Botswana work permit

Every non-citizen who works in Botswana for reward, or who invests in Botswana for profit, needs a work permit. Once the work permit is granted, the holder also needs a residence permit, and an entry visa for permit holders is issued free of charge on presentation of the work and residence permits or approval letter.

A copy of the job advert not older than six months, the contract of employment, a signed application letter, the letter of offer or appointment, your CV, certified educational certificates (foreign-language certificates translated into English and confirmed by the Botswana Qualification Authority), a certified passport bio page, two white-background photos, clearance from the relevant professional regulatory body, a supporting letter from the relevant ministry for government projects and CVs of understudies.

Some professions need more: medical staff need permission from the nursing, midwifery or health professions councils or the Ministry of Health; teachers need permission from the Ministry of Education and a BQA evaluation; accountants need BICA clearance; pilots need clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority; engineers need membership of the Engineers Registration Board.

Some occupations have their own lists. Extra heavy duty drivers add a Botswana driving licence or Department of Transport classification, registration books for vehicles and trailers, transport permits and a list of vehicles with permit numbers. Farm workers, and seasonal agricultural workers employed for up to six months, add the farm certificate, title deed or lease, a brand certificate and proof of livestock ownership, and the employer's certified Omang. Footballers need clearance from the Botswana Football Association or the Premier League.

Download and complete the work permit application form and submit it with the supporting documents to the nearest Labour Office of the Department of Labour and Social Security; the head office in Gaborone can be reached on +267 3737 2772. You are notified of the outcome and collect the permit if approved.

Once the work and residence permits are granted, nationals of visa-required countries apply for the employment visa on evisa.gov.bw or with Form 1. The government lists it for employment, internships, research, work and voluntary service, and asks for a waiver from the Department of Labour and Social Security, the employment contract or confirmation of employment, an offer letter for volunteers and proof of means for volunteers. The Botswana Embassy in Berlin lists no fee for this visa, and the decision takes 7 to 14 working days.

Renewals for employees and investors use the same requirements plus a letter of contract renewal and copies of the current work and residence permits. Submit the renewal six months before the work permit expires.

Applications are taken by the Department of Labour and Social Security head office in Gaborone (+267 3737 2772), Gaborone Regional Labour Offices I (+267 397 1406) and II (+267 395 6019), and the offices in Francistown, Lobatse, Maun, Selebi-Phikwe, Serowe and Kasane. Opening hours are 07:30 to 12:45 and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.