Get Your Botswana Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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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
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.