Any person born in the United Republic on or after Union day is deemed to be a citizen of the United Republic if at the time of his birth one of his parents is or was a citizen of United Republic of Tanzania.
Any person born outside the United Republic on or after Union day is deemed to be a citizen of the United Republic by descent if one of his parents is a citizen of the United Republic of Tanzania by birth or naturalization.
Any person who is not a citizen of Tanzania whether by birth or by descent may apply for Tanzania citizenship by naturalization to the Minister responsible for citizenship matters.
CONDITIONS FOR CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION
Qualifications for a foreigner who applies for Tanzania Citizenship are:
- that he has resided in the United Republic throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of application,
- that during the ten years immediately preceding the said period of twelve months he resided in the United Republic for periods amounting in the aggregate do not less than seven years,
- that he has an adequate knowledge of Kiswahili or the English language,
- that he is of good character,
- that, in terms of his past and potential contribution to the national economy, or scientific and technological advancement and to the national social and cultural welfare, he would be a suitable citizen of the United Republic,
- that he intends, if naturalized to continue to reside permanently in the United Republic.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Application for Tanzania citizenship undergo the following procedures:-
- an applicant fills in prescribed Forms.
- the applicant submits the application to the Ward Executive Secretary or Sheha (for the case of Zanzibar) where the applicant resides.
- the Ward Executive Secretary or Sheha submits the application to the District Immigration Office and the applicant pays a submission fee of USD $1500 which is non refundable.
- the applicant publishes in two consecutive issues of the daily news papers registered in Tanzania Main land and Zanzibar a notice of intention to apply for naturalization.
- the applicant has to be interviewed by the District Defense and Security Committee.
- the District Immigration Officer forward the application to the Regional Immigration Officer who forwards the said application to the Regional Defense and Security Committee for further scrutiny.
- the Regional Immigration Officer forwards the application to the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services for his recommendation to the Minister.
- For the case of Zanzibar before the application is sent to the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services, the Commissioner of Immigration Services Zanzibar forwards the application to the office of the Second Vice President for recommendation and it is later submitted to the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services for his recommendation to the Minister.
- the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services forwards the recommended application to the Minister for final decision.
3.1 Naturalization of Women Married to Citizens
A woman married to a citizen of the United Republic shall at any time during the life time of the husband be entitled upon making an application in a prescribed form, to be naturalized as a citizen of the United Republic.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR A MARRIED WOMAN:
- the applicant fills in prescribed Forms.
- the applicant may submit the application to the District, Regional immigration office or at the Headquarters and pays a submission fee of USD 1500 which is non refundable.
- the applicant publishes in two consecutive issues of the daily news papers registered in Tanzania Main land and Zanzibar a notice of intention to apply for naturalization.
- the District or Regional Immigration Officer forwards the application to the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services for his recommendations.
- The Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services forwards the application to the Minister for final decision.
REQUIREMENTS:
The application for Tanzania citizenship by a married woman should be attached with:
- Proof of husband's citizenship.
- Marriage certificate registered in Tanzania.
- A copy of valid national passport
- A proof of valid immigration status.
- Five recent passport size photographs.
3.2 Naturalization of Minor
The minister may cause the Minor child of any citizen of the United Republic to be naturalized as a citizen of the United Republic upon application made in the prescribed manner by a parent or guardian of a child.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR A MINOR:
- the parent or guardian fills in prescribed Forms.
- the parent or guardian may submit the application to the District, Regional immigration office or at the Headquarters.
- the District or Regional Immigration Officer forwards the application to the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services for recommendations.
- the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services forwards the application to the Minister for final decision.
NOTE: A Parent or guardian must be a citizen and he has to proof that he is a citizen of the United Republic.
REQUIREMENTS:
The application for Tanzania citizenship for a minor should be attached with:
- Proof of citizenship of parent or guardian
- Birth certificate of a child
- A valid Immigration status
- Five recent passport size photographs
- the parent or guardian pays a submission fee of USD $1500 which is non refundable.
The procedures for renunciation of Tanzania citizenship:
- Applicant Fills in prescribed forms.
- Submission of the application forms to the Immigration Office, Embassies/High commission where an applicant resides,
- Submission of the application forms to the Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services.
- The Principal Commissioner of Immigration Services forward the application to the Minister who registers the declaration made by applicant.
REQUIREMENTS
The application for renunciation of Tanzania citizenship should be attached with:
- Approval of the grant of citizenship from the other Country.
- Return of Tanzania passport.
- Five recent passport size photographs.
- Payment of renunciation fees of USD $60.
The Minister may by order deprive the citizenship of any citizen of the United Republic who is a citizen by naturalization if he is satisfied that the certificate of naturalization was obtained by means of fraud, false representation, or concealment of any material facts or else as provided under Tanzania Citizenship Act of 1995 and its Regulation of 1997.