Botswana
BWABotswana stands out as one of Africa's most stable democracies and best-governed economies, transformed since independence by its vast diamond reserves into a middle-income nation with solid institutions. The country maintains low corruption levels by regional standards, a freely convertible currency, and consistent GDP growth. Its sparse population of around 2.6 million is spread across a largely arid landscape dominated by the Kalahari Desert and the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta. Gaborone offers a clean, low-crime capital environment with improving infrastructure. Naturalisation is lengthy at ten years, dual citizenship is not permitted, and there is no dedicated residency-by-investment programme, making Botswana primarily attractive to skilled workers, regional business operators, and conservation-sector professionals rather than lifestyle migrants seeking fast second-residency routes.
Passport Rank
#76
Visa-Free
83
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Currency
- Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Languages
- Setswana, English
- Population
- 2,630,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Semi-arid / Savanna
- English Proficiency Rank
- #55
Indices
Cost of Living
34
Safety
51
Healthcare
40
Quality of Life
110
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaborone | — | — | — | — | $28 |
| Francistown | — | — | — | — | $22 |
| Maun | — | — | — | — | $18 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Gaborone
Rainfall range: 0–95 mm/month · Daylight 10.5h (winter) to 13.6h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist
- Work Permit
- Investor
- Student
- Family
- Residence Permit
- Authority
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship
- Official Portal
- www.gov.bw/ministries/immigration-and-citizenship
- Phone
- +267 368 1100
- immigration@gov.bw
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- Yes (level n/a)
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $200
- Processing
- ~18 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#34
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Overcharging minibus taxis for foreigners
- ⚠Fake charity collectors in Gaborone CBD
- ⚠Wildlife tour deposit scams targeting tourists in Maun
Related Guides
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15