Botswana · Skilled Worker Visa

Work Permit

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology
5.5/10 diff
Challenging

Issued under Immigration Act Cap. 25:02 §22 (Work permit) and §27 (Power of Commissioner to issue work permit). Employer…

Min income
Processing
90+ days
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

Issued under Immigration Act Cap. 25:02 §22 (Work permit) and §27 (Power of Commissioner to issue work permit). Employer-sponsored; tied to a specific employer and role; typically issued for 1–2 years and renewable. Requires Labour Ministry / Immigrants Selection Board endorsement (Part III §11-§17). Renewal application must be submitted 'six (6) months before expiry of work permit' per gov.bw guidance. The Immigration Act Cap. 25:02 also includes Part IV §22 work permit provisions and the consolidated text references 'procedures for the employment of non-citizens'.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
90+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
5/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Spouse Can WorkNo
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Gaborone
Single (monthly)€960
Family (monthly)€2,100
Rent 1BR (center)€350
Groceries€200
Transport pass€35

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Work Permit?

Issued under Immigration Act Cap. 25:02 §22 (Work permit) and §27 (Power of Commissioner to issue work permit). Employer-sponsored; tied to a specific employer and role; typically issued for 1–2 years and renewable. Requires Labour Ministry / Immigrants Selection Board endorsement (Part III §11-§17). Renewal application must be submitted 'six (6) months before expiry of work permit' per gov.bw guidance. The Immigration Act Cap. 25:02 also includes Part IV §22 work permit provisions and the consolidated text references 'procedures for the employment of non-citizens'.

Can I bring my family on the Work Permit?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents.

Can the Work Permit lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

Are there alternative pathways to Botswana?

Yes. Botswana offers 4 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Botswana country page.

What is the cost of living in Botswana?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Gaborone: €960/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

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