Botswana permanent residence

Applicants must have resided lawfully and continuously in Botswana for at least five years, be of good character and good standing in society, have made significant contributions to Botswana and have enough means to support themselves and their dependants. Investors may apply even if they have stayed less than five years.

All applicants submit Form 21, a covering letter, a photo, a certified passport data page, marriage or birth certificates where relevant, a work or residence permit or exemption certificate with at least six months' validity and previous permits proving the length of stay. Employees add confirmation of employment and a certified lease or title deed. Investors add share valuations and certificates, the certificate of incorporation, list of directors, current financial statements, title deed or lease, trading licence, wage records, employees' Omang copies and BURS tax returns. Immigrants, dependants and missionaries add a support letter and proof of means.

Every applicant also provides two certified copies of the passport and two recent colour photos. Employees add a CV, certified copies of their highest educational certificates, a reference letter from the employer and the job offer letter. Investors add the most recent tax return and the current year's financial statements, the list of directors on Form 2 and certified Omang copies of citizen employees; missionaries add a letter of support from the mission.

The fee is BWP 3,000 per applicant, payable in each category.

Complete Form 21 at any Immigration and Citizenship office and submit it with the documents and fee. Applications can be tracked by phone; the decision is sent by post and the certificate collected from the office where you applied. The service takes six months.

The government service page gives two figures for this service: 56 working days in one place and six months in another. Applicants should plan for the longer period and track the file by phone.

Permanent residence applications are taken at all regional and district immigration offices of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, open 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30 on weekdays except public holidays. Telephone +267 361 1300, toll free 0800 600 777.