Botswana has announced plans to introduce its Botswana Citizenship by Investment program in early 2026, joining the small but emerging landscape of Africa CBI initiatives.
Botswana’s program aims to attract foreign investment to diversify its economy beyond its reliance on diamond exports.
The CBI scheme is expected to offer a pathway to citizenship for individuals who make significant contributions to the country’s economic development.
Key points covered in this article:
- Is Botswana a good place to invest?
- How do you become a citizen of Botswana by investment?
- Does Botswana offer dual citizenship?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of citizenship in Botswana?
- How powerful is the Botswana passport?
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La información contenida en este artículo es meramente orientativa. No constituye asesoramiento financiero, jurídico o fiscal, ni una recomendación o solicitud de inversión. Algunos hechos pueden haber cambiado desde el momento de su redacción.
Is Botswana a good country to invest in?
Botswana is considered one of the most stable and investment-friendly countries in Africa. Key factors include:
- Political stability: A democratic government with regular elections.
- Economic growth: Strong mining sector (especially diamonds), growing tourism, and financial services.
- Business environment: Transparent regulations, investor protection, and ease of doing business relative to neighboring countries.
- Infrastructure development: Ongoing projects in transport, energy, and communications support oportunidades de inversión.
How can I get Botswana citizenship by investment?
While the official program details have not been released, the process is expected to involve several key steps:
- Identify approved investment opportunities: Work with government-recognized agencies, investment firms, or legal advisors to select eligible projects.
- Prepare documentation: Gather financial records, identification, proof of investment funds, and police clearance certificates.
- Submit application: Apply through the relevant Botswana government department overseeing citizenship by investment programs.
- Background checks and due diligence: Authorities revise financial and personal information, verifying the legitimacy and impact of the investment.
- Approval and investment completion: Once approved, complete the investment in the approved project or fund.
- Grant of citizenship: After meeting all requirements and completing the investment, the applicant is granted full Botswana citizenship, including a passport.
Note: Requirements and processes may be updated periodically, so consulting official Botswana government sources or licensed advisors is essential to ensure compliance.
How much is Botswana citizenship by investment?
Botswana’s forthcoming Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) will require contributions between $75,000 and $90,000, according to BotswanaCitizenship.com, the official registration portal launched by Arton Capital.
Key cost components include:
- Investment Contribution: A financial commitment between $75,000 and $90,000, directed towards national development initiatives such as housing, tourism, renewable energy, mining, and financial services.
- Additional Fees: While the base investment amount is specified, the program’s official portal does not currently disclose details regarding processing fees, due diligence charges, or other administrative costs. These additional expenses could potentially increase the total investment required.
Note: The exact investment amount within the specified range may vary based on factors such as family size, investment type, and specific program requirements.
Applicants are advised to consult the official registration portal or engage with licensed agents for the most accurate and personalized information.
How long does it take to get Botswana citizenship by investment?
The official processing time for the CBI program has not been released. However, similar programs in other countries typically take between 12 to 36 months, depending on the investment type and individual circumstances.
Delays may occur if additional background checks or financial verifications are needed.
Does Botswana allow dual nationality?
Yes, Botswana now permits dual citizenship under certain conditions:
- Notification Required: Applicants must inform Botswana authorities if they hold another nationality.
- Retention of Rights: Dual citizens enjoy the same rights as other Botswana citizens, including living and working in the country.
- Limitations: Certain government positions, especially in public service or security, may require sole Botswana citizenship.
- Recent Policy Change: As of 2023, Botswana amended its Citizenship Act to allow dual nationality, removing previous restrictions that required renunciation of Botswana citizenship when acquiring another nationality.
This updated approach reflects Botswana’s more flexible stance on dual citizenship, aligning with global trends while maintaining some restrictions for specific official roles.
What are the benefits of being a Botswana citizen?
Citizenship in Botswana provides:
- Right to live and work freely within the country: As a citizen, you have the unrestricted right to reside, work, and establish businesses anywhere in Botswana without the need for additional permits or visas.
- Access to healthcare and education under Botswana’s public services: Citizens are entitled to free hospital care, laboratory tests, and medications at public facilities, which constitute 98% of the country’s healthcare services. Additionally, citizens can enroll in public schools and universities at subsidized rates, benefiting from Botswana’s investment in education.
- Investment opportunities with reduced restrictions for citizens: Citizens face fewer restrictions when investing in local businesses, purchasing property, or participating in government-approved economic initiatives, facilitating easier acumulación de riqueza and business growth within the country.
- Travel flexibility within certain African regions: A Botswana passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several African countries, enhancing mobility for business and leisure travel across the continent.
What are the disadvantages of Botswana citizenship?
Potential disadvantages include:
- Limited global mobility: Botswana’s passport ranks in the mid-range globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to at least 60 countries, depending on the ranking source. While significantly fewer than passports from countries like the United States or those in the European Union, it’s not among the weakest passports in the world.
- Economic dependence on diamonds: Botswana’s economy is heavily reliant on diamond exports, which constitute approximately 80% of its export revenues and about one-third of government income. Recent market challenges, including declining global demand and competition from lab-grown diamonds, have led to economic contractions and budgetary constraints.
- Bureaucratic processes: Navigating Botswana’s investment and citizenship procedures can involve complex paperwork and varying requirements across different government entities. While there have been efforts to streamline these processes, applicants may still encounter bureaucratic hurdles.
How good is a Botswana passport?
As of 2025, Botswana’s passport ranks 61st globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 84 countries and territories, according to the Henley Passport Index.
Arton’s Passport Index places Botswana’s passport 4th strongest in Africa and 58th globally, highlighting its strong diplomatic relations and access to key global markets.
Nomad Capitalist’s Passport Index ranks Botswana’s passport 110th globally, with a total score of 63.5, considering factors like travel freedom, taxation laws, and dual citizenship policies.
While Botswana’s passport provides relatively good regional mobility, especially within Africa, it offers more limited access to destinations in Asia, the Americas, and Oceania compared to top-ranking passports.
How much does a passport cost in Botswana?
The standard passport application fee is BWP 260.00 (approximately $25 USD) for individuals over 14 years old.
For children under 14 years, the fee is BWP 100.00 (approximately $10 USD).
Preguntas frecuentes
Can I get Botswana citizenship by marriage?
Yes, foreign spouses of Botswana citizens can apply for citizenship after meeting residency and marriage duration requirements.
Is Botswana a rich or poor country?
No. Botswana is classified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank. Its wealth comes mainly from diamond exports and prudent fiscal management.
However, income inequality and rural poverty remain challenges, and the economy remains heavily reliant on the mining sector.
How to become a resident of Botswana?
Residency can be obtained via:
-Work permits or employment visas
-Investment or business visas
-Marriage to a Botswana citizen
-After several years of legal residence, permanent residency may be granted, which is often a prerequisite for citizenship.
What language is spoken in Botswana?
–Official language: Inglés
–National language: Setswana (widely spoken among locals)
–Other languages: Kalanga, Sekgalagadi, and minority dialects
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