If you’re a Kenyan considering a move to Tanzania, you might be wondering if it’s possible to live and work there as a foreigner.
The good news is that it is possible for Kenyans to live in Tanzania, but there are certain requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do so legally.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you’ll need a valid work permit in order to work in Tanzania.
This means that you’ll need to have a job lined up before you move, as your employer will need to sponsor your work permit application.
Additionally, you’ll need to have a valid passport and be able to provide proof of your qualifications and work experience. It’s also worth noting that some professions are restricted to Tanzanian citizens only, so you’ll want to check if your chosen profession is open to foreign workers.
If you’re not planning on working in Tanzania, but instead want to retire or live there as a student, you’ll still need to obtain a residence permit.
This will allow you to stay in the country for an extended period of time without having to leave and re-enter every few months.
The process for obtaining a residence permit can be quite complex, so it’s a good idea to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer or other expert to help you navigate the process.
Living in Tanzania
If you are a Kenyan planning to move to Tanzania, you may be wondering what it’s like to live there.
Tanzania is a beautiful country with a diverse culture and a welcoming people.
Here are some things you should know about living in Tanzania.
Visa Requirements
To live in Tanzania, you will need a valid visa. There are several types of visas available, depending on your purpose of visit.
You can get a tourist visa, a business visa, or a work visa.
Note that visa regulations can change, so it’s best to check with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your country for the latest information.
Housing Options
When it comes to housing options in Tanzania, there are several choices available.
You can rent an apartment, a house, or a room in a shared house.
The cost of housing varies depending on the location and the type of accommodation.
In Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, the cost of housing is generally higher than in other parts of the country.
If you are looking for an apartment, you can expect to pay between TZS 500,000 and TZS 2,000,000 per month, depending on the location and the size of the apartment.
If you prefer to rent a house, you can expect to pay between TZS 1,000,000 and TZS 5,000,000 per month.
It’s important to note that the cost of living in Tanzania is generally lower than in Kenya.
However, the cost of housing in Tanzania can be higher than in some parts of Kenya.
Therefore, it’s important to budget accordingly and research the cost of living in the specific area you plan to live in.
Cost of Living
If you’re considering moving to Tanzania from Kenya, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of living. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Comparison to Kenya
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Tanzania is generally lower than in Kenya.
For example, rent prices in Kenya are 21.8% lower than in Tanzania, while restaurant prices in Kenya are 3.4% higher than in Tanzania.
However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on the city or region you’re in.
Average Expenses
The average cost of living in Tanzania, according to Expatistan, is around $862 per month for a single person, and $4,602 for a family of four.
This includes expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and healthcare. Of course, your actual expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle and location.
Here’s a breakdown of some common expenses you can expect in Tanzania:
- Rent: Depending on where you live, rent can range from around $200 to $800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Food: Groceries are generally affordable in Tanzania, with a loaf of bread costing around $0.50 and a liter of milk costing around $1.20.
- Transportation: Taxis and public transportation are relatively cheap in Tanzania, with a one-way ticket on a local bus costing around $0.30.
- Healthcare: While healthcare in Tanzania is generally affordable, the quality of care can vary depending on where you go. It’s important to have health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.
While the cost of living in Tanzania may be lower than in Kenya, it’s important to carefully consider your budget and expenses before making the move.
Working in Tanzania
If you are a Kenyan looking to live and work in Tanzania, there are a few things you need to know.
Tanzania is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, and there are opportunities for those looking to live and work there.
Job Opportunities
There are several industries in Tanzania that are growing and may offer job opportunities for Kenyans.
These include:
- Agriculture: Tanzania has a large agricultural sector, and there may be opportunities for Kenyans with experience in farming or related fields.
- Tourism: Tanzania is home to several popular tourist destinations, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Park. Kenyans with experience in the hospitality industry may find job opportunities in this sector.
- Mining: Tanzania has significant mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and coal. Kenyans with experience in mining or related fields may find job opportunities in this sector.
Work Permits
To work in Tanzania as a non-resident, you will need to obtain a valid work permit.
The Non Citizen (Employment Regulation) Act vests the powers of issuing work permits with the Labour Commissioner.
According to the Act, a foreigner is not authorized to engage in any occupation in Tanzania unless he/she obtains a valid work permit and such a person can only engage in the occupation specified in the work permit.
To obtain a work permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A letter from your employer in Tanzania stating the nature and duration of the employment
- A certified copy of your academic and professional qualifications
- A police clearance certificate from your home country
Note that the process of obtaining a work permit can be lengthy and bureaucratic. It’s advisable to start the process well in advance of your planned start date.
While there are job opportunities in Tanzania for Kenyans, obtaining a work permit can be a challenging process.
If you are considering working in Tanzania, it’s important to do your research and prepare well in advance.
Education and Healthcare
Schools
If you are considering moving to Tanzania from Kenya, you may be wondering about the education system in Tanzania.
Tanzania has a similar education system to Kenya, with primary and secondary education being compulsory for all children.
However, the education system in Tanzania is not as developed as it is in Kenya.
According to a report by Brookings, only 8 percent of Tanzanians aged 15 and over have a secondary and/or a tertiary education, compared to 38 percent in Kenya.
If you have school-aged children, you will need to ensure that they can attend school in Tanzania.
The Tanzanian government has made efforts to improve access to education, but there are still challenges.
Some schools may not have enough resources or qualified teachers, and the quality of education may vary depending on the school. It is important to research schools in the area you plan to live in and choose a school that meets your standards.
Medical Facilities
Access to healthcare is another important consideration when moving to Tanzania.
The healthcare system in Tanzania is not as developed as it is in Kenya, and there may be challenges in accessing quality healthcare.
According to UNICEF, the government is working to improve access to healthcare, but there are still challenges in providing quality healthcare to all Tanzanians.
If you have a medical condition or require regular medical care, you will need to ensure that you can access the necessary medical facilities in Tanzania.
There are public and private healthcare facilities in Tanzania, but the quality of care may vary depending on the facility. It is important to research healthcare facilities in the area you plan to live in and choose a facility that meets your needs.
Culture and Lifestyle
Moving from Kenya to Tanzania, you will find that the culture and lifestyle are quite similar.
Tanzania and Kenya share a lot of cultural practices and traditions, including music, dance, and food.
However, there are some differences that you should be aware of.
Language
The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, which is also widely spoken in Kenya.
If you are a Kenyan, you will find it easy to communicate with the locals in Tanzania.
English is also widely spoken in Tanzania, especially in the cities and tourist areas.
Social Life
Tanzania has a laid-back lifestyle, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
You will find that socializing and spending time with friends and family is an important part of the culture.
Tanzanians enjoy spending time outdoors, and there are many parks, beaches, and other recreational areas where you can relax and have fun.
In terms of nightlife, the bigger cities in Tanzania, such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha, have a thriving drinking culture with plenty of bars and clubs.
However, it is important to note that alcohol consumption is not as widespread in Tanzania as it is in Kenya.
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