Nationality of Botswana: all obtaining pathways
Botswana requires ten years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with a reduced period of five years of residence in marriage for those married to Botswana citizens. The law also provides for discretionary registration by the President, and nationality is transmitted by birth —ius sanguinis—.
1Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent must be a Botswana national
- Nationality is transmitted by descent
- Descendants of Botswana parents born abroad may register
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Identity document (Omang) of the father or mother
- Proof of Botswana nationality
2Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Legal and continuous residence of 10 years in Botswana (12 cumulative years within the previous 15 years)
- Minimum age of 21
- Good character and conduct
- Sufficient knowledge of English or Setswana
- Intention to continue residing in Botswana
- Contribution to the development of Botswana
- Dual nationality is permitted with restrictions
Documentation
- Formal naturalization application
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Residence permits proving 10 years of residence
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and Botswana
- Medical certificate
- Proof of knowledge of the language
- 2 references from Botswana citizens
- Employment letter or proof of means of subsistence
3Naturalisation of spouses (no preferential route, Act Cap 01:01)
Naturalisation of spouses (no preferential route, Act Cap 01:01)
Requirements
- Marriage to a Botswana citizen does NOT grant a preferential route: the 1995 Act eliminated the gender discrepancies and the foreign spouse (husband or wife) follows the SAME terms as any other naturalisation applicant
- Ordinary terms: 12 months continuous residence immediately preceding + 10 aggregate years within the previous 15 (sec 7 of the Act)
- Good character + sufficient knowledge of English or Setswana + intention to reside permanently
- The widow/widower of a citizen may retain acquired citizenship if the marriage was subsisting
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Botswana identity document of the spouse
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Certificate of residence of 5 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Declaration of intent
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
4Registration by the President
Registration by the President
Requirements
- Discretionary grant by the President of Botswana
- Applicable to persons who have rendered exceptional services to the country
- The normal residence requirements do not apply
Documentation
- Formal application
- Evidence of exceptional services to Botswana
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Botswana
How many years of residence does Botswana require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Botswana (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years aggregate residence + 12 continuous months immediately prior. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Botswana allow dual nationality?
Dual nationality is permitted with restrictions
Can the nationality of Botswana be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalisation of spouses pathway (No matrimonial preference: 12 months + 10 aggregate years (ordinary route)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Botswana require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Formal naturalization application; Birth certificate; Valid passport; Residence permits proving 10 years of residence; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin and Botswana; among 4 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Botswana?
Botswana provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth, Naturalization by residence, Naturalisation of spouses, Registration by the President.
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