Retirement visa Zanzibar and Tanzania
Spend your retirement in Zanzibar.
The Resident Permit Class C (Retirement) is a residence permit for retirees aged 55 and over, without the minimum investment of the Golden Visa.
- from age 55
- Usual age limit
- 12 months
- Validity, renewable every year
- no 100,000 USD
- No minimum investment, renting or buying is enough
- approx. 4–8 weeks
- Processing time of the application
Requirements
What you need to prove.
The visa is designed for people who want to spend their retirement in Tanzania and do not work there.
Retirement income
You are retired and receive, for example, a state or private pension. Alternatively, you can show other passive income such as rental income or interest.
Financial independence
You show that you can support yourself and any dependants during your stay.
A fixed address
You provide a tenancy agreement or proof of a property purchase. The property may cost less than 100,000 USD and does not have to be fully paid.
Documents
The documents you need.
Submit all documents in full and the application will run most smoothly.
- Valid passport (at least 6 months)
- Passport photos
- Completed forms (TIF1 and data sheet)
- Proof of retirement (retirement letter from your employer; as a business owner you can write the letter yourself)
- Bank statements as proof of financial means
- Tenancy agreement or proof of ownership
- Proof of health insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Health certificate from a recognised doctor or state-recognised hospital
Process
How to apply, step by step.
- Collect all required documents
- Fill in and sign the forms
- Submit the application at the Tanzanian embassy or locally
- Pay the application fee (approx. 500 USD)
- Wait for processing (approx. 4 to 8 weeks)
- If approved: travel to Tanzania
- Biometric registration at the immigration office
- Receive your residence permit
Our service
We support you through the entire process.
Our team and our lawyer take care of filling in the applications, obtaining the documents and dealing with the authorities. If you wish, we arrange your accommodation in Fumba Town.
1,400 USD
one-off flat fee for the complete service, with no hidden costs. The government application fee is added.
Request adviceGolden Visa or retirement visa?
Two ways to Zanzibar.
The Golden Visa is linked to a property from 100,000 USD and covers up to 6 people for as long as you are the owner. The retirement visa requires no minimum investment but is designed for retirees and renewed every year.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in Zanzibar permanently as a retiree?
Yes. Zanzibar offers foreign retirees the Class C Residence Permit. Communities like Fumba Town are designed for international long-term residents.
Am I allowed to work in Zanzibar with the visa?
Remote work for foreign employers is generally possible. Working for a Tanzanian company requires a separate work permit. Tourist and retirement visas usually do not allow you to work locally.
Are there alternatives to the Golden Visa?
Yes. Retirees aged 55 and over do not need to invest 100,000 USD. They can apply for the retirement visa (Resident Permit Class C, Retirement) and prove with a pension statement or other passive income such as rent or interest that their living costs are covered. The visa is valid for 12 months and is renewed every year. Student or work visas are other options. Which option suits you depends on your situation, and we are happy to advise you.
Which health insurance do you recommend?
For a permanent stay abroad, international health insurance is advisable, although some providers limit the contract term to 5 years. Commonly used providers are PassportCard, BDAE and Henner. For investors and residents in Fumba Town, we have agreed special terms with PassportCard if you enquire through us.
Information without guarantee and not legal advice. Requirements and fees may change; only the information from the authorities is binding.
Get to know it first, then decide.
Visit Fumba Town on an individual tour or talk to us first.