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Available to most nationalities either on arrival (Commonwealth countries and those with bilateral agreements) or via a Botswanan embassy. Used for tourism and short business visits; no employment permitted.
Issued to foreigners residing in Botswana without employment (e.g., accompanying family, retirees). Requires proof of financial self-sufficiency and accommodation. Work authorization must be obtained separately.
Employer-sponsored; the Botswanan employer applies to the Department of Labour. Permits are granted when no qualified citizen can fill the role. Botswana enforces a citizenization policy so approvals can be competitive.
Available after 10 years of continuous lawful residence. Applicants must demonstrate integration, stable income, and no criminal record. Grants indefinite right to live and work in Botswana.
Botswana allows citizens of most Western and SADC nations to enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Long-term stays require a residence permit issued by the Department of Immigration. The country is politically stable and considered one of Africa's safest and most business-friendly destinations for expats.
Work permits in Botswana are issued by the Department of Labour and require employer sponsorship. A labour market test demonstrating no qualified citizen is available is required. Permits are typically issued for 2 years and are renewable, with processing taking 4–12 weeks.
Dependents of work permit holders can apply for dependent residence permits allowing them to reside in Botswana. Dependent spouses may apply for their own work permit if they find employment.
Botswana has a competitive income tax system with rates from 0% to 25% on individual income. Corporate tax is a flat 22%. VAT is 12%. The country has double-tax agreements with several countries including the UK, Sweden, and Mauritius.
The private healthcare sector in Gaborone offers good quality care for expats, with facilities like Bokamoso Private Hospital. Public healthcare is available but limited in capacity. Expats are strongly advised to carry comprehensive international health insurance.
Expats with valid permits can open bank accounts at major banks including First National Bank (FNB), Stanbic, and Barclays Botswana. Requirements include a valid passport, proof of residence, and an employment or residence permit. Multi-currency accounts are available in Gaborone.
Botswana's Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) supports investment in key sectors, but there is no formal citizenship or residency by investment program. The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) facilitates foreign direct investment with incentives including tax holidays and duty exemptions for qualifying projects.