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Overview

The Certificate of Naturalization can be issued to investors, employees, students, immigrants, spouse of citizens and dependents. 

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 
  • Set of police report forms 
  • After the application has been processed, the applicant will be invited for an interview
  • If your application is successful, you will be notified and requested to renounce your foreign citizenship
  • A certificate of naturalization will be issued after you have renounced your foreign citizenship
  • If your application is rejected, a rejection letter will be issued
  •  You can re-apply if you wish. (after 24 months of the rejection) 
What supporting documents are required?

APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION

General Requirements 

Completed Form L

  •  Two coloured passport size photos
  • Certified copies of previous and valid Residence Permit (10 years in aggregate)
  • Set of Police Report Forms (hyperlink)
  • Certified copy of Birth Certificate
  • Certified copy of Marriage Certificate and copy of spouse’s citizenship status (if applicable)
  • Certified copies of applicant’s educational qualifications (if married provide spouses educational qualifications)
  • Copy of C.V. Please state no. of children 
  • Certified copy of passport (bio data page)
  • Application letter
  • Contract of employment and certified valid work permit
  • Indicate purpose of stay in Botswana and proof source of income (immigrants and dependents) 
  • Admission letter and proof of source of income for students

Additional requirements for employees

  •  Contract of employment and certified valid work permit
  • Certified copies of valid work permits/exemption certificate/Permanent Residence permit
  • Summary of assets & investments (attach documentary proof)

Additional requirements for Students 

  • Admission letter and proof of financial support 
  • Certified copy of student ID
  • Certified Copy of transcript

Additional requirements for Immigrants and dependents

  • Supporting letters from family and relatives
  •  Letter from tribal authority
  • Affidavits from witnesses(minimum of three) with close knowledge of the applicant and family background, each accompanied by certified copy of identity document 

    DIRECTOR/INVESTORS

Those operating business should include;  
•    a company profile (e.g. location of business, service provided, employment level, number of employees and certified copies of their IDs)

• Shares held and indicate other shareholders and their nationalities (current CIPA shares certificate)
•    valuation report of property owned or copy of lease agreement
•    valid trade license  
•    Current Audited Financial statements
•    Current Tax Returns 

NATURALIZATION OF FOREIGN SPOUSE

Declaration of Intention to Make an Application for a Certificate of Naturalization (Spouse of a Citizen)

  • Completed application form K
  • Two coloured passport size photos
  • Spouse’s certified identity card 
  • Certified copy of Naturalization Certificate (if applicable)
  •  Certified copies of previous and valid residence permit/Permanent Residence/ Exemption certificate
  • Certified copy of marriage certificate
  • Certified copy of valid passport
  •  Supporting letter from spouse
  • Application letter (indicate source of income for both applicant and spouse)
  • Certified copy of birth certificate

Application for Certificate of Naturalization by a Foreign Spouse

  • Completed Form N
  • Two passport size photos
  • Police Report Forms
  • Certified copies of previous and valid residence permit/Permanent Residence/ Exemption certificate5. Certified copy of Marriage Certificate
  • Certified copy of Spouse’s Identity Card/citizenship certificate 
  • Copy of CV. Please state number of children (minor children under 21)
  • Applicant’s educational certificates (certified copies)
  • Spouse’s educational certificates (certified copies)
  • Certified copy of valid passport (bio data page)
  • Application letter (indicate source of income for both applicant and spouse)
  • Consent letter from spouse  
  • Copy of maturity letter  (if applicable)
  • Rejection letter (for those re-applying)

Application for a Waiver of the Maturity Period (Foreign Spouse)

  •  Application letter (submit acknowledgement letter)
  •  Spouse affidavit in support of the application
  • Copy of maturity letter
  •  Certifies copies of previous and valid residence permits
  •  Spouse’s certified ID copy and copy of citizenship certificate.
How long will this service take?

Approximately 18 months 

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs

 

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

 

Where can I get more information on this Service

Tel. (+267) 361 1300/73

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

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