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Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Residence Permit Application

Overview

All non-citizens who wish to stay in Botswana should apply for a residence permit to allow them to live in the country. Persons who are above 18 are required to apply separately if they wish to stay in Botswana and their applications should be supported by the person(s) upon whom they will depend on while in Botswana.

Who is eligible?

Any non-citizen who wishes to stay in Botswana beyond the visitation period is eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete an application form for residence permit
  • Submit the application form to any Immigration office and pay the applicable fees
  • Check outcome from the office where you applied
  • If application is successful, a residence permit sticker will be endorsed in the passport
  • If unsuccessful, an applicant can appeal the outcome and or leave the country
What supporting documents are required?

Requirements:
 

DEPENDANTS (18-25 YEARS) and 65 YEARS AND ABOVE

1.    Form 15
2.    Form 3
3.    Certified copy of a data page of a Passport valid for more than 6 months.
4.    Certified copy of birth certificate.
5.    One recent colour passport size photo.
6.    Copy of valid Work and Residence Permits/Permanent Residence Certificates/immigration exemption certificates/ or National Identity card (Omang) (if a citizen) of the supporter.
7.    Letter from supporter.
8.    Letter of consent from parents or certified adoption/Death certificate if dependant is staying with guardian.
9.    P1500.00.00
If student -
10.    Letter of support/sponsorship with all the particulars.
11.    Admission letter stating the program of study and duration of the course.
12.    Certified copy of receipt of payment of school fees 
13.    P1500.00.

IMMIGRANTS


1.    Form 15.

2.    Form 3.

3.    Covering letter from applicant

4.    Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport.

5.    Certified Copies of Birth certificate

6.    Certified Copy of marriage if accompanied by spouse.

7.    One recent coloured passport size photo
8.    Proof of support/maintenance during residence in Botswana 

9.  Bank statement

SPOUSE OF A CITIZEN

1.    Form 15.

2.    Form 3.

3.    Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport.

4.    Copies of birth certificate certified by issuing office.

5.    Certified copy of marriage certificate.

6.    One recent coloured passport size photo.
7.    Letter of support from the spouse.
8.    Covering letter from the applicant.
 

How long will this service take?

Thirty (30) working days to complete.

Where can I obtain this service?

Departmental HQ, Regional Immigration Offices and District Immigration Offices.

Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs 

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Migration and Visa Division

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave

Khama Crescent

Gaborone, Botswana

Private Bag 002

 

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions.

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

How much does it cost?

The cost to apply for the residence permit is BWP 1500.00.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana. Residence permit

Keywords

Residence permit, application for residence, Permits, migration permits

Synonyms

Residence permit, application for residence, Permits, migration permits

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Where can I get more information on this Service

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Research Permit Application

Overview

The research permit is a permission granted in the form of a written document to any individual or group of people who wish to conduct research in the area related to the mandate of the Ministry.

Who is eligible?

All citizens and non-citizens with a valid visa are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Apply for a research permit indicating the duration required
  • Submit to the Ministry for assessment
  • Outcome will be sent by mail

Note: Do not start the research before the research permit is issued.

What supporting documents are required?
  • Letter of endorsement from the applicant's sponsoring institution and/or funding agency
  • Detailed curriculum vitae of applicant
  • Non-citizens are required under the Immigration Act to obtain a temporary residence permit prior to arrival in Botswana
How long will this service take?

Approximately one (1) month to complete.

Where can I obtain this service?

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Corporate Services

Public Relations Unit

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave

Khama Crescent

Gaborone, Botswana

Private Bag 002

Tel. (+267) 3611110 / 361 1115 /3611234

Toll free Number: 0800 600 777

 

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

How much does it cost?

There are no costs.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Research permit application, Research Permit, letter of endorsement.

Synonyms

Scientific research, permission to conduct research.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Permanent Residence Application

Overview

This service provides applicants with an opportunity to be granted permanent residence status.

Who is eligible?

Non-citizens who meet the following criteria are eligible for this service.

  • Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years
  • Be of good character
  • Have made significant contributions to Botswana
  • Be of good standing in the society
  • Have enough means to support oneself and dependents
How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Go to any Immigration and Citizenship Office
  • Complete Form 21
  • Submit required documents (listed below), fees and completed form to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (address provided below)
  • Applicants are also allowed to track the application via phone
  • A letter will be sent by post
  • Come and collect your Permanent Certificate from the office where an application was made
What supporting documents are required?

IMMIGRANT/DEPENDANTS/ MISSIONARY

1.    Form 21 signed by the applicant
2.    Covering letter from applicant
3.    One recent passport sized photo.
4.    Certified copy Marriage Certificate if applicant is a spouse 
- or certified copy of Birth Certificate for children.
5.    Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months in case of missionary.
6.    Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of arrival in Botswana.
7.    Letter of support from Mission/supporter.
8.    Proof of means of support /Bank statement.
9.    Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport.
10.    P3000.00 
NB: The applicant must have stayed in the country for more than 5 years.

EMPLOYEES

1.    Form 21 completed.
2.    Covering letter from applicant
3.    One recent passport sized photo.
4.    Certified marriage certificate if applicant is a spouse or Birth certificate for children.
5.    Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months.
6.    Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of length of stay in Botswana.
7.    Confirmation of employment by the employer/reference letter.
8.    Valid and certified copies of lease agreement and title deed.
9.    Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport.
10.    P3000.00
NB: The applicant must have stayed in the country for more than 5 years.

INVESTOR

1.    Form 21 completed.
2.    Covering letter from applicant
3.    One recent passport sized photo.
4.    Certified Marriage Certificate if applying for spouse or Birth Certificate in case of children.
5.    Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months.
6.    Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of length of stay in Botswana.
7.    Valid and certified copies
-    Valuation of shares
-    Share certificate
-    Certificate of incorporation
-    List of directors (form 2)
-    Current financial statement
-    Title deed/lease agreement
-    Trading license

8.    Wages record sheet of employees and it should indicate the duration of employment.
9.    Certified copy of Omang of employees.
10.    Certified copy of a data page of applicant’s valid passport.
11.    Tax return form BURS. 
12.    P3000.00
NB: This category of applicants may apply for Permanent Residence even if they have stayed for a period of less than five years. 
 

 

Requirements Applicable to All

  • Covering letter from the applicant
  • Two copies of valid certified passport
  • Two recent coloured passport size photos per applicant
  • Certified marriage certificate if applicable

 

For immigrants/dependents/missionaries

  • Letter of support from supporter/spouse/mission
  • Proof of means of support in Botswana
  • Most recent month’s bank statement

 

Employees

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Certified educational certificates of the highest level of education obtained
  • Reference letter from employer
  • Letter of job offer from employer

 

Investors

  • Wages sheet of employees which indicates the duration of employment of   employees
  • Certified copies of identity cards for citizen employees
  • Submit valid and certified copies of the following:
  1. Valuation of shares.
  2. Share certificate.
  3. Certificate of incorporation.
  4. Form 2 - List of directors.
  5. Current year’s financial statements.
  6. Title deed/lease agreement of business premise(s).
  7. Trading license.
  8. Most recent year’s tax return.
How long will this service take?

This service takes 56 working days. 

This service takes six months.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices.

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

Related Services
Residence Permit Application
How much does it cost?

The cost associated with this service is BWP 3000.00 per applicant.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Permanent residency application, permanent residence application, PR, permanent residence permit, investors, immigrations, dependents, missionaries, employees.

Synonyms

Staying in Botswana, Residing in Botswana, Residing in Botswana long term, Long term resident of Botswana.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Where can I get more information on this Service

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

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

Permanent Residence Application

Overview

This service provides applicants with an opportunity to be granted permanent residence status.

Who is eligible?

Non-citizens who meet the following criteria are eligible for this service.

  • Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years
  • Be of good character
  • Have made significant contributions to Botswana
  • Be of good standing in the society
  • Have enough means to support oneself and dependents
How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Go to any Immigration and Citizenship Office
  • Complete Form 21
  • Submit required documents (listed below), fees and completed form to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (address provided below)
  • Applicants are also allowed to track the application via phone
  • A letter will be sent by post
  • Come and collect your Permanent Certificate from the office where an application was made
What supporting documents are required?

IMMIGRANT/DEPENDANTS/ MISSIONARY

1.    Form 21 signed by the applicant
2.    Covering letter from applicant
3.    One recent passport sized photo.
4.    Certified copy Marriage Certificate if applicant is a spouse 
- or certified copy of Birth Certificate for children.
5.    Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months in case of missionary.
6.    Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of arrival in Botswana.
7.    Letter of support from Mission/supporter.
8.    Proof of means of support /Bank statement.
9.    Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport.
10.    P3000.00 
NB: The applicant must have stayed in the country for more than 5 years.

EMPLOYEES

1.    Form 21 completed.
2.    Covering letter from applicant
3.    One recent passport sized photo.
4.    Certified marriage certificate if applicant is a spouse or Birth certificate for children.
5.    Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months.
6.    Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of length of stay in Botswana.
7.    Confirmation of employment by the employer/reference letter.
8.    Valid and certified copies of lease agreement and title deed.
9.    Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport.
10.    P3000.00
NB: The applicant must have stayed in the country for more than 5 years.

INVESTOR

1.    Form 21 completed.
2.    Covering letter from applicant
3.    One recent passport sized photo.
4.    Certified Marriage Certificate if applying for spouse or Birth Certificate in case of children.
5.    Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months.
6.    Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of length of stay in Botswana.
7.    Valid and certified copies
-    Valuation of shares
-    Share certificate
-    Certificate of incorporation
-    List of directors (form 2)
-    Current financial statement
-    Title deed/lease agreement
-    Trading license

8.    Wages record sheet of employees and it should indicate the duration of employment.
9.    Certified copy of Omang of employees.
10.    Certified copy of a data page of applicant’s valid passport.
11.    Tax return form BURS. 
12.    P3000.00
NB: This category of applicants may apply for Permanent Residence even if they have stayed for a period of less than five years. 
 

 

Requirements Applicable to All

  • Covering letter from the applicant
  • Two copies of valid certified passport
  • Two recent coloured passport size photos per applicant
  • Certified marriage certificate if applicable

 

For immigrants/dependents/missionaries

  • Letter of support from supporter/spouse/mission
  • Proof of means of support in Botswana
  • Most recent month’s bank statement

 

Employees

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Certified educational certificates of the highest level of education obtained
  • Reference letter from employer
  • Letter of job offer from employer

 

Investors

  • Wages sheet of employees which indicates the duration of employment of   employees
  • Certified copies of identity cards for citizen employees
  • Submit valid and certified copies of the following:
  1. Valuation of shares.
  2. Share certificate.
  3. Certificate of incorporation.
  4. Form 2 - List of directors.
  5. Current year’s financial statements.
  6. Title deed/lease agreement of business premise(s).
  7. Trading license.
  8. Most recent year’s tax return.
How long will this service take?

This service takes 56 working days. 

This service takes six months.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices.

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

Related Services
Residence Permit Application
How much does it cost?

The cost associated with this service is BWP 3000.00 per applicant.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Permanent residency application, permanent residence application, PR, permanent residence permit, investors, immigrations, dependents, missionaries, employees.

Synonyms

Staying in Botswana, Residing in Botswana, Residing in Botswana long term, Long term resident of Botswana.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
Where can I get more information on this Service

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

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

National Identity Card Application

Overview

This service registers citizens aged 16 years and above and issues them with a National Identity Document (Omang). The Omang Card is used as a form of identity and for accessing services.

Who is eligible?

All citizens of Botswana who are 16 years and above are eligible for this service.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps:

  • For applicants applying for an Omang Card for the first time, complete and submit the Application for Registration (1st Schedule).
  • For applicants applying for an Omang Card due to loss, renewal, theft, damage or change of surname, complete and submit the Application for Replacement.
  • Along with the application form, submit the required documents (listed below) and provide finger prints. At the time of submission, a receipt will be issued to the applicant.
  • The form is then forwarded to a centralized production center for processing. Upon successful processing, an Identity is issued for collection by the client.
  • A receipt of submission is required when collecting the Identity Card.
  • New applications done after 30 days of the applicant’s sixteenth birthday or acquiring citizenship are referred to as late registration. Applicants will be referred to the Botswana Police Service for cautioning and fining before collecting the Identity.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Birth certificate
  • Citizenship certificate
  • Proof of change of surname for applications due to change of surname
How long will this service take?

Fourteen(14) working days.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional and District ofices accross the country

 

Department of Civil and National Registration

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave

Khama Crescent

Private Bag 00240

Gaborone, Botswana

Tel. (+267) 361 1400

Fax. (+267) 395 9998

Toll Free Number. 0800 600 777

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

How much does it cost?
  • Where Identity Card is registered within the prescribed time (30 days after attaining 16 years of age or acquiring citizenship), an Identity card is issued for free.
  • Any registration done after that period attracts a fine not exceeding BWP500.00
  • A fee of BWP5.00 is payable for renewals, change of surname, and damaged Identity. A fee of BWP110.00 is payable for lost and stolen Identity Card.
Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

National Identity Card Application, National Identity Card, National Identity Document, I.D., Identity card, Omang, Omang card, stolen I.D, lost I.D, new I.D, damaged I.D, renewal of I.D, replacing I.D., acquiring citizenship, turning sixteen.

Synonyms

Identity document, stolen Omang, lost Omang, new Omang, damaged Omang, renewal of Omang, replacing Omang Card, citizenship application

 

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Change of Name

Overview

This service allows citizens of Botswana to change their official name, as registered in the Civil and National Registry.

Who is eligible?

All citizens of Botswana.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete and submit Application for Change of Name (with relevant support documents) to the Department of Civil and National Registration.
  • The application will be processed and publicised in the Government Gazette for 30 days to accommodate possible objections.
  • If there are no objections, an authorisation is publicised for 14 days in the Government Gazette to inform members of the proposed change.
  •  If there is no objection to the authorisation, an authorisation letter is issued to the client.
What supporting documents are required?

Certified copies of the following documents should accompany the application form when applying for this service.

Change of Name due to marriage

  • Marriage Certificate or certificate from customary authorities in the case of a customary marriage (on the marriage of applicant’s parents).

Change of Name due to any other reasons

  • Birth Certificate or Affidavit of Birth.
  • School Academic Certificates.
  • Omang Card.
  • Page 1 and 2 of passport.
  • Any other legal documents.
How long will this service take?
  • Change of name due to marriage is processed same day
  • Change of name due to any other reason takes 69 days to complete.
Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional and Diatrict Offices accross the country

 

Department of Civil and National Registration

Head Office, Block 8, Government Enclave

Khama Crescent

Private Bag 00240

Gaborone

Botswana

Tel. CTEL:(+267) 361100/1400/ 1465

Toll free number. 0800 600 777

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

 

 

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining this service is BWP100.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Name change, change of name, name on official documents, Government Gazette

Synonyms

Surname change, first name change, changing name on official documents, identity.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
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