Citizenship

Citizenship Requirements – Application for Registration as a citizen of Botswana to His Excellency

Overview

The President of Botswana may order for registration of a foreign national as a citizen of Botswana on the grounds of special considerations.

Who is eligible?

A person not otherwise entitled to or eligible for citizenship of Botswana, to whom special circumstances exist which in the opinion of the President warrant such registration.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete and submit Form I along with required documents and fees listed below.
  • Acknowledgement letter will be given to the applicant.
  • Check the status of your application at any Immigration and Citizenship Office
  • If your application is successful, letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you by post.
  • You will be issued with a Registration Certificate after you have renounced your foreign citizenship.
  • If your application is rejected a rejection letter will be sent to you by post. You can re-apply if you wish. (there is no time restriction for re-submission).
What supporting documents are required?
  • Two passport size coloured photos.
  • Certified copy of  valid passport.
  • Certified copy of valid residence permit, exemption certificate, or permanent residence permit.
  • Letter explaining your special circumstances addressed to His Excellency the President. (attach supporting documents)
  • Set of Police report forms.
  • Certified copy of birth certificate or affidavit in lieu of birth certificate.

Those operating businesses in Botswana should also state:

  • Name of business.
  • Location of business.
  • Type of service or goods provided.
  • Number of employees hired.
  • Number and type of shares held.
  • Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement.
  • Type of trading license held.
  • Purpose of stay in Botswana.
  • Citizenship status of immediate family members.
How long will this service take?

Approximately one year.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?

The service costs BWP500.00.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Citizenship requirement, special considerations, foreign nationals, special considerations by the President of Botswana, endorsement by His Excellency, residence permit, exemption certificate, permanent residence permit, His Excellency, President of Botswana.

Synonyms

Giving up foreign citizenship, applying to be a citizen of Botswana, citizenship application, citizenship application endorsement.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Citizenship Application – Settlement

Overview

People who have settled in Botswana immediately before 30 September 1966 and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for citizenship in Botswana.

Who is eligible?

All foreign nationals who have settled in Botswana immediately before 30 September 1966 and have lived as members or been customarily accepted as members of a particular tribe or community.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete and Submit Form A “Declaration concerning citizenship of Botswana by Settlement” along with required documents and fees listed below.
  • After the application is received, the office will send a letter to the applicant notifying him/her of the outcome
  •  The applicant is then required to go to the office where the application was lodged to collect a Certificate of registration by Settlement.
  • Take oath of allegiance and complete personal declaration forms
  • Certificate of settlement will be issued to the applicant after taking oath
  • Two witnesses and copies of their identity documents (Botswana citizens)
What supporting documents are required?
  •  Two coloured passport sized photos.
  •  Certified copy of valid birth certificate or affidavit in lieu of birth certificate.
  •  Personal declaration to establish nationality (Form obtained from Immigration Offices).
  •  Certified copy of valid residence permits if available.
  •  Proof that the applicant has been in Botswana for such a period (i.e. letter from tribal authority).
How long will this service take?

Approximately one month.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays

Theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?

The cost is BWP200.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana.

Keywords

Citizenship requirement, settlement, Omang Card, residence permit, members of a tribe, member of a tribe, members of a community, member of a community.

Synonyms

Long term residents of Botswana, long term resident, immigration, settling down in Botswana.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Citizenship Requirements – Resumption of Botswana Citizenship

Overview

This application is meant for people who were citizens of Botswana by birth or descent but have ceased to be citizens of Botswana. The purpose of this service is to resume the Botswana citizenship for former citizens.

Who is eligible?

Botswana citizens by birth, descent and registration but have ceased to be citizens of Botswana due to failing to renounce their foreign citizenship before attaining the age of 21 or having willingly renounced their Botswana Citizenship.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete and Submit Form S to any Immigration Office along with required documents and fees listed below.
  • After processing, the response will be sent to the applicant through mail.
  • Letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you through mail.
  • You will be issued with a Certificate of Resumption after you have renounced your foreign citizenship
What supporting documents are required?
  • Two passport size coloured photos.
  • Late renunciation form.
  • Certified copy of birth certificate.
  • Certified copy of parents’ marriage certificate if applicable.
  • Proof of parents’ citizenship status.
  • Certified copy of valid residence permit/ Omang.
  • Justification letter explaining why the applicant is resuming.
  • Applicant’s marriage certificate (if applicable).
How long will this service take?

Approximately one month.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

 

 

Theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?

The service costs BWP200.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Citizenship requirement, resumption of citizenship, omang card, residence permit, resumption, resuming status as a citizen, late renunciation form, former citizens.

Synonyms

Giving up foreign citizenship, applying to be a citizen of Botswana, citizenship application, Batswana by descent.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Citizenship Application – Naturalization

Overview

The Certificate of Naturalization can be issued to investors, employees, students, immigrants and dependents to give them the same rights as all citizens of Botswana.

Who is eligible?

All foreigners who have resided in Botswana for an aggregate period of not less than ten years and have resided in Botswana for a continuous period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of application.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  • Complete Form L “Certificate for Naturalization” and submit it along with a police report form and fees to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (address provided below).
  • Acknowledgement of receipt of application will be sent to the applicant through mail.
  • After the application has been processed, the applicant will receive a letter in the mail inviting them for an interview.
  • If your application is successful, letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you via mail. You will be issued with a certificate of naturalization after you have renounced your foreign citizenship.
  • If your application is rejected a rejection letter will be sent to you via mail. You can re-apply if you wish. (there is no time restriction for re-submission).
What supporting documents are required?

Requirements applicable to all

  • Completed Certificate for Naturalization (Form L)
  • Two recent coloured passport size photos
  • Two certified copies of valid Botswana residence permit
  • Completed set of police report forms
  • Certified copy of birth certificate
  • Certified copy of marriage certificate and copy of spouse’s citizenship status (if applicable)
  • Certified copies of applicant’s educational qualifications (if married, also provide spouse’s educational qualifications)
  • Copy of Curriculum Vitae

Additional Requirements for Student

  • Admission letter from the educational institution
  • Proof of payment of tuition

Additional Requirements for Dependents and Immigrants

Proof of parents’ citizenship status

Additional Requirements for Employees

  • Value of property owned.
  • Employment contract

Additional Requirements for Investors

Those operating businesses should state:

  • Name of business.
  • Location of business.
  • Service provided.
  • Number of employees hired.
  • Number of shares held.
  • Value of property owned or copy of lease agreement.
  • Type of trading license held.
  • Tax return for the past year.
How long will this service take?

Approximately one year.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 777

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

 

Related Services
Citizenship Application – Declaration of Intention
Citizenship Application – Naturalization of Foreign Spouse
Renunciation Of Citizenship By Reason Of Dual Citizenship Or Nationality
Theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?

The cost is BWP1000.00 for each applicant.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Citizenship requirement, naturalization, national and civil registry, proof of citizenship, oath of allegiance, Botswana passport, Omang Card, residence permit, immigrants.

Synonyms

Long term residents of Botswana, long term resident, immigration, settling down in Botswana.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Citizenship Application – Naturalization of Foreign Spouse

Overview

An individual who meet the requirements for naturalization as a foreign spouse can apply for a Certificate of Naturalization and become a Botswana citizen.

Who is eligible?

All foreigners who are married to citizens of Botswana and have resided in Botswana for a period of at least five years.

How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps.

  1. The applicant must have applied for a declaration of intention to make an application for a certificate of naturalization (spouse of a citizen)-form K.
  2.  Complete and Submit Form N “Certificate of Naturalization by Foreign Spouse)” along with required documents and fees listed below.
  3. After the application is received, you will be publicized in the Government Gazzette to give those who are against your citizenship application to voice out their concerns.
  4.  The office will send you a letter via post inviting you for a citizenship interview.
  5.  If your application is rejected, a rejection letter will be sent to you by mail.
  6.  If your application is successful, letters requesting you to renounce your foreign citizenship will be sent to you by mail.
What supporting documents are required?
  1. Two recent coloured passport size photos.
  2. Form M supplement.
  3. Completed police report form.
  4. Certified copy of valid residence permit.
  5. Certified copy of marriage certificate.
  6. Certified copy of spouse’s valid national identity card (Omang).
  7. Maturity letter.
  8. Certified copy of valid passport.
How long will this service take?

Approximately one year.

Where can I obtain this service?

All Regional Immigration Offices, District Immigration Offices and Missions Abroad.

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Tel. (+267) 361 1300

Toll Free. 0800 600 77

Opening hours: 7:30 to 12:45, and 13:45 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Related Services
Citizenship Application – Declaration of Intention
Theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?

The cost is BWP250.00.

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Citizenship requirement, naturalization, foreign spouse, spouse from a foreign country, married to Botswana citizen, national and civil registry, proof of citizenship, Omang Card, residence permit, immigrants.

Synonyms

Long term residents of Botswana, long term resident, immigration, settling down in Botswana, marrying in Botswana, marriage to a foreigner, marrying a Batswana.

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs

Citizenship Application – Dual Citizenship

Overview

Any person who is both a citizen of Botswana and a foreign country will cease to be a citizen of Botswana unless the following measures are taken before the attainment of age twenty one (21):

  • Renounced the citizenship of the foreign country.
  • Taken the oath of allegiance.
  • Made such declaration of intentions concerning residence as may be prescribed.

If the citizen does not renounce the citizenship of the foreign country before the age of twenty one (21), the citizen will cease to be a Botswana citizen. Consequences of a loss of the Botswana citizenship are that one would not qualify for the Botswana passport or the National Identity card (Omang).

Who is eligible?

This service applies to people who are Botswana citizens by birth, descent and registration but are also citizens of other countries, and are under the age of twenty one (21) years.

NB:

  • Born in Botswana or outside Botswana and one of your parents is a citizen of Botswana at the time of your birth.
  • You can also be on dual citizenship if you were born by foreign citizens who later acquired Botswana citizenship and registered you as a citizen of Botswana before attaining the age of twenty one (21).
How do I get this service?

In order to access this service, applicants must follow the following steps:

  • Go to any Immigration office at least three (3) months before turning twenty one (21) to collect a letter as proof of dual citizenship.
  • Submit documents issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to the foreign country to renounce the foreign citizenship. Contact the foreign country’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship for requirements in the renunciation process.
  • After renunciation of the foreign citizenship, go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to submit your application with proof that you have renounced the other citizenship and take oath of allegiance before attaining the age of twenty one (21) finalize the process by submitting below documents and taking the oath of allegiance.
What supporting documents are required?
  • Two passport sized photos.
  • Certificate of Declaration form. The applicant will be given a letter as proof of renunciation from their country of origin
  • Proof that one has renounced the other country's citizenship.
  • Copy of birth certificate
  • Registration Certificate (For children who were born by foreign citizens but later registered as citizens of Botswana).
  • Proof of parent’s citizenship (certified copies of valid Parent national Identity card/s and certified copies of citizenship certificates if they acquired Botswana Citizen).
How long will this service take?

Approximately one(1) month.

Related Services
Citizenship Application – Declaration of Intention
Citizenship Application – Naturalization of Foreign Spouse
Renunciation Of Citizenship By Reason Of Dual Citizenship Or Nationality
Theme for this service
Citizenship
How much does it cost?

The cost is BWP 10.00

Meta tags

Botswana, Botswana Government, Republic of Botswana, Government of Botswana

Keywords

Citizenship requirement, dual citizenship, foreign citizenship renunciation, renunciation of foreign citizenship, abandonment of citizenship, national and civil registry, proof of citizenship, oath of allegiance, Botswana passport, Omang Card, citizens by birth.

Synonyms

Giving up foreign citizenship, maintaining Botswana citizenship, keeping Botswana citizenship, citizens of foreign countries

Ministry submitting this Service
Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs
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