/boats/motorcycles
• 2x original Bill of Lading
• TIN number
• Interpol certificate (if coming from Southern African countries)
• Road worthiness certificate (a post-inspection in Tanzania will cost US$250)
• Sales agreement

Good to know

• Vehicles older than 8 years will incur over-aged fees.
• Diplomatic cars older than 8 years will be subject to age/anti-dumping taxes.

Restricted & prohibited items

Tanzania has a strict list of items that are either restricted or completely prohibited from import for non-diplomats.

• Toy guns
• Guns
• Oil
• Petroleum products
• Foodstuff (unless specific import permits from Government Authorities are provided for consumables)
• Alcohol
• Pornographic materials
• Detergent items

Good to know

• Consumables for non-diplomats are generally prohibited unless specific import permits from Government Authorities are obtained.

Frequently asked questions

What is the inspection process for non-diplomatic goods?
All non-diplomatic goods are subject to 100% physical inspection and verification by customs.

Are new items taxed?
Yes, for non-diplomatic shipments, all new items will be taxed. This includes import duty (25% of CIF), VAT (18% of CIF), Railway Development Levy (1.5%), and Customs Processing Fees (0.6% of CIF).

Are there time limits for importing personal effects after arrival?
Customs generally allows three months to import your used personal effects after your arrival. This period can be extended for another three months upon request.

What about excise duty on household items?
All wooden furniture and electronic appliances will be subject to excise duty for non-diplomats, with no exemptions.

Can I import consumables like food or medicine?
For non-diplomats, consumables are generally prohibited unless specific import permits are obtained from Government Authorities. Diplomats can import consumables with the necessary permits.

Are shipper-owned containers dutiable?
Yes, containers owned by the shipper will be subject to duties.

For more personalized assistance with your move to Tanzania, please contact relocation123.com.

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