Working in Tanzania
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Average Salary
In Tanzania, expat salaries for technical and specialist roles are significantly higher than local pay and vary by seniority and sector. Mid-level expat professionals (such as engineers, technical advisers, or NGO specialists) typically earn around 3 – 7 million TZS per month (approximately $1,200 - $2,700). Senior or highly specialised expats, particularly in sectors like energy, mining, infrastructure, or executive management, often receive packages with total compensation reaching $8,000 - $15,000 per month or more.
General information
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Official language
Swahili English
Conversational languages
Arabic Maasai Local/Tribal languages
Time zone
East Africa Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Tanzania, employment and contracting arrangements are governed by the Employment and Labour Relations Act and reflect a mix of permanent, fixed-term, and project-based work.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
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Living in Tanzania
Living in Tanzania offers a relaxed, outdoor-focused lifestyle shaped by strong community ties, nature, and a slower pace of life compared to many Western countries. With over 120 ethnic groups, the country is highly culturally and ethnically diverse, and English is commonly used in business and expat settings. The cost of living is moderate, with Dar es Salaam and tourist hubs like Arusha and Zanzibar being the most expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas are far more affordable.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is 250,000 – 400,000 TZS ($95 - $150), reflecting a mix of local supermarket and imported items
- In expat areas such as Masaki, Oysterbay, or Mbezi Beach, the average cost of monthly rent for a 2-3-bedroom property is 3,000,000 – 8,000,000 TZS ($1,150 - $3,050)
- Monthly childcare at a private preschool/daycare costs on average 500,000 – 1,000,000 TZS ($190 - $380)
- Both petrol and diesel cost roughly 2,900 – 3,100 TZS ($1.15 - $1.25) per litre
In Tanzania, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Expats can initially drive with a foreign licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP), but long-term residents are expected to obtain or convert to a Tanzanian driver’s licence through the local authorities; sometimes a full driving test may not be required, depending on the licence held.
Weather in Tanzania
Tanzania has a tropical climate that varies by region, with generally warm temperatures year-round. The hotter summer months typically see daytime highs of around 30 – 35°C, with nights rarely dropping below 22 – 25°C. The cooler winter months are milder and drier, with daytime temperatures averaging 24 - 28°C and night-time lows of around 15 – 20°C, particularly in higher-altitude areas.
Language and integration support
Whilst English is one of the official languages of Tanzania, learning basic Swahili greatly helps with everyday interactions and cultural integration. Language support is available through private language schools, tutors and community classes, and many employers or international schools offer orientation and support programmes. Expat communities and social groups also provide practical integration support, helping newcomers connect socially and navigate local systems.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Tanzania
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
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Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
