Residence permit renewal in Botswana
Renewing a residence permit in Botswana generally involves submitting an application to the Department of Immigration and Citizenry, often requiring original documents and proof of continued eligibility. The process aims to ensure individuals maintain the necessary criteria for residence.
Most people are advised to begin the renewal process several months before their current permit's expiry date. This allows ample time to gather all required documents, schedule any necessary appointments, and account for processing times, which can sometimes be lengthy.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time is recommended to accommodate potential delays in document acquisition, appointment scheduling, and the processing period by the Department of Immigration and Citizenry.
The process
- 1Obtain the application form for residence permit renewal from the Department of Immigration and Citizenry's offices or website.
- 2Gather all required supporting documents, which typically include the original residence permit, passport, and documents supporting the reason for residence (e.g., employment contract, business registration, marriage certificate).
- 3Complete the application form accurately and thoroughly.
- 4Submit the completed application form along with all supporting documents and the applicable fee to the nearest Department of Immigration and Citizenry office.
- 5Attend any required interviews or provide additional information as requested by immigration officials.
- 6Collect the renewed residence permit once the application has been approved and processed.
What to bring
- Original and copy of current residence permit
- Original and copy of passport (valid for at least six months beyond the expiry of the renewed permit)
- Completed residence permit renewal application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs (usually two to four)
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency or employment (e.g., bank statements, employment contract, business registration documents)
- Proof of accommodation in Botswana
- Police clearance certificate from home country and/or Botswana (if applicable)
- Medical report (if required for the specific permit category)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse permits)
- Educational qualifications (for certain employment categories)
Who handles it
Department of Immigration and Citizenry (Botswana)
Fees for residence permit renewals vary depending on the category of permit and the duration. The current fees should be confirmed directly with the Department of Immigration and Citizenry or checked on their official fee schedule.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensuring all supporting documents are current and accurately reflect the reason for residence.
- Submitting the application well in advance of the current permit's expiry to avoid issues with overstaying.
- Confirming the specific requirements for the particular residence permit category, as these can differ.
- Providing genuine and consistent information across all documents to prevent processing delays or rejection.
Sources
- Residence Permit gov.bw
- Forms & Guidelines – Botswana Missions Abroad botswanamissionsabroad.com
Other documents in Botswana
Residence permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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