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.
All non-citizens who wish to stay in Botswana should apply for a residence permit to allow them to live in the country. Persons who are above 18 are required to apply separately if they wish to stay in Botswana and their applications should be supported by the person(s) upon whom they will depend while in Botswana.
Who is eligible?
Any non-citizen who wishes to stay in Botswana beyond the visitation period is eligible for this service.
How do I get this service?
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
- 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
- If unsuccessful, an applicant can appeal the outcome and or leave the country
What supporting documents are required?
Applicable to all
- Two recent colored passport-size photos
- Certified copy of the birth certificate. If the applicant is unable to provide such proof of birth, a statement setting out the reasons must be attached
- Certified copy of the marriage certificate for each applicant if applicable
- A medical report of a full physical examination
Dependents
- Supporter’s particulars- Copy of Omang or Residence Permit, Work Permit, and letter of support
- Letter of consent from the parent if the supporter is not a biological parent
- If legally separated, provide a copy of the court order certified as being correct by an official of the court which made it
- Certified copy of adoption certificate where applicable
Students
- Proof of admission letter
Employees
- Certified copies of educational certificates and references
- Job posting of position secured
- Localization plan
- Stock Card and Brand Certificate (Herd Boy)
- Field certificate or lease agreement (Farm Labourer)
- Accreditation from Botswana Football Association (Footballers and coaches)
- Ordination certificate and Church registration certificate (Pastors)
- Clearance Certificate from Education (Teachers)
- Clearance from Ministry of Health (Doctors)
- Clearance from Botswana Accountancy Association (Accountants)
Investors
- Name of business
- Location of business
- Service provided or goods sold
- Number of employees hired
- Shares held
- Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement
- Type of trading license held
- Tax returns
- Company bank statement for the most recent 3 months
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.
Can you buy a residency in Botswana?
Botswana offers several residencies through investment schemes for foreign investors. The eligibility of the applicants depends on a point-based system, developed by the government.
How do I become a permanent resident of Botswana?
All non-citizens who wish to stay in Botswana should apply for a residence permit to allow them to live in the country. Persons who are above 18 are required to apply separately if they wish to stay in Botswana and their applications should be supported by the person(s) upon whom they will depend while in Botswana.
How can a noncitizen of Botswana become a citizen of Botswana?
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 long can foreigners stay in Botswana?
90 days
Foreign nationals are allowed to stay in Botswana for a period of 90 days without applying for a residence or work permit.