You will need a VISA to work in Botswana. It is recommended to obtain employment there before applying, as your new employer can often sponsor your application. You can find out more information by visiting your local embassy website.
This service gives a non-citizen permission to work in Botswana for a reward or to invest in Botswana for profit.
Who is eligible?
Non-citizens
How do I get this service?
- Download, complete the Work permit application form and submit it with supporting documents to the nearest Labour Office
- Collection of Work permit after notification if approved
- Applicant can check after the service collection period
What supporting documents are required?
- Copy of job advert not older than six months old
- Contract of employment
- Application letter for work (signed)
- Letter of offer or appointment letter
- Applicants’ Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of educational certificates. Please note that all certificates in foreign languages must be translated into English and be confirmed by Botswana Qualification Authority
- Certified copy of a valid passport – biographic data page (picture, passport number, date of birth, birthplace, expiry, etc.)
- 2 x Passport-size photos (with a white background)
- Clearance from relevant professional regulatory bodies
- Letter from the patient’s doctor (Nurse Aid/ Caretaker)
- Supporting letters from relevant Ministries for Government projects
- CV for understudies
Additional requirements unique to certain professions
- Extra Heavy Duty Driver – Copy of Botswana Driver’s License or copy of classifications from the Department of Transport, Motor Vehicle Registration Book for vehicles and trailers, B A permits for trucks, P A permits for public transport and list of vehicles and transport permit numbers
- Farm Worker – Farm Certificate/Title deed/ Lease Agreement, Brand Certificate and proof of livestock ownership, Employer’s copy of certified National Identity Card (Omang)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker for a period not exceeding 6 months – Farm Certificate/Title deed/ Lease Agreement, Brand Certificate and proof of livestock ownership, Employer’s copy of certified National Identity Card.
Professional or regulatory bodies (attach as annexure)
- Medical Field – permission from the Botswana Nursing Council, the Midwifery Council of Botswana, the Botswana Health Profession Council or the Ministry of Health
- Teaching Field – permission to teach from the Ministry of Education, qualification evaluation from the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA)
- Accountants – clearance from the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA)
- Footballer – clearance from the Botswana Football Association or Premier League
- Pilot – clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana
- Engineers – Membership from Engineers Registration Board
Investors
- Proof of investment by the provision of a Bank Statement
- Lease agreement/ proof of place of operation
- Company registration documents
- List of employees and their identifications, National identity card (Omang) for Citizens and certified copies of Work and Residence permits for Non- Citizens
- List of valued assets (attach certified copies of registration books for vehicles)
- Copy of certified valid Trade licence
- Certified copies of a valid passport, and biographic data page (picture, passport number, date of birth, birthplace, expiry, etc.)
- Company profile
- Current bank statement certified by the bank
- 2 x Passport-size photos (with a white background)
How long will this service take?
Fourteen (14) working days
In case of renewal of work permit for employee and investor
- The above requirements for a work permit apply
- Letter of renewal of contract
- Copies of both work and residence permits
NB: Application for Renewal is to be submitted six (6) months before the expiry of the work permit
How much does it cost?
- Work Permit fee – BWP 1,500.00
- Work Permit renewal fee – BWP 1,500.00
- Work Permit Replacement/ Duplicate fee – BWP 1,500.00
- Late renewal submission fee – BWP 500.00 + BWP 20.00 each day after the expiry of permits
Where can I get more information on this Service
District Contact Number
| Department of Labour and Social Security Head office, Gaborone Tel. (+267) 37372772 | Gaborone Regional Labour Office I Tel. (+267) 3971406 |
| Gaborone Regional Labour Office II Tel. (+267) 3956019 | Francistown Regional Labour Office Tel. (+267) 2416933 |
| Lobatse Regional Labour Office Tel. (+267) 5332569 | Maun Regional Labour Office Tel. (+267) 68622705/2418 |
| Selibe Phikwe Regional Labour Office Tel. (+267) 2611598 | Serowe Regional Labour Office Tel. (+267) 4632579 |
| Kasane Regional Labour Office Tel. (+267) 6250216 |
Opening hours: 7:30 am to 12:45 am and 13:45 to 16:30 am, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
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.
Which jobs are in high demand in Botswana?
Jobs in Botswana (9 new)
- Dispatcher. Dispatcher.
- Guest Service Centre Agent. Guest Service Centre Agent.
- Stocks Assistant. Stocks Assistant.
- Learning and Development Officer. Learning and Development Officer.
- Retail Network Assistant.
- Microtext creation for Educational platform Botswana.
- Finance Manager.
- Financial Controller.
What do I need to work in Botswana?
- Copy of job advert not older than six months old.
- Contract of employment.
- Application letter for work (signed)
- Letter of offer or appointment letter.
- Applicants’ Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of educational certificates.
How can I get a work permit in Botswana?
- Valid job offer by means of a contract of employment/appointment letter;
- A work application;
- A current curriculum vitae (CV);
- Certified copies of certificates. …
- A Medical report;
- Certified copies of a valid passport;
- 4 Passport size photos;
- Applicable labour form.
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.