Botswana is topographically flat, with up to 70 percent of its territory being the Kalahari Desert. It is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast.
The Certificate of Naturalization can be issued to investors, employees, students, immigrants, and dependents to give them the same rights as all citizens of Botswana.
The President of Botswana may order for registration of a foreign national as a citizen of Botswana on the grounds of special considerations.
Who is eligible?
A person not otherwise entitled to or eligible for citizenship of Botswana, to whom special circumstances exist which in the opinion of the President warrant such registration.
How do I get this service?
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
- Complete and submit Form I along with the required documents and fees listed below.
- An acknowledgment letter will be given to the applicant.
- Check the status of your application at any Immigration and Citizenship Office
- If your application is successful, letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you by post.
- You will be issued a Registration Certificate after you have renounced your foreign citizenship.
- If your application is rejected a rejection letter will be sent to you by post. You can re-apply if you wish. (there is no time restriction for re-submission).
What supporting documents are required?
- Two passport-size colored photos.
- Certified copy of valid passport.
- Certified copy of valid residence permit, exemption certificate, or permanent residence permit.
- Letter explaining your special circumstances addressed to His Excellency the President. (attach supporting documents)
- Set of Police report forms.
- Certified copy of the birth certificate or affidavit in lieu of the birth certificate.
Those operating businesses in Botswana should also state:
- Name of business.
- Location of business.
- Type of service or goods provided.
- A number of employees hired.
- Number and type of shares held.
- Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement.
- Type of trading license held.
- Purpose of stay in Botswana.
- Citizenship status of immediate family members.
How long will this service take?
Approximately one year.
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices, and Missions Abroad.
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.
The theme for this service
How much does it cost?
The service costs BWP500.00.
Meta tags
Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana
Keywords
Citizenship requirement, special considerations, foreign nationals, special considerations by the President of Botswana, endorsement by His Excellency, residence permit, exemption certificate, permanent residence permit, His Excellency, President of Botswana.
Synonyms
Giving up foreign citizenship, applying to be a citizen of Botswana, citizenship application, and citizenship application endorsement.
Who is eligible?
All foreigners who have resided in Botswana for an aggregate period of not less than ten years and have resided in Botswana for a continuous period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of application.
How do I get this service?
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
- Complete Form L “Certificate for Naturalization” and submit it along with a police report form and fees to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (address provided below).
- Acknowledgment of receipt of the application will be sent to the applicant through the mail.
- After the application has been processed, the applicant will receive a letter in the mail inviting them for an interview.
- If your application is successful, letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you via mail. You will be issued a certificate of naturalization after you have renounced your foreign citizenship.
- If your application is rejected a rejection letter will be sent to you via mail. You can re-apply if you wish. (there is no time restriction for re-submission).
What supporting documents are required?
Requirements applicable to all
- Completed Certificate for Naturalization (Form L)
- Two recent colored passport-size photos
- Two certified copies of a valid Botswana residence permit
- Completed set of police report forms
- Certified copy of the birth certificate
- Certified copy of marriage certificate and copy of spouse’s citizenship status (if applicable)
- Certified copies of the applicant’s educational qualifications (if married, also provide spouse’s educational qualifications)
- Copy of Curriculum Vitae
Additional Requirements for Student
- Admission letter from the educational institution
- Proof of payment of tuition
Additional Requirements for Dependents and Immigrants
Proof of parents’ citizenship status
Additional Requirements for Employees
- Value of property owned.
- Employment contract
Additional Requirements for Investors
Those operating businesses should state:
- Name of business.
- Location of business.
- Service provided.
- A number of employees hired.
- A number of shares held.
- Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement.
- Type of trading license held.
- Tax return for the past year.
How long will this service take?
Approximately one year.
How much does it cost?
The cost is BWP1000.00 for each applicant.
Where can I obtain this service?
All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices, and Missions Abroad.
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.
How can I get permanent residency in Botswana?
Residence Permit Application
- Complete an application form for a residence permit.
- Submit the application form to any Immigration office and pay the applicable fees.
- Check the outcome from the office where you applied.
- If the application is successful, a residence permit sticker will be stamped on the passport.
Does Botswana allow dual citizenship?
Born in Botswana or outside Botswana and one of your parents is a citizen of Botswana at the time of your birth. You can also be on dual citizenship if you were born by foreign citizens who later acquired Botswana citizenship and registered you as a citizen of Botswana before attaining the age of twenty-one (21).
How can a foreigner get a job in Botswana?
Botswana has one work visa, also known as a work permit, for all foreign employees working in the country under the Employment of the Non-Citizens Act. Employers cannot engage an employee unless they hold a valid Botswana work permit or a certificate of exemption.
Can a foreigner teach in Botswana?
Any individual (citizens and non-citizens) who would like to be employed to teach at a private school in Botswana are required to hold a Teaching Permit. Who is eligible? All citizen and non-citizen graduates of colleges or universities, holding relevant teaching qualifications.
What is Botswana best known for?
Botswana is well known for having some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas on the African continent. 38% of its total land area are devoted to national parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas.