Investor Work Permit

The Investor Work Permit is Botswana's primary immigration pathway for foreign nationals who want to invest in the country by establishing a new business or investing in an existing one. Governed by the Immigration Act (Cap. 25:02) and the Employment of Non-Citizens Act (Cap. 47:02), the permit is administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship under the Ministry of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs. It targets foreign entrepreneurs and investors who wish to be self-employed in Botswana, either by registering a new company or investing capital in an existing Botswana-registered business. There is no legislatively defined minimum capital investment, though proof of investment is assessed through bank statements and business documentation.

• Register a company with the Registrar of Companies in Botswana or invest in an existing Botswana-registered business
• Obtain a valid trade license for the intended business activity
• Demonstrate financial sustainability through a bank statement certified by the bank
• Provide a relevant business profile or experience documentation
• Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• The business must not operate in sectors reserved for Botswana citizens
• No specific educational qualifications are required

• Certified copies of valid passport (biographic data page)
• Two passport-sized photographs
• Proof of investment (bank statement certified by the bank)
• Company registration certificate
• Certificate of shares and certificate of incorporation
• Lease agreement or proof of business location
• List of local employees with identification copies
• List of valued assets (e.g., certified vehicle registration copies)
• Forms 8/13/14 from the Registrar of Companies
• Valid trade license
• Medical report
• Company profile
• Current bank statement certified by the bank

Work permits are issued for up to 5 years based on the nature of the business activity and are renewable. Renewal applications must be submitted at least six months before the permit expires. Renewal requires the original permit documents, a contract renewal letter or updated business documentation, and a fee of BWP 1,500. Late renewal incurs a penalty of BWP 500 plus BWP 20 for each day the permit has been expired.

Dependants including spouse and children may be included on the residence permit application. Each dependant must provide certified passport copies, photographs, and relationship documentation such as marriage and birth certificates. There is no separate or additional investment requirement for sponsoring dependants. Dependant residence permits are linked to the principal applicant's permit validity.

Individuals present in Botswana for 183 or more days in a tax year are considered resident and taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 25%. Non-residents are taxed only on Botswana-sourced income. Corporate income tax is 22% for resident companies and 30% for non-resident companies, with reduced rates available for approved manufacturing companies (15%) and IFSC companies (15%). Withholding taxes apply on dividends (10%), interest (15%), management and consultancy fees (15%), and commercial royalties (15%) paid to non-residents. Botswana has double taxation agreements with several countries.

The process begins with registering a company with the Registrar of Companies and obtaining a trade license. Once the business is established, the applicant completes the work permit application form and submits it with all supporting documents at the nearest Labour Office. The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) One Stop Service Centre can facilitate the process by providing a single point of contact for business registration, licensing, and permit applications.

Foreign investors who require a visa to enter Botswana should first obtain an Investment Visa, a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years. This visa costs BWP 1,000 for up to 6 months or BWP 2,500 for 6 months to 5 years and requires a cover letter, flight itinerary, accommodation details, and business documentation. Processing takes 7 to 14 days.

After submission, the work permit is processed within 14 working days, though timelines may extend to 1 to 3 months depending on documentation completeness. Upon approval, the work permit is issued together with a residence permit. The application fee is BWP 1,500.

Permanent residence may be applied for after 5 years of continuous lawful residence, subject to demonstrating good character, significant contributions to the country, and sufficient means of support.