A work permit is required for any non-citizen who wants to work in Botswana or invest in the country for profit. Applications are handled by the Department of Labour and Social Security through its Labour Offices.
The requirements depend on whether you are applying as an employee or an investor. Some professions also require clearance from the relevant professional or regulatory body.
Who Can Apply for a Work Permit in Botswana?
Non-citizens can apply for a Botswana work permit if they intend to work in the country for reward or invest in Botswana for profit.
The application requirements are different for employees and investors, so you need to prepare the documents that apply to your situation.
Work Permit Requirements for Employees
Foreign nationals applying for a work permit as employees generally need the following:
- Copy of a job advertisement not older than six months
- Contract of employment
- Signed application letter
- Letter of offer or appointment letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of educational certificates
- Certified copy of a valid passport
- Two passport-size photographs with a white background
- Clearance from the relevant professional regulatory body, where applicable
- Letter from the patient’s doctor for applicants working as a nurse aide or caretaker
- Supporting letter from the relevant ministry for government projects
- CV for understudies where the position involves training a local counterpart
Educational certificates issued in foreign languages must be translated into English and confirmed by the Botswana Qualifications Authority.
Additional documents are required for some occupations.
- Extra heavy-duty drivers need a copy of a Botswana driver’s licence or classification from the Department of Transport, a motor vehicle registration book and relevant transport permits.
- Farm workers need a farm certificate, title deed or lease agreement, brand certificate, proof of livestock ownership and the employer’s certified national identity card (Omang). Seasonal agricultural workers engaged for periods not exceeding six months require similar farm and livestock documents.
Applicants in regulated professions must also obtain clearance from the relevant body. These include:
- Medical field: Botswana Nursing Council, Midwifery Council of Botswana, the Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC)or Ministry of Health
- Teaching: Ministry of Education and Botswana Qualifications Authority
- Accounting: Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants
- Football: Botswana Football Association or the Premier League
- Piloting: Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana
- Engineering: Engineers Registration Board
Work Permit Requirements for Investors
Foreign investors can apply for a work permit if they are investing in Botswana for profit and intend to operate the business themselves.
You will need documents showing the investment and operation of the business, including:
- Proof of investment through a bank statement
- Lease agreement or proof of the place of operation
- Company registration documents
- List of employees and their identification documents
- Certified copies of work and residence permits for non-citizen employees
- List of valued assets, including certified vehicle registration documents where applicable
- Certified copy of a valid trade licence
- Certified copy of a valid passport
- Company profile
- Current bank statement certified by the bank
- Two passport-size photographs with a white background
How to Apply for a Botswana Work Permit
1. Prepare the required documents
Determine whether you are applying as an employee or investor and prepare the documents required for your category. If your profession is regulated, obtain the necessary professional clearance before submitting the application.
2. Complete the application form
Complete the Botswana work permit application form and attach the required supporting documents.
3. Submit the application
Submit the application and supporting documents to the nearest Labour Office.
Labour Offices are located in Gaborone, Francistown, Lobatse, Maun, Selibe Phikwe, Serowe and Kasane.
4. Wait for processing
A work permit application takes 14 working days to process. You will be notified when the permit is ready for collection if the application is approved.
5. Collect the work permit
Once your application has been approved, collect the work permit from the relevant office after receiving notification.
How Long Does a Botswana Work Permit Take?
A Botswana work permit takes 14 working days to process.
Make sure the application is complete and all required documents are included to avoid unnecessary delays.
Work Permit Fees
The work permit fees are:
- New work permit: BWP 1,500
- Renewal: BWP 1,500
- Replacement or duplicate: BWP 1,500
- Late renewal: BWP 500 plus BWP 20 for each day after the permit expires
Work Permit Renewal
Work permits can be renewed for both employees and investors. A renewal application requires the documents used for the original application, together with a renewal letter and copies of the existing work and residence permits.
Renewal applications should be submitted six months before the work permit expires.
Do You Need a Residence Permit as Well?
A work permit and residence permit are separate documents. Foreign nationals who intend to remain in Botswana beyond the permitted visitation period must also meet the requirements for a residence permit.
Residence permit applications are handled separately by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. If you plan to live and work in Botswana, you therefore need to deal with both permits.
Do You Need an Employment Visa?
Some foreign nationals also need an employment visa to enter Botswana for work. This depends on your nationality and Botswana’s visa requirements.
An employment visa is separate from the work permit and residence permit. If you require a visa, confirm the requirements before travelling to Botswana.
Emergency Work Permit
Botswana also has emergency work permits for non-citizens who require immediate employment or other engagement for reward or profit.
There are two types:
- Three-month emergency work permit: Requires the same supporting documents as a standard work permit and costs BWP 1,000.
- Seven-day emergency work permit: Requires a supporting letter and a certified copy of the passport bio page and has no application fee.
The three-month emergency work permit takes 14 working days to process. Both types are issued by the Ministry of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development at its head office in Gaborone rather than through a regional Labour Office.
What Happens If a Work Permit Is Rejected?
If your work permit application is rejected by the Regional Immigration Selection Board, you can appeal to the Minister of Employment, Labour Productivity and Skills Development within 30 days of the rejection.
The appeal is submitted through a Regional Labour Office and must include a letter of appeal, a copy of the rejection letter and any additional information supporting the case. The appeal fee is BWP 500.
If the appeal is approved, the work permit is issued, and the file is forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for the residence permit.
Work Permit Exemptions
Botswana provides exemptions from work permit requirements for certain categories of non-citizens.
The exemption depends on your circumstances and status in Botswana. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, confirm this with the relevant authorities before working without a permit.
Botswana Work Permit Contacts
Department of Labour and Social Security
Head Office, Gaborone
Phone: +267 373 72772
Gaborone Regional Labour Office I: +267 397 1406
Gaborone Regional Labour Office II: +267 395 6019
Francistown Regional Labour Office: +267 241 6933
Lobatse Regional Labour Office: +267 533 2569
Maun Regional Labour Office: +267 686 22705 / 2418
Selibe Phikwe Regional Labour Office: +267 261 1598
Serowe Regional Labour Office: +267 463 2579
Kasane Regional Labour Office: +267 625 0216
Opening hours: 7:30 am to 12:45 pm and 1:45 pm to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
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