Botswana residence permit

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship publishes requirements for dependants aged 18 to 25 and people aged 65 and above, students, immigrants and spouses of citizens. Workers and investors need a work permit first and then a residence permit.

Dependants and people aged 65 and over: Forms 15 and 3, a certified passport data page valid more than six months, a certified birth certificate, a photo, a copy of the supporter's permit, permanent residence certificate, exemption certificate or Omang, a letter from the supporter, parental consent or adoption or death certificate where a guardian is involved, and BWP 1,500. Immigrants: Forms 15 and 3, a covering letter, certified passport and birth certificate, a marriage certificate if accompanied by a spouse, a photo, proof of support during residence and a bank statement. Spouses of citizens: Forms 15 and 3, passport, certified birth and marriage certificates, a photo, a support letter from the spouse and a covering letter.

The service page states BWP 1,500 for dependants aged 18 to 25 or 65 and over and for students. For immigrants and spouses of citizens it only asks applicants to pay the applicable fee without naming an amount, so the figure is confirmed at the office where you apply.

Complete the application form, submit it to any immigration office and pay the fee. Check the outcome at the same office after 30 working days. If successful, a residence permit sticker is endorsed in the passport; if not, you may appeal or must leave Botswana.

Residence permit holders who stay outside Botswana for more than six months need a visa to come back; the visitor's visa page names non-citizen returning residents among its applicants. Dependants of residents can receive a multiple-entry visitor's visa valid for up to two years, for BWP 1,500 according to the Botswana Embassy in Berlin, and holders of approved permits receive their entry visa free of charge.

The Migration and Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is at Block 8, Government Enclave, Khama Crescent, Gaborone; applications are also taken at regional and district immigration offices and missions. Telephone +267 361 1300, toll free 0800 600 777.