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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT – Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025

The Government of Tanzania has officially issued the Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025 under Government Notice (GN) No. 487A dated 28 July 2025. Enacted under the authority of the Business Licensing Act, Cap. 101, the Order came into effect on 27 July 2025.

This new regulation strictly prohibits non-citizens from engaging in specific business activities within the country. The language used in the Order is mandatory (“shall”) and binding.

🚫 Prohibited Business Activities for Non-Citizens:

Small-scale mining

Sale of goods on a wholesale or retail basis (excluding supermarkets, specialized product outlets, and wholesale centers for local producers)

Mobile money transfer services

Repair of mobile phones and electronic devices

Salon businesses (unless operated in a hotel or tourism facility)

Home, office, and environmental cleaning services

Postal and parcel delivery services within Tanzania

Tour guiding within the country

Establishment and operation of radio and television stations

Operation of museums or curio shops

Business or real estate brokerage/agency services

Clearing and forwarding services

On-farm crop purchasing

Ownership or operation of gambling machines/devices (except in licensed casinos)

Ownership and operation of micro and small industries

⚖️ Key Implications:

No new licenses will be issued to non-citizens for the listed activities.

Renewals of current licenses for these activities are not permitted.

Non-citizens currently holding valid licenses may continue operating only until their licenses expire.

Violating this Order is a criminal offence, subject to:

Fines

Imprisonment (up to 6 months)

Revocation of visa or residence permit

Tanzanian citizens found aiding or abetting non-citizens in such violations may also face legal penalties.

📞 Need Legal Assistance?

For legal guidance or support in complying with the Order, feel free to contact our office.

Karibu sana!