BotswanaLong-term residence
Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.
Permanent residence status and a Permanent Certificate, for non-citizens who have lived lawfully and continuously in Botswana for at least five years and meet the listed character, contribution, standing and support conditions.
Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years
Come and collect your Permanent Certificate from the office where an application was made
At least five years of continuous lawful residence in Botswana is required; good character, significant contributions, good standing and sufficient means are also required. The official source does not state when the five-year period begins.
Have made significant contributions to Botswana
The official source requires at least five years of lawful and continuous residence in Botswana, and previous permits or exemption certificates are submitted as proof of arrival. It does not state which types of residence count fully, partially or not at all.
Complete Form 21
The qualifying residence in Botswana must be lawful and continuous for at least five years. The official source does not state what absences are allowed or how they affect continuity.
Come and collect your Permanent Certificate from the office where an application was made
Botswana grants permanent residence to non-citizens who have resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least five years, are of good character and of good standing in society, have made significant contributions to Botswana and have enough means to support themselves and their dependants. The applicant goes to any Immigration and Citizenship Office, completes Form 21 and submits it with the required documents and fees to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship; the outcome is sent by post and the Permanent Certificate is collected from the office where the application was made. The checklists add that the applicant must have stayed in the country for more than five years and must hold a work or residence permit or exemption certificate valid for not less than six months. The official source does not state how long the Permanent Residence Certificate is valid, whether it must be renewed, or when permanent residence can be lost.
Non-citizens who meet the following criteria are eligible for this service. Resided lawfully in Botswana continuously for at least 5 years Be of good character Have made significant contributions to Botswana Be of good standing in the society Have enough means to support oneself and dependents
In order to access this service, applicants must complete the following steps. Go to any Immigration and Citizenship Office Complete Form 21 Submit required documents (listed below), fees and completed form to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (address provided below) Applicants are also allowed to track the application via phone A letter will be sent by post Come and collect your Permanent Certificate from the office where an application was made
5. Copy of Work/Residence Permit or Exemption Certificate with validity not less than 6 months in case of missionary. 6. Previous Permits/Exemption Certificate as proof of arrival in Botswana. 7. Letter of support from Mission/supporter. 8. Proof of means of support /Bank statement. 9. Certified copy of a data page of a valid passport. 10. P3000.00 NB: The applicant must have stayed in the country for more than 5 years.
Requirements Applicable to All Covering letter from the applicant Two copies of valid certified passport Two recent coloured passport size photos per applicant Certified marriage certificate if applicable
These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.
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Not legal advice. No eligibility verdict or ranking. Check the linked sources before applying.