Country Info
Customs Regulations
What you must know before you move an employee to Tanzania: Import Requirements
18 April 2019
The Non-Citizens (Employment Regulation) Act, 2015 (The Non-Citizens Act);
The Non-Citizens (Employment Regulation) Regulations, 2016 (The Non-Citizens Regulations);
Immigration Act, 1995 (as amended)(the Immigration Act): and
Immigration (Amendment) Act, 2015 (the Immigration Amendment Act).
Any non-citizen is prohibited to engage in any occupation for reward, profit or non-profit unless he/she has a valid Work Permit AND a Residence Permit that allows that person to engage in such occupation.
No person is allowed to employ, engage or cause to be employed or engaged in any occupation a non-citizen for reward, profit or non-profit unless he/she has a valid Work Permit AND Residence Permit that allows that person to engage in such occupation.
The applicant must lodge an application for a work permit with the Labour Department. From the time all documents and requirements have been met for the work permit, the process may take between two weeks to three months. The board and Commissioner have discretionary rights and may request further documents during this process if they deem necessary.
Only AFTER the applicant has been granted a work permit may he/she apply for a Residence Permit from the Department of Immigration. Once all documents and requirements have been met for the residence permit, the process may take between two weeks to three months. The board and Commissioner have discretionary rights and may request further documents during this process if they deem necessary.
AFTER the applicant has been granted a work permit and a residence permit he/she may apply for a NIDA ID (National ID) from the National Identification Authority (NIDA) as per the Registration and Identification of Persons exercise law. Once all documents and requirements have been met for the National ID, the process may take between two to six weeks. The board and Commissioner have discretionary rights and may request further documents during this process if they deem necessary.
AFTER the applicant has been granted a work permit and a residence permit and a National ID he/she may apply for a Tax Identification Number from the Tanzania Revenue Authority. Once all documents and requirements have been met for the TIN, the process may take between two to five days. The board and Commissioner have discretionary rights and may request further documents during this process if they deem necessary.
Any non-citizen is prohibited to engage in any occupation for reward, profit or non-profit if he/she has a valid work permit but has NOT YET been granted a residence permit that allows that person to engage in such occupation.
Should the applicant be in the country during the permit application process they will not be allowed to work and they will be required to pay for an additional Special Pass to retain their legal status.
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Regarding importation of goods: Any non-Citizen must have a valid Work Permit AND valid Residence Permit AND National ID AND a Tax Identification Number before they are allowed to import their personal effects free from duties. There is no way around this process. Note: Free arrival privileges expire six months from first arrival; this rule may be enforced and applied at the discretion of the Tanzania Revenue Authority.
A container at the port or ICD for five months will accrue thousands of dollars in port demurrage and storage. In certain circumstances it may be more economical and expedient for an employer to pay the taxes on the goods on behalf of their employee.
For additional information please contact our office. We will be pleased to send you the prevailing local import regulations as well as tips about moving to Tanzania.
Communications
Telecommunications are much improved across the country and the acquisition of a cell phone is easy and fast. Installation of land lines and internet connection is slower but in the meantime there are plenty of other wifi connections in hotels and other public places.
Accommodation and Schools
Please contact our office. We will be pleased to send you details of some real-estate companies as well as the list of schools that could be suitable for your children.
Moving Pets
Many relocations to and from Africa include pets, dogs in particular. We move your pets safely and comfortably. We ensure that direct flights are used whenever possible and that the transit time is kept to a bare minimum. In most cases we construct the transit containers to IATA the specifications but you may use your own if it conforms. We encourage you to use the transit container well before the move so your pet can feel completely at home in it. Delivery of your pet to your new home is looked after by professionals, all of whom are members of the necessary international trade associations. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to comply with veterinary and quarantine requirements.
- Pets are relocated safely and comfortably
- Our personal touch ensures that the relocation is made as smooth as possible
- Pets travel in IATA-approved travel containers
- All airline and customs documentation is seen to, as is compliance with veterinary and quarantine requirements
Orientation Services
It’s not easy finding your way around in a new city if you don’t have the resources of a resident friend to show you the ropes. The aim of our City Orientation Tour is to show you where to find what you need and make your initial settling-in period a little easier. As well, you can use your own car if you like (or ours) to get you accustomed to driving in local city traffic.
The tour includes: favored expat residential areas, shopping centers, the central business district, schools, hospitals, embassies, specialty shops such as delicatessens, hardware stores, furnishing stores, liquor stores, opticians, major hotels, restaurants, entertainment spots, and points of cultural interest. In addition you will be shown sports and social clubs as well as spots to acquire a reliable vehicle. A Worldwide Movers Africa representative will collect you from your hotel or office where we will generate an orientation tour that suits your particular needs. The tour lasts approximately four hours and includes lunch. Please contact our office for more information.
Safety
Most African metropolises are considerably safer than some larger western cities. Common sense and some pertinent advice make life easier and more secure. Please call Worldwide Movers Africa who will be pleased to organize an Orientation Tour for you during which time you can discuss home security, car security, security companies and various methods to prevent theft.