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A Guide To Moving To Tanzania

Tanzania is a relatively new and vibrant nation, established in 1964 from two East African sovereign states, Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It borders eight other African countries, and is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the East.

The country hosts increasing numbers of tourists and foreign nationals looking to become expats in Tanzania, settling in its diverse and exciting towns and cities, and exploring it’sglorious natural landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know about living in Tanzania as an expat.

This guide on living in Tanzania covers:
  1. What to expect from living in Tanzania
  2. How can I find accommodation?
  3. Jobs, visas and working in Tanzania
  4. Cost of living and moving to Tanzania
  5. Healthcare and insurance in Tanzania
  6. Your handy “moving to Tanzania” checklist

What to expect from living in Tanzania as an expat

Tanzania is a developing country. However, it has been prospering in recent years, and was recently elevated from low-income country status to that of low-middle income. Tanzania’s towns and cities are developing hubs of industry, commerce, and culture, and its vibrant landscape attracts more tourists and travellers each year.

Temperatures range from 20°C in the colder months from May to August, to 35°C between November and February, with the cooler regions being in the mountains, while the Indian Oceanic coast boasts the highest temperatures.

Expats in Tanzania can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Fresh food and meat are plentiful in the major towns and cities, and the bigger centers boast a thriving drinking culture with plentiful nightlife.

Public transport within Tanzania can be limited. If you live outside the major cities you will likely need a 4-wheel drive vehicle, although Brits moving to Tanzania may be reassured that they drive on the left.

How to become an expat in Tanzania

Tanzanian expats looking for residency must live in the country for 12 months, have a working knowledge of Swahili and English, and work a profession or trade that is considered valuable for the technological development of the country. Anyone with a criminal record will not be admitted.
If you’ve lived and worked in Tanzania for 10 years, or if you have been married to a Tanzanian for five years, you can apply for permanent residency.

The total population of Tanzania, as of 2021, is a little over 63 million.
Of these, an estimated 20,000 are Europeans. Over 100,000 people living in Tanzania are of Asian or European ancestry.

Is Tanzania safe for expats?

According to the UK Government, most visitors to Tanzania have a trouble-free stay. However, petty crime including pickpocketing is common, and there has been a recent spike in robberies.
There is a widespread belief that foreign nationals are wealthy, and incidents of more serious crimes such as kidnappings do occur in places which are popular with tourists and expatriates.

Expats in Tanzania should take special care in busy locations such as bus stations, shopping centers and airports. Many expats in Tanzania choose to live in secure compounds, and wherever you live, doors and windows should be locked at night.

How is the political situation in Tanzania?

Tanzania has held democratic multiparty elections since the early 1990s, however the ruling party has held power for 60 years. The President is both head of Government and Head of State.

Tanzania’s first female president was elected in 2021. Samia Suluhu Hassan heads up the new sixth phase administration, with policies reflecting the ever changing social and economic situation, and underpinning its Development Vision for 2025.

Challenges in terms of corruption and misogyny still exist, and independent media is widely repressed. The Government has broad authority over the media and there are harsh penalties for defamatory or illegal content.

Language in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to almost 130 ethnic groups, and there is huge linguistic diversity across the country, from the widely spoken Bantu, and Cushtic, to rarer dialects spoken by minority groups. The national language is Swahili, and English is widely spoken in towns and cities.

How did Tanzania deal with COVID-19?

Tanzania was slow in its response to Covid-19 . The previous Government was less than transparent in its reporting and stopped publishing figures on infections and deaths in April 2020.

In the five months following the launch of its vaccination program in August 2021, just 2.5 million doses were administered. The new Government has now recommenced reporting data to the World Health Organization, although the accuracy of the figures is not guaranteed.

Where will you find expats living in Tanzania and how can I find accommodation?

Most Tanzania expats live in one of the country’s main towns and cities.

  • Dar es Salaam is the most popular: Its a big and beautiful city which used to be the country’s capital. Here, you’ll find both traditional and modern architecture, a bustling waterfront, markets, clubs and restaurants.
  • Dodoma is Tanzania’s official capital, and the seat of its Government. It’s a modern, custom-built city situated in the heart of the country’s developing wine industry.
  • Zanzibar Town is the place to be for party people and pleasure seekers, with colorful markets, smart restaurants, museums, and plenty of art and culture.
  • Moshi sits in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s where many Brits settled after the end of the second world war, and it’s now a peaceful and prosperous town at the center of the coffee-producing region.
  • Mbeya in the southwest is surrounded by mountains and lakes, offering a more rural retreat for Tanzania expats
  • Finally, if you’re keen to hang out with lions and tourists on safari, head for Aruchu, in the foothills of Mount Mehru.

    There are a large number of online rental companies in Tanzania and AirBnB is also widespread. Rent is cheaper than in the UK, with the most expensive properties being in the major cities.