Residence & citizenship
Botswanan Citizenship by Marriage (Foreign Spouse)
A naturalisation route for the foreign spouse of a Botswana citizen.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Required residence period varies between sources (the gov.bw page reviewed states at least five years, while a Ministry summary cited two and a half years); confirm the current qualifying period and fee with the Department.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Botswana government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Citizenship Application – Naturalization of Foreign Spouse
- Route type
- Citizenship by marriage
- Issuing authority
- Department of Immigration and Citizenship
- Processing time
- Approx. 1 year
Who it is for
- Non-citizens married to a Botswana citizen
- Applicants resident in Botswana for the required qualifying period
Requirements
- Form K (declaration of intention) and Form N with supporting documents, plus Form M supplement
- Two colour passport photographs
- Police report form
- Certified copies of valid passport, residence permit and marriage certificate
- Certified copy of the citizen spouse's national ID card
How to apply
- Submit Form K, then Form N with documents, at a Regional/District Immigration Office or mission abroad
- A public notice is placed in the Government Gazette for objections
- Attend the citizenship interview; if approved, renounce foreign citizenship
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Botswanan visas
- SETTLEMENT5 YEARS RESIDENCEPermanent ResidencePermanent resident status for non-citizens who have lawfully resided in Botswana for at least five years.View visa details
- SETTLEMENT10 YEARS RESIDENCECitizenship by NaturalisationNaturalisation for non-citizens who have lawfully resided in Botswana for at least ten years in aggregate.View visa details
