Botswana•AfricaWork Permit
At a Glance
Processing Time
14 days
Application Fee
1,500 BWP
Stay Duration
Up to 5 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 work authorization for foreign employees in Botswana. Issued based on employment contract validity for up to 5 years. Requires employer sponsorship and Labour points evaluation.
The work permit is Botswana's primary long-term work authorization for skilled foreign employees. It is issued through the Department of Labour which uses a points system to evaluate whether the foreign worker has qualifications and experience that justify employment over local candidates.
Work permits can be extended and can eventually lead to permanent residence after 5+ years of lawful residence.
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
76,515 AUD
per year
Personal
Passport Validity
Sufficient validity for duration of contract months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Professional
Experience
2+ years
Language
English
Intermediate
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Original with sufficient validity
Passport photos
Recent biometric photos
Medical certificate
Comprehensive health examination
Criminal record certificate
Police clearance from all countries of residence
Curriculum vitae
Detailed work and educational history
Educational certificates
University degrees and professional qualifications
Employment contract
Signed contract showing terms and conditions
Sponsor Documents
Company registration
Certificate of incorporation and business license
Company financial statements
Recent audited accounts or tax returns
Labour points justification
Documentation showing why foreign worker is needed
Employment offer letter
Detailed job description and salary offer
Proof of local recruitment
Evidence that position was advertised locally
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Advantages
- Long-term authorization (up to 5 years)
- Renewable with continued employment
- Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
- Family members can obtain residence permits
- Supports career progression in Botswana
Considerations
- Strict criminal record requirements
- Employer-dependent status
- Points-based evaluation can be lengthy
- Job change requires new permit
- 14-day processing minimum
Application Process
Secure employment contract
Obtain formal employment contract from registered Botswana employer
Employer applies for work permit
Employer submits work permit application to Department of Labour with points evaluation
Labour evaluation
Department of Labour assesses applicant skills and employer justification
Gather medical and security clearance
Obtain medical examination and criminal record certificate
Submit complete application
Submit all documents to Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Await permit issuance
Processing typically 14 working days
Application Forms
Work Permit Application Form
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