Permanent Residence
Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Form 21 · Official name: Permanent Residence Application
Botswana's Department of Immigration and Citizenship grants permanent residence to non-citizens who have lived lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years, are of good character and good standing, have made significant contributions to Botswana, and can support themselves and their dependants. Investors may apply before reaching five years. The application is made on Form 21 at any immigration office, with a fee of P3000.00.
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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What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term employees, investors, immigrants, missionaries and dependants living in Botswana.
Eligibility
Five years' lawful residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need to have lived lawfully in Botswana, without a break, for at least 5 years.
- Applies to employees, immigrants, dependants and missionaries
- Residence must be continuous
Official wording
Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years (employees, immigrants, dependants, missionaries).
Character and contribution
Sign in to check this route against your profileBe of good character and good standing in society, have made significant contributions to Botswana, and have enough means to support oneself and dependants.
InvestorsInvestor
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow company documents if you apply as an investor, even if you have stayed less than five years.
- Share valuation and certificates
- Incorporation documents and directors list
- Financial statements, and premises title or lease
- Trading licence, wages records and tax return
Official wording
Investors may apply even if they have stayed less than five years, with company documents (share valuation and certificates, incorporation, directors list, financial statements, premises title or lease, trading licence, wages records and tax return).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 6 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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