Get Your Botswana Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
Let us make your citizenship journey simpler. With step-by-step guides and our AI assistant to help you understand eligibility, we give you clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.
Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: A person born in Botswana to at least one Botswana citizen is a citizen by birth.
- By Descent : Children born abroad to Botswana citizens may acquire citizenship by descent, provided they are registered with Botswana authorities.
- By Marriage : A foreign spouse of a Botswana citizen may apply for naturalization after 5 years of legal residence and marriage.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals may apply after 10 years of continuous legal residence and demonstrated integration.
- Dual Citizenship Not Allowed: Botswana does not permit dual citizenship. Citizens with another nationality must renounce the other nationality by age 21 or risk losing Botswana citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm your eligibility path (descent, marriage, or naturalization).
- Submit an application to the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs.
- Provide required documents and attend interviews if necessary.
- Pass background checks and demonstrate knowledge of Botswana’s language and culture (for naturalization).
- Take an oath and receive a certificate of citizenship.
What You’ll Need
- Parent’s Botswana ID or passport (for descent)
- Marriage certificate and residency documents (for marriage)
- Proof of 10 years legal residence, good conduct, and integration (for naturalization)
Benefits of Botswana Citizenship
- Right to live, work, and vote in Botswana
- Access to healthcare, education, and land ownership rights
- Eligibility for government scholarships and programs
Botswana
Botswana is a landlocked Southern African country that transformed itself from one of the world's poorest nations at independence in 1966 into one of Africa's great development success stories, largely through responsible management of its diamond wealth. It is home to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife. Botswana is consistently ranked as one of Africa's least corrupt and most democratic nations.
- Capital: Gaborone
- Language(s): English, Setswana
- Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
Frequently asked questions.
Does Botswana allow dual citizenship?
No. Botswana law prohibits dual citizenship. If a Botswana citizen acquires another nationality, they must renounce one by age 21. Failure to do so may result in automatic loss of Botswana citizenship.
Can I pass citizenship to my children if they’re born abroad?
Yes, if you are a Botswana citizen, your child born abroad may be registered as a citizen by descent.
Can I become a citizen through marriage?
Yes. After 5 years of marriage and residence in Botswana, foreign spouses may apply for naturalization.
What are the naturalization requirements?
10 years of continuous legal residence, language and cultural integration, and a clean record are required to apply.
Do I have to pay taxes in Botswana as a dual citizen?
Botswana does not permit dual citizenship. If you are a tax resident in Botswana, you will be taxed on income earned in Botswana. Foreign income is generally not taxed unless remitted.