Citizenship by naturalisation (Form L) and naturalisation of a foreign spouse
Forms K and N · Official name: Certificate of Naturalisation - Citizenship Act (Botswana)
Foreigners who have lived in Botswana for an aggregate of at least ten years, including the 12 months immediately before applying, can apply for naturalisation on Form L. Foreign spouses of Botswana citizens can apply after living in Botswana for at least five years, first declaring their intention on Form K and then applying on Form N; their application is published in the Government Gazette. Applicants are interviewed, and successful applicants must renounce their foreign citizenship before the certificate is issued. The government gives about 18 months for general naturalisation and about one year for spouses.
1 entry rule for Botswana based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country or having transited any airport in one need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Botswana
Finance
3
Currency
Botswanan Pula
BWP
Botswanan Pula
Cost of living
39
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–27.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 14%
2026/27 resident table (from 1 July 2026): 0% up to BWP 48,000, then 5/12.5/18.75/25%, and 27.5% above BWP 400,000.
Living
1
Happiness
#141 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Long-term residents (employees, investors, students, immigrants, dependants) and foreign spouses of Botswana citizens.
Eligibility
General naturalisationLong-term resident
Sign in to check this route against your profileResided in Botswana for an aggregate period of not less than ten years, and continuously for the twelve months immediately before applying. Certified copies of residence permits covering 10 years in aggregate are required.
Foreign spouseSpouse of a citizen
Sign in to check this route against your profileMarried to a citizen of Botswana and resided in Botswana for at least five years. Must first file a declaration of intention (Form K).
Renounce other citizenshipAll applicants
Sign in to check this route against your profileIf approved, the applicant must renounce foreign citizenship before the certificate is issued.
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