Southern Africa · Immigration

Botswana

19 immigration routes

Botswana sits in Southern Africa. Its immigration system runs 19 distinct routes — led by work, short stays and visits and family, each set out in official law. 18 of them cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.

Immigration routes
19across 11 route categories, each set out in official law
Source-cited routes
18 of 19cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
Largest category
Work4 of the 19 routes — see them under Work below
Region
Southern Africa
Capital
Gaborone
Population
2,562,122
Official language
English, Tswana
Currency
BWP
Time zone
UTC+02:00
Source-cited pathways

Immigration routes

All 19 routes, grouped by purpose — 18 of 19 cite an official government source directly. Any route below without one says so on the route.

Work

4 routes

A narrow emergency facility for a non-citizen carrying out an immediate engagement for no more than seven days.

Eligibility: 1Documents: 1Process & costs: 3Report facts: 4
Official government source: cms1.gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26

For a non-citizen whose immediate paid employment or profit-making engagement will not exceed three months.

Eligibility: 3Documents: 2Process & costs: 4Report facts: 6
Official government source: cms1.gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26

Entry visa for visa-required people travelling for employment, internship, research, work or voluntary service who already hold valid work and residence permits.

Report facts: 1
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

For a non-citizen taking paid employment in Botswana with an advertised post, employment contract and relevant qualifications.

Eligibility: 3Documents: 3Process & costs: 2Report facts: 9
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26

Starting a business

1 route

Talent and merit

1 route

For a researcher approved by the relevant Botswana ministry and, if foreign, holding the required temporary residence status.

Eligibility: 2Documents: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 7
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-08-03 · 2 sources

Study

1 route

Entry visa for visa-required students who already hold a valid Botswana study or research permit.

Report facts: 1
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

Family

2 routes

Living from your own income

1 route

Long-term residence

2 routes

For a lawful resident with at least five continuous years in Botswana who meets character, contribution, standing and support requirements.

Eligibility: 1Process & costs: 5Report facts: 8
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26

For an established investor whose business record may support permanent residence before five years of stay.

Eligibility: 2Documents: 2Process & costs: 3Report facts: 9
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26

Short stays and visits

4 routes

For visa-required business visitors carrying out documented meetings or business activity without taking local employment.

Documents: 1Process & costs: 3Report facts: 8
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

For an investor seeking Botswana's named Investment Visa, subject to direct consular confirmation of the case-specific eligibility and documents.

Documents: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 4
Official government source: mir.gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26

For visa-required non-citizens travelling to Botswana for recreation.

Documents: 2Process & costs: 3Report facts: 7
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

For visa-required nationals visiting friends or relatives; employment, services and sales are prohibited.

Documents: 1Process & costs: 2Report facts: 7
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

Humanitarian protection

0 of 1 source-cited
1 route

Ancestry and return

1 route

Only for a person who held Botswana citizenship by birth or descent before renouncing it. Foreign spouses and children born after renunciation are excluded unless they qualify independently by birth or descent.

Eligibility: 1Report facts: 1
Source pending confirmation: botswanaembassy.org · checked 2026-08-03

Transit

1 route

For visa-required travellers passing through Botswana, including qualifying transporters and tour operators.

Process & costs: 4Report facts: 9
Official government source: gov.bw · checked 2026-07-26 · 2 sources

Official sources

Compiled by António Mira, founder · How we verify our data · Not legal advice — immigration rules and thresholds change; confirm with the official sources above before deciding.

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