Nationality of Tanzania: all obtaining pathways
Tanzania requires twelve months of continuous residence plus seven of the last ten years for ordinary naturalization; registration by marriage has no period specified in the official source. Citizenship by origin is transmitted by birth and by descent, in accordance with Tanzanian law.
1Citizenship by origin (birth and descent)
Citizenship by origin (birth and descent)
Requirements
- Born in Tanzania to a Tanzanian parent, or born abroad to a Tanzanian parent (Constitution; Tanzania Citizenship Act, Cap. 357 R.E. 2023)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parent's citizenship certificates
2Registration by marriage (Act 1995, sec 11)
Registration by marriage (Act 1995, sec 11)
Requirements
- A foreign WOMAN married to a citizen of the United Republic may be naturalised AT ANY TIME during the lifetime of the husband, upon application in the prescribed form (sec 11(1))
- No minimum marriage or residence term for a woman who renounced her citizenship prior to the marriage (sec 11(2))
- Subject to sec 6 (loss provisions) and ministerial discretion
- The 1995 Act as originally worded regulates the matrimonial route only for women — a foreign man follows ordinary naturalisation under the Second Schedule
Documentation
- Immigration Department forms
- Marriage certificate
3Naturalization
Naturalization
Requirements
- Residence in Tanzania during the 12 months immediately prior to the application
- During the 10 years prior to those 12 months, periods of residence totaling at least 7 years
- Sufficient knowledge of Kiswahili or English
- Good conduct
- Suitability based on past/potential contribution to the economy, scientific-technological advancement and social/cultural welfare
- Intention to reside permanently in Tanzania (art. 10 of the Act; the Minister may waive the time requirements in special cases)
Documentation
- Application on Form A (application-for-tanzania-citizenship-by-naturalisation-form-a) before the Immigration Department
- Proofs of residence, language and conduct
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Tanzania
How many years of residence does Tanzania require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Tanzania (Naturalization), the term is 12 continuous months + 7 of the last 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Tanzania be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration by marriage pathway (No term: at any time during the husband’s lifetime). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Tanzania require?
The Naturalization pathway requires: Application on Form A (application-for-tanzania-citizenship-by-naturalisation-form-a) before the Immigration Department; Proofs of residence, language and conduct.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Tanzania?
Tanzania provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by origin, Registration by marriage, Naturalization.
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