Two title types exist in Tanzania — a Certificate of Occupancy and a Customary Right of Occupancy. Here is when each applies and what they mean for you.
Tanzanian land law recognises two types of ownership documents: the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and the Customary Right of Occupancy (CCRO).
Certificate of Occupancy (CO)
Issued by the Ministry of Lands for urban and peri-urban land. Granted for 33, 66, or 99 years. Required for most bank mortgages and formal-sector transactions.
Customary Right of Occupancy (CCRO)
Issued by village councils under the Village Land Act. Recognises customary ownership in rural areas. Can be upgraded to a CO if the land is later reclassified as urban.
Which one do I need?
If you are buying urban or peri-urban land, insist on a CO. If you are buying a rural farm, a CCRO is normal and legally valid. Never buy land with no formal title — you have no legal recourse if a dispute arises.