Republic of Botswana · residence general · Leads to settlement
Permanent Residence
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For non-citizens with a long, lawful stay in Botswana: permanent residence is the discretionary, durable status you can apply for after years in the country, going beyond the renewable work and residence permits.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the official guidance notes a processing period of several weeks of working days or longer; confirm current timelines on the official gov.bw page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a government fee applies; confirm the current amount on the official gov.bw page.
- Typical duration
- Durable, long-term residence beyond the renewable permits, granted at the authorities' discretion; confirm the current validity and qualifying period on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Once you have lived in Botswana lawfully for several years, you may be able to apply for permanent residence - a more settled status than the renewable work and residence permits. It is granted, on a discretionary basis, by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and the official guidance describes categories such as immigrants and dependants, employees, and investors, each with their own documentation. The official guidance also points to a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence (commonly several years) before you can apply. Because it confers durable, long-term residence, this route is treated as leading to settlement. Good to know: permanent residence is at the authorities' discretion and is still a residence status, not Botswana citizenship, which is a separate process.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A qualifying period of continuous, lawful residence in Botswana (the official guidance points to several years) before applying.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- ✓Falling within a recognised permanent residence category, such as immigrants and dependants, employees, or investors.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- ✓A completed permanent residence application with the category-specific documents the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- ✓A clean immigration and character record over the residence period.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
Common blockers
- !Not yet meeting the qualifying period of continuous lawful residence.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- !Breaks or breaches in lawful residence over the qualifying period.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- !Assuming permanent residence is automatic, when it is granted at the authorities' discretion.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Evidence of continuous lawful residence in Botswana over the qualifying period.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- ·Category-specific documents (employment, investment or dependency evidence as applicable).Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- ·A valid passport and your existing permits.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
- ·Character or clearance documents where required.Department of Immigration and Citizenship ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you meet the qualifying period of continuous lawful residence and identify your category on the official gov.bw page.
Build the evidence pack
Assemble proof of your residence history and the category-specific documents the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the permanent residence application through the official Department of Immigration and Citizenship process.
After approval
Hold permanent residence, comply with any conditions, and consider the separate citizenship route over time where eligible.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Permanent Residence route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Permanent Residence.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship · verified
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Related routes
Residence Permit
For non-citizens who want to live in Botswana beyond a visit: the residence permit is the general permit that lets immigrants, and certain other categories, reside in the country, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on gov.bw.
Work Permit
For non-citizens taking up employment in Botswana: the work permit gives you permission to work for a Botswana employer, applied for through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on the national portal gov.bw.
Residence Permit - Spouse of a Botswana Citizen
For the foreign husband or wife of a Botswana citizen: this category of the residence permit lets you live in Botswana on the basis of your marriage, and it can place you on the path toward longer-term settlement.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to live in Botswana before applying for permanent residence?+
The official guidance points to a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence, commonly several years, before you can apply. We do not quote a fixed rule - confirm the current qualifying period on the official Department of Immigration and Citizenship page on gov.bw.
Is permanent residence the same as Botswana citizenship?+
No. Permanent residence is a long-term residence status granted at the authorities' discretion; citizenship is a separate process with its own requirements. Confirm the current rules for both on the official gov.bw page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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