Permanent residency is a person’s legal resident status in a country or territory of which such person is not a citizen but where they have the right to reside on a permanent basis. This is usually for a permanent period; a person with such legal status is known as a permanent resident.
This service provides applicants with an opportunity to be granted permanent residence status.
Who is eligible?
Non-citizens who meet the following criteria are eligible for this service.
- Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years
- Be of good character
- Have made significant contributions to Botswana
- Be of good standing in the society
- Have enough means to support oneself and dependents
How do I get this service?
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
- Go to any Immigration and Citizenship Office
- Complete Form 21
- Submit required documents (listed below), fees, and completed form to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (address provided below)
- Applicants are also allowed to track the application via phone
- A letter will be sent by post
- Come and collect your Permanent Certificate from the office where an application was made
What supporting documents are required?
Requirements Applicable to All
- Covering letter from the applicant
- Two copies of a valid certified passport
- Two recent colored passport-size photos per applicant
- Certified marriage certificate if applicable
For immigrants/dependents/missionaries
- Letter of support from supporter/spouse/mission
- Proof of means of support in Botswana
- Most recent month’s bank statement
Employees
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified educational certificates of the highest level of education obtained
- Reference letter from employer
- Letter of a job offer from an employer
Investors
- Wages sheet of employees which indicates the duration of employment of employees
- Certified copies of identity cards for citizen employees
- Submit valid and certified copies of the following:
- Valuation of shares.
- Share certificate.
- Certificate of incorporation.
- Form 2 – List of directors.
- Current year’s financial statements.
- Title deed/lease agreement of business premise(s).
- Trading license.
- Most recent year’s tax return.
How long will this service take?
This service takes six months.
How much does it cost?
The cost associated with this service is BWP 3000.00 per applicant.
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs
Tel. (+267) 361 1300
Toll-Free. 0800 600 777
Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.