Botswana CBI Programme

The Botswana Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program allows investors to pre-register now and formally apply for citizenship from early 2026. The application process will likely follow straightforward steps: expression of interest, formal application submission, documentation and due diligence, investment contribution, legal and immigration compliance, and approval and citizenship issuance.

Botswana joins a handful of African nations in introducing citizenship-by-investment programs to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic diversification. With its strong diamond mining industry, sustainable tourism sector, emerging renewable energy ventures, and modern financial services, the country is fast becoming an attractive entry point for serious investors seeking stability and opportunity on the continent.

This government’s approach is about sustainable nation-building. It boasts a highly regarded independent judiciary, low corruption levels, and stable financial policies, making Botswana one of Africa’s safest and most trustworthy economies.

Globally, CBI programs – often called immigrant investor programs – have allowed citizens to gain a second passport through investments, property, or contributions to national development. These have become essential tools for entrepreneurs and families who want mobility, diversification, and security in an unpredictable world.

This guide explains how Botswana’s new CBI program works, the investment options available, how to apply, and the benefits to expect. You’ll also learn how Knightsbridge Group can simplify every step of the process.

Botswana CBI Program: Current status 
Botswana’s government has officially confirmed plans to roll out its citizenship-by-investment program in early 2026. While final regulations and eligibility details are still being drafted, investors can already signal their interest through the country’s open pre-registration portal.

In the meantime, there are still ways to establish a presence in Botswana. Foreign nationals can apply for business investment visas or long-term residence permits, both of which already encourage private ownership and local job creation. These existing mechanisms will form the foundation of the new CBI framework, ensuring continuity rather than an abrupt transition.

A key piece of the legislative puzzle is the reform of Botswana’s nationality laws. The country currently restricts dual citizenship, but that’s set to change. Once the amendment clears, qualifying investors will be able to obtain Botswana citizenship without giving up their original passport – a move that aligns the nation with the global standard for modern investor programs.

Investment options for residency or citizenship in Botswana
Botswana’s full citizenship-by-investment framework is expected to take shape in early 2026, but several legitimate investment routes are already open to forward-thinking investors. These existing options not only provide residency opportunities today but will also make the transition into the upcoming CBI program far easier later.

Business investment: Start or acquire a company that meets Botswana’s minimum capital and employment thresholds. Investors who qualify are generally issued renewable five-year investment visas, provided the business remains active and compliant.
Long-term residence permits: Those who place capital in approved sectors – or meet set financial conditions—can apply for residence permits that cover themselves and their dependents. These permits can be renewed as long as the investment continues to meet the program’s requirements.
Prospective CBI contribution: Preliminary guidance suggests that the citizenship program will likely call for a financial contribution in the range of USD 75,000 to USD 90,000, with final terms and quotas to be announced once legislation is complete.
Family applications: Contribution levels will differ depending on household size. Due diligence and administrative fees are expected to sit around USD 5,000 per adult, aligning with international practice.
For investors keen to get started, these existing pathways offer a sensible way to gain residency and build local ties now – while preparing for the official CBI rollout in 2026.

Application process and requirements
Pre-registration is already open to interested investors, with formal applications expected to begin in early 2026. The process will likely follow six steps: expression of interest, formal application submission, documentation and due diligence, investment contribution, legal and immigration compliance, and approval and citizenship issuance.

Step 1 – Expression of interest/registration
Botswana’s registration portal has already attracted more than 464 pre-registrations from applicants in 77 countries in its first week alone – proof of the global appetite for this emerging opportunity. At this stage, no funds are required; it’s simply a declaration of intent.

Knightsbridge Group can handle every aspect of your application, from pre-registration to delivery of your passports.

Step 2 – Submission of formal application
By the end of 2025, once the new supervisory authority is in place, Botswana will begin accepting full applications for review. At that point, investors will be asked to submit a complete profile that clearly outlines their investment history, financial capacity, and personal background.

Step 3 – Documentation and due diligence
Applicants will need to send a complete documentation pack, including proof of identity, verified bank statements, and clear evidence of their financial standing and source of wealth. Once submitted, independent due diligence specialists appointed by the government will carry out thorough background and security checks. The due diligence fee – expected to be around USD 5,000 per adult – covers these verifications. Botswana’s approach is deliberately rigorous, mirroring international best practices to maintain transparency and protect the credibility of the new program.

Step 4 – Investment contribution
After receiving initial approval, investors will need to make their qualifying investment.

Step 5 – Legal and immigration compliance
Applicants must comply with Botswana’s legal and tax requirements, aligning with international due diligence standards set by organisations such as the OECD.

Step 6 – Approval and issuance of citizenship and passport
When the application is approved and Botswana’s dual citizenship law is officially enacted, investors and their families will be granted full citizenship and receive their Botswana passports. The first approvals are expected in early 2026.

Benefits of investing in Botswana
The benefits of investing in Botswana include access to a stable and reputable African jurisdiction, potentially the most affordable open CBI route, citizenship and passport mobility, investment aligned with priority sectors, and opportunity for future family legacy and diversification.

1. Stable and reputable African jurisdiction
Botswana has long been recognised as one of Africa’s most stable and well-governed nations. Its democracy is steady, its institutions are strong, and corruption levels remain among the lowest on the continent. For investors, that translates into predictability – rules are clear, contracts are honoured, and the courts are dependable.

2. One of the most affordable CBI programs globally
With a minimum contribution starting at roughly USD 75,000, Botswana’s program is shaping up to be one of the most cost-effective citizenship-by-investment options anywhere in the world. When you compare that to programs in Europe or the Caribbean that often demand six-figure sums, Botswana stands out as a credible, lower-cost path to diversification – without cutting corners on governance or integrity.

3. Citizenship and passport mobility
Botswana’s passport already offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a broad range of countries, and that list is expected to grow once the new program launches. As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Botswana also offers a practical advantage: entry into one of the continent’s most active trade regions. Whether for business expansion or personal convenience, it’s a passport that opens more than borders – it opens options.

4. Investment aligned with priority sectors
The funds raised through the CBI program are earmarked for Botswana’s most dynamic and high-impact sectors: renewable energy, tourism, housing, financial services, and mining.

5. Long-term legacy and family security
Securing Botswana citizenship is a long-term investment in quality of life. Families gain a base in one of Africa’s safest, most peaceful nations, where education, healthcare, and infrastructure are steadily improving year after year. The air is clean, the landscapes are remarkable, and the pace of life offers a welcome contrast to more crowded global hubs.

Strategically, Botswana sits at the crossroads of Southern Africa, with seamless trade and travel links to South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It’s both a tranquil home and a gateway to the region’s economic heartbeat – a rare blend of calm and opportunity that few other markets can match.

About Knightsbridge Group
Knightsbridge Group is a globally trusted advisory firm specializing in citizenship and residency planning. From eligibility assessment and investment strategy to due diligence management, application preparation, and post-approval support, we guide clients through each stage with precision and confidentiality.

Choosing Knightsbridge means working with experts who stay ahead of emerging programs – like Botswana’s – while maintaining strong relationships with global regulators and investment authorities.

If you’re considering the upcoming Botswana CBI program or wish to explore existing residency options today, contact Knightsbridge Group for personalized advice and a clear roadmap to your new citizenship.