Citizenship is a “relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn, is entitled to its protection”. Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize persons as its citizens, and the conditions under which that status will be withdrawn.
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
Citizenship
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.
Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs
CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION – SETTLEMENT
- Read more about Citizenship Application – Settlement
Overview
People who have settled in Botswana immediately before 30 September 1966 and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for citizenship in Botswana.
Who is eligible?
All foreign nationals who have settled in Botswana immediately before 30 September 1966 and have lived as members or been customarily accepted as members of a particular tribe or community.
How do I get this service?
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
- Complete and Submit Form A “Declaration concerning citizenship of Botswana by Settlement” along with the required documents and fees listed below.
- After the application is received, the office will send a letter to the applicant notifying him/her of the outcome
- The applicant is then required to go to the office where the application was lodged to collect a Certificate of registration by Settlement.
- Take an oath of allegiance and complete personal declaration forms
- A certificate of the settlement will be issued to the applicant after taking the oath
- Two witnesses and copies of their identity documents (Botswana citizens)
What supporting documents are required?
- Two colored passport-sized photos.
- Certified copy of the valid birth certificate or affidavit in lieu of the birth certificate.
- Personal declaration to establish nationality (Form obtained from Immigration Offices).
- Certified copy of valid residence permits if available.
- Proof that the applicant has been in Botswana for such a period (i.e. letter from tribal authority).
How long will this service take?
Approximately one month.
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 on public holidays
The theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?
The cost is BWP200.00
Meta tags
Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.
Keywords
Citizenship requirement, settlement, Omang Card, residence permit, members of a tribe, member of a tribe, members of a community, member of a community.
Synonyms
Long-term residents of Botswana, long-term residents, immigration, settling down in Botswana.
Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs
CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS – RESUMPTION OF BOTSWANA CITIZENSHIP
- Read more about Citizenship Requirements – Resumption of Botswana Citizenship
Overview
This application is meant for people who were citizens of Botswana by birth or descent but have ceased to be citizens of Botswana. The purpose of this service is to resume Botswana citizenship for former citizens.
Who is eligible?
Botswana citizens by birth, descent, and registration but have ceased to be citizens of Botswana due to failing to renounce their foreign citizenship before attaining the age of 21 or having willingly renounced their Botswana Citizenship.
How do I get this service?
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.
- Complete and Submit Form S to any Immigration Office along with the required documents and fees listed below.
- After processing, the response will be sent to the applicant through the mail.
- Letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you through the mail.
- You will be issued a Certificate of Resumption after you have renounced your foreign citizenship
What supporting documents are required?
- Two passport-size colored photos.
- Late renunciation form.
- Certified copy of the birth certificate.
- Certified copy of parents’ marriage certificate if applicable.
- Proof of parent’s citizenship status.
- Certified copy of valid residence permit/ Omang.
- Justification letter explaining why the applicant is resuming.
- Applicant’s marriage certificate (if applicable).
How long will this service take?
Approximately one month.
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
Citizenship
How much does it cost?
The service costs BWP200.00
Meta tags
Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana
Keywords
Citizenship requirement, resumption of citizenship, omang card, residence permit, resumption, resuming status as a citizen, late renunciation form, former citizens.
Synonyms
Giving up foreign citizenship, applying to be a citizen of Botswana, citizenship application, Batswana by descent.
Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration, and Gender Affairs
CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION – NATURALIZATION
- Read more about Citizenship Application – Naturalization
Overview
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.
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 with 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.
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.
What are the 5 requirements for citizenship?
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; Demonstrate good moral character; Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; Demonstrate loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and.
How can I get permanent residency in Botswana?
Permanent Residence Application
- 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 society.
- Have enough means to support oneself and dependents.