Zanzibar

A spice island off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar has been drawing European sun-seekers and safari-goers extending their trips for decades. Stone Town sits at one end with its carved doors and ferry traffic, the kite lagoons of Paje at the other. The reason buyers pay attention now is residence: a qualifying property purchase can support an application to stay.

A qualifying property investment of at least US$100,000 may support a residence-permit application for the buyer and eligible family members, subject to approval. The 2023 Investment Act also provides a conditional 50 percent stamp-duty concession for qualifying real-estate buyers; eligibility depends on the applicable approval and the transaction.

Demand is measurable. International tourist arrivals reached 917,167 in 2025, about 25 percent more than the year before, according to the Bank of Tanzania. On Pemba, UK Export Finance has supported the expansion and upgrade of the existing airport.

Further international hotel investment is arriving. Iberostar announced its Zanzibar expansion in October 2025 and was marketing stays from November 2026 at our research cutoff, and Le Meridien is an announced project. Tenure varies by project, so confirm the project's approval, the registered property rights and any residence-permit conditions for the specific purchase.