East Africa Time (UTC+03:00) 

Undoubtedly, payroll is a critical process for any organization. Pay cycle in Tanzania refers to the period for which an organization pays its employees, and this can vary depending on the pay frequency that the organization chooses to adopt.

In Tanzania, employees can be paid daily, weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. Employees who are paid monthly receive their salary by the end of the month. 

There are no provisions in the law regarding 13th salaries. 

The monthly minimum wage varies by industry, from 40,000 TZS for domestic workers, TZS to 400,000 TZS for sectors such as financial services, telecommunication, and international companies. 

Overtime must be agreed upon between the employee and employer. However, the total number of hours a day cannot exceed 12 hours.   

In addition, overtime is limited to 50 hours in a 4-week period, and is paid at least 150% of the regular pay rate.   

The pay rate for work on public holidays is 200% of the regular pay. 

Employers must maintain all tax and pay-related documents for a minimum of five years.  

Employers must keep information on remuneration and benefits for five years after the employee's termination. 

A new employee must be registered with the authorities within 80 days of the employee's start date. The company has to present its structure to the SII and await authorization to start operations.  

The following information is required to set up a new start: –  

• Full Name 
• RUT  
• Date of Birth  
• Address  
• Salary  
• Pension Insurance  
• Health Insurance  
• Other information about hiring 

Mandatory Documents: Expat employee  

• Valid Passport and visa  
• Six Passport size photographs  
• Birth Certificate for all family members.  
• Copy of the labour/tenancy contract  
• Educational Degree certificates   
• Professional qualification Certificates  
• Medical Card/Health Screening tests  
• National ID Card  

Optional Documents: Expat employee  

• Pay slip  
• Clear passport copies  
• Travel Insurance  
• Driving License  
• Divorce Certificate (If applicable)  
• Married Certificate (If applicable)  

 Mandatory Documents: Local employee  

• Valid Passport and visa  
• Six Passport size photographs  
• Copy of the labour/tenancy contract  
• Educational Degree certificates   
• Professional qualification Certificates  
• Medical Card/Health Screening tests  
• Marriage Certificate (If applicable)  

Optional Documents: Local employee  

• Birth Certificate  
• Home Country national identity card  
• Married Certificate  
• Pay slip 

There are 15 public holidays in Tanzania.  

• Jan. 1: New Year's Day
• Jan. 12: Revolution Day
• Apr. 7: Karume Day
• Apr. 2: Good Friday  
• Apr. 10: Easter Monday
• Apr. 21: Eid al-Fitr
• Apr. 26: Union Day
• May 1: Labour Day
• Jul. 7: Saba Saba Day
• Aug. 8: Nane Nane Day
• Sept. 26: Prophet Muhammad's Holiday
• Oct. 14: Nyerere Day
• Dec. 9: Independence Day
• Dec. 25: Christmas Day
• Dec. 26: Boxing Day

Employees are entitled to 126 days of paid sick leave within a 36-month cycle. The first 63 days of sick leave are paid at 100% of the regular salary and, after that, 50% of the regular salary.   

To be entitled to sick leave and pay, the employee must provide a medical certificate. 

Mothers are entitled to 84 days of paid maternity leave. For the birth of more than one child, the entitlement is 100 days of paid maternity leave.   

The mother must inform her employer at least three months from the expected due date. 

Fathers are entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave within the first seven days of the child's birth. 

• Family care leave  

• Jury Duty Leave & Voting Leave  

• Bereavement Leave  

• Military Leave 

• During the first month of employment - 7 days' notice   
• For an employee who is employed on a daily or weekly basis – 4 days   
• For an employee who is employed on a monthly basis - 28 days  
• It is also possible to pay the employee in lieu of notice. 

To be eligible for severance pay, the employee must have worked for at least 12 months. Severance pay is equal to 7 days' pay for every year of employment and is capped at 10 years. 

To work in Tanzania as a third-party national, a work permit and residence permit must be obtained.

Class A: For third-party national employees who want to invest in the industry, mining, forest, social services, and business.

Class B: Foreigners employed by a company or institution with a desired profession.

Class C: For missionaries, students, and volunteers, residence permits must be applied for through the Directory of Immigration Services.

The employer must submit the employee's application to work in Tanzania. A filled-out application form, passport copy, passport photos, bank information proof, signed employment contract, curriculum vitae copy, and academic records.   

Once everything has been submitted, and an application fee has been paid, obtaining the visa usually takes up to 2 months. 

After the application is submitted, residence permits are typically issued within two business days, though in rare circumstances, they may take up to five days. 

Background investigations in Tanzania generally involve determining whether an applicant is unqualified for a position due to a criminal conviction, motor vehicle violations, poor credit history, or misrepresentation of education or work history.