If you’ve ever imagined waking up to ocean views, sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises over the Indian Ocean, and calling Zanzibar home, that dream can now become reality.

Through Zanzibar’s Investment Visa, foreigners can legally live in Zanzibar by purchasing property in an approved development. It’s a transparent, government-backed path that makes it easier than ever to combine lifestyle and investment.

Here’s the simple version: if you buy a ZIPA-approved villa or apartment worth at least USD $100,000, you can apply for a two-year residence permit, renewable for as long as you keep the property.

At Sandbank Villas, we make this simple. Our beachfront villas are residency-ready in ZIPA-approved developments and run within a professionally managed rental program. Owners also enjoy dedicated personal-use time each year, with everything else handled for you.

What Is Zanzibar’s “Golden Visa”?

You might hear people talk about Zanzibar’s Golden Visa, but officially it’s the Residence Permit Class C (C-11). This permit was introduced by the Tanzania Immigration Department to attract responsible foreign investors.

It gives you the right to live in Zanzibar, travel in and out freely, and include your family (usually your spouse and dependent children) under the same permit. The permit lasts for up to two years and can be renewed indefinitely while you own the property.

However, it’s important to be clear: this is not a citizenship or passport program. It’s a residency-by-investment route that lets you live, invest and enjoy the island as long as you wish, with full legal status.

Put simply, if you’re looking for a holiday home, a lifestyle property, or a secure investment by the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar offers a clear and legal path to ownership, especially through projects that have full government approval, like Sandbank Villas.

Myth-Buster: Golden Visa vs. Reality

Myth	Reality
“Buying any house makes you a resident.”	Only ZIPA-approved developments qualify for residency.
“The Golden Visa gives you citizenship.”	No — this is a residency program, not citizenship-by-investment.
“It’s complicated and slow.”	The process is clear and digital — handled through the e-Residence portal.

Tip: Choose a ZIPA-approved development like Sandbank Villas. All government coordination and title registration are handled for you, so the buying process is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for Zanzibar’s Investment Visa, you must:

Buy an approved property worth at least USD $100,000 (villa, apartment, or condo).
Choose a development approved by ZIPA (Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority), which oversees legitimate foreign investments.
Provide standard documents, including:
- A police clearance certificate from your home country
- The ZIPA recommendation letter confirming your investment
- Your title deed or certificate of occupancy
- Proof of payment showing the value of your purchase
- A tax clearance certificate from the Zanzibar Revenue Board

The main applicant’s spouse and dependent children can usually be added under the same permit (exact age limits vary).

Learn more about Zanzibar’s property market and residency options on our Invest with Us page.

The Application Process (in 5 Simple Steps)

Step 1: Choose a qualifying property

Select a villa or apartment within a ZIPA-approved development. Ask your agent or lawyer to show proof of ZIPA approval.

Step 2: Finalize your purchase

Complete the sale, pay applicable taxes (stamp duty and registration), and ensure your title or lease is registered in your name.

Step 3: Get your ZIPA letter

ZIPA will issue a recommendation letter confirming your property investment qualifies for the permit.

Step 4: Apply online

Submit your application through Tanzania’s e-Residence system with all documents attached. This is where you apply for the Class C (C-11) permit.

Step 5: Receive your residence permit

Once approved, you’ll receive your residence card and multi-entry pass. The permit is valid for up to two years and can be renewed as long as you keep the property.

When buying property with Sandbank Villas, we eliminate most of these risks. Titles are pre-verified, all taxes are settled, and every villa meets environmental and legal standards from day one.

Costs & Timelines

Government fees:

$500 for the residence permit (or $250 for East African citizens or Tanzanian diaspora).
$50 per person for a multi-entry pass.

Property transaction costs:

Stamp duty and transfer taxes (usually around 3–4% combined).
Modest annual property taxes and ground rent.

Timeline:

From purchase to receiving your residence permit typically takes around three to four months, sometimes faster if the paperwork is complete.
Explore our collection of oceanfront Zanzibar villas designed for international buyers seeking secure ownership and effortless management.

Benefits for Investors

Legal residency in Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland.
Freedom to travel in and out of the country during your permit period.
Family inclusion under one investment.
Attractive tax environment:

No tax on income earned outside Tanzania
15% flat rate on local income (half the usual rate)
Reduced tax on property resale gains
No VAT on renting or selling your property

Quality lifestyle: white-sand beaches, stable infrastructure, direct international flights, and a fast-growing real estate market.

Important to Know

It’s not citizenship. You remain a foreign national, but you can live in Zanzibar indefinitely through renewals.
Work is separate. The Class C-11 permit is for residency, not employment. You’ll need a work permit if you plan to take a job or run a business.
Stay compliant. Renew your permit before it expires (every two years) and keep your property taxes up to date.

Risks & How We Support You

As with any property investment abroad, it’s vital to buy through verified developers and follow the official process. The most common issues, unregistered properties, false promises of citizenship, or buying outside ZIPA-approved zones, are easily avoided with proper guidance.

“We work directly with ZIPA and licensed legal partners to make sure every buyer’s residency process is smooth and fully compliant.”
— Sandbank Villas Development Team

Quick FAQs

Is this really a ‘Golden Visa’?

Not exactly. It’s officially the Residence Permit Class C (C-11), but it works in the same way: invest in real estate, gain legal residency.

What’s the minimum investment?

USD $100,000 in a ZIPA-approved property, with the correct documents and tax clearances.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your spouse and up to 4 children are normally included under the same permit.

How long can I stay?

Each permit lasts up to two years, renewable for as long as you keep the property.

Can I work or start a business?

You’ll need a separate work permit for employment or running a business.

The Bottom Line

Zanzibar’s Investment Visa makes it easier than ever to turn a smart property purchase into long-term island living. For investors who value both lifestyle and security, it offers a government-backed path to residency, simply by owning a home in paradise.

At Sandbank Villas, we handle every step: from verifying ZIPA approvals to coordinating legal paperwork and residency filing. Our villas are built for buyers who want more than a second home; they want a foothold in one of the Indian Ocean’s most exciting investment destinations.

Explore more:

Disclaimer: The statistics and data presented in this article are based on publicly available information and may be subject to change

Zanzibar’s Investment Visa: How to Gain Residency Through Property in 2025