Becoming a citizen of Tanzania
Becoming a citizen of Tanzania as a foreign national is a complex and lengthy process. Tanzanian citizenship is regulated by the Tanzanian Citizenship Act, and
there are specific requirements and procedures you must follow. Here’s a general overview of the steps to become a citizen of Tanzania:
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for Tanzanian citizenship, you must meet certain requirements, including:
-You must have lived in Tanzania for a specified period, typically at least ten years (residency requirement).
-You must be of good character and have no criminal record.
-You must be fluent in Kiswahili or any other Tanzanian language.
-You must be willing to renounce your current citizenship (Tanzania does not generally allow dual citizenship).
Residence in Tanzania:
You must establish continuous residence in Tanzania for the required number of years (usually ten years) under a valid residence permit or other legal means.
Documentary Proof:
Gather documentary evidence to support your application, including proof of residence, character references, and language proficiency certificates.
Application Submission:
Submit your application for Tanzanian citizenship to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The application form can be obtained from the Ministry’s offices or its
website.
Background Checks and Interviews:
The authorities will conduct background checks and may interview you as part of the application process.
Publication of Your Application:
Your application for citizenship may be published in a government gazette or a local newspaper to give the public an opportunity to raise objections if they have valid reasons.
Citizenship Advisory Committee:
Your application will be reviewed by the Citizenship Advisory Committee, which will make recommendations to the Minister of Home Affairs.
Ministerial Approval:
The Minister of Home Affairs will make the final decision on your application based on the recommendations of the committee.
Oath of Allegiance:
If your application is approved, you will be required to take an oath of allegiance to Tanzania.
Issuance of Citizenship Certificate:
Once you have taken the oath and your application has been approved, you will be issued a Tanzanian citizenship certificate.
Renunciation of Previous Citizenship:
As mentioned earlier, Tanzania does not generally allow dual citizenship. Therefore, you may be required to renounce your previous citizenship as a condition for acquiring Tanzanian citizenship.
Rights and Responsibilities:
As a Tanzanian citizen, you will have the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including the right to vote, work, and reside in Tanzania, as well as the duty to obey the laws of the country.
It’s crucial to note that the process of acquiring Tanzanian citizenship can be lengthy, and each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the requirements and procedures may change over time, so it’s advisable to consult with the Ministry of Home Affairs or seek legal advice from professionals who are knowledgeable about current citizenship regulations in Tanzania before initiating the application process.
