Botswana•AfricaResidence Permit
At a Glance
Processing Time
14-21 days
Application Fee
1,500 BWP
Stay Duration
Up to 10 years
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Long-term residency status for foreign nationals staying in Botswana for more than 3 months. Typically obtained by those in long-term employment, investment, or study programs. Can lead to permanent residence after 5+ years.
The residence permit is the primary long-term residency status for foreign nationals in Botswana. It is issued to those staying for periods exceeding 3 months due to work, investment, education, or other purposes.
The permit is tied to the specific purpose of stay and can be extended if circumstances continue. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, applicants may be eligible for permanent residence.
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Requirements
Financial
Investment Required
1,000,000 BWP
Personal
Passport Validity
6 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
none or higher
Professional
Experience
Required for employees as per job advertisement specifications.+ years
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Original with full validity for permit duration
Passport photos
Biometric photographs
Proof of accommodation
Rental agreement or property ownership documentation
Medical certificate
Health examination if applicable
OptionalCriminal record certificate
Police clearance from home country
OptionalEmployment/income documentation
Employment contract or salary evidence
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Long-term legal residency status
- Renewable for extended stays
- Pathway to permanent residence after 5 years
- Allows family members to obtain dependant permits
- More stable than temporary work visas
- Enables local banking and integration
Considerations
- Purpose-specific - change of status requires new application
- Tied to employment or investment project
- Relatively high application fee
- Must maintain residency basis
- Requires continuous legal residence for PR eligibility
Application Process
Establish residency basis
Secure employment, investment, or university enrollment
Prepare documentation
Gather employment contract, financial documents, medical certificate
Register residence
Register at local Bürgeramt or immigration office with proof of accommodation
Submit permit application
File residence permit application with immigration authority
Attend appointment
May require in-person interview or biometric collection
Receive permit decision
Processing typically 14-21 working days
Application Forms
Residence Permit Application Form
Ready to Apply?
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