Botswana is launching a Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) later in early 2026. A candidate will need to invest between US $75,000 and US $90,000. The program will operate under a quota system that limits the number of available citizenships.
If the donation is limited to $75,000 for the select applicants, Botswana Citizenship by Investment could be the cheapest open citizenship by investment program in the world, at least in terms of sheer amounts of capital payments. It would cut under São Tomé and Príncipe’s $90,000 minimum by $15,000. That being said, there are a few disclaimers: extra fees, processing fees, and due diligence fees haven’t yet been disclosed, and therefore the actual overall cost is to be determined.
For comparison, the Malta Citizenship by Investment Cost page shows how ancillary fees often raise total outlays in similar European programs.
Background & Policy Framework for Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Why Botswana Is Introducing a Citizenship by Investment Scheme
Botswana enjoys a strong global reputation for its diamond industry. However, like most resource-based economies, the country now recognizes that diversification is essential for sustainable growth. The authorities and their advisors see the Botswana Citizenship by Investment Programme as a way to attract foreign funds. It also aims to attract high-net-worth individuals and fund key public sector projects.
By labeling the scheme an “Impact Investment Program,” the authorities in Botswana are aiming to redefine citizenship as something more than an exchange-based relationship, but more so investment in country development projects. The applicants are supposedly going to fund infrastructure, social services, or other schemes of high impact. The story goes that the participants are not simply residency or return, but stakeholders in Botswana’s future.
This framework helps justify the program politically. Instead of portraying it as a quick way to obtain a passport, the government presents it as a social contract between the nation and its new citizens.
The MoU and Botswana Citizenship by Investment Development
On September 26 (at the New York United Nations General Assembly), Botswana President Duma Boko signed one Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In accordance with the terms of such an agreement, Arton has the authority to establish and run the Botswana Citizenship by Investment programme.
It will (but not solely) design the regime, administer applications, conduct due diligence procedures, promote the scheme, and communicate with government officials. Since this is the initial program of this kind in Botswana, the MoU provides substantial control over the regime’s form from prices to quotas to eligibles. The public now awaits detailed regulations, which the government will publish before the application window opens.
Confirmed Terms & Conditions of Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Contribution Range: $75,000 – $90,000
The program will cost, at commencement, a contribution of between US $75,000 and US $90,000. The portal does not explain how the funds will be allocated. It only states that successful applicants must contribute within that range, without explaining:
- Why there is a $15,000 difference (i.e. $75,000 vs. $90,000)
- Whether the higher amount is expended on families or dependents
- Whether the lower amount is expended on solo applicants or earlier applicants
- How the range is related to other criteria (e.g. regional priority, project type, or impact level)
Because of this uncertainty, potential applicants cannot determine the exact contribution they will need to make in their own case.
Comparison to Other Citizenship by Investment Programs
If Botswana’s minimum remains at $75,000, the program would undercut São Tomé and Príncipe’s $90,000 threshold, making it cheaper on paper. However, investors should be cautious when comparing programs based only on headline prices.
For example, Malta’s Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment schemes often attract scrutiny for their cost structure. See the detailed breakdown in the Malta Golden Visa Cost Analysis for context on how administrative and due-diligence fees raise total expenses.
Omitted or Unclear Details in Botswana Citizenship by Investment
To date, some of the key elements that are characteristically part of the dynamics of citizenship-by-investment programs are missing on the Botswana CIP website. These include government and administrative charges, due diligence or background check fee, processing fee, residence requirement, and dependents qualification requirements.
Because these key details have not yet been released, the total financial outlay and real implications remain unclear. Potential applicants must thus move with restraint and not expect the program to be as affordable or as easy as the title implies.
What the Registration Portal Tells Us About Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Purpose & Messaging
The portal portrays Botswana Citizenship by Investment not only as a sales and purchase of citizenship, but as a two-for-one bargain: to purchase citizenship and be part of Botswana’s vision of development. The terminology suggests that investors will direct their money toward high-priority projects designed to deliver short-term benefits for Botswana’s citizens.
Such communication targets socially responsible investors – not merely those with travel or tax diversification intentions. It also legitimates and renders political acceptability in Botswana by portraying applicants as champions of public good and not opportunistic passport hunters.
Registration of Interest & Quota Warning
Applicants can register now, but full applications will only be accepted in 2026. The portal cautions that spaces will be limited under the quota system.
This early-registration model allows the authorities to gauge interest, filter serious candidates, and build momentum ahead of the program’s official launch.
Early reports suggest strong interest IMI Daily confirmed 464 registrations within the first week of the portal’s opening.
Absence of Structural Detail
Although the portal outlines the broad price range and expected timeline (first half of 2026), it provides no details about the program’s design or qualification criteria. The government has not yet published a public breakdown that explains how the Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program will operate. It has also not clarified how funds will be divided between public projects and administration, or whether applicants can invest directly in property, bonds, or equity.
Strengths, Risks & Considerations of Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Possible Advantages
- Cost: If the donation actually does remain at $75,000, the Botswana Citizenship by Investment scheme would be the least expensive “open” CIP in terms of low contribution of capital — to draw a lot of contenders who are searching for lower-cost citizenship options.
- Narrative of Development: Presentation of the program as “impact investment” may appeal to value-oriented investors and might minimize local political opposition, by demonstrating real benefit to citizens of Botswana.
- Exclusivity by means of quotas: Reducing the number of citizenships serves to enhance the feeling of scarcity and has the potential to maintain the value of Botswana citizenship.
- First-Mover Branding: Since Botswana is new in the market, it is able to differentiate and establish itself with good marketing and auspicious circumstances.
- Capital Flows & Development Finance: If properly managed, the under this scheme would be able to pump new capital to fund infrastructure, social services, and diversification, and minimize reliance on diamonds.
What Applicants Should Watch Out For
Once the complete rules are published, applicants need to be transparent on the aspect of eligibility, cost regimes, timelines, and due diligence requirements. They need to be concerned with refund conditions, cancellation policy, and residency demands under the Botswana Citizenship by Investment route.
Comparative Landscape: Botswana Citizenship by Investment vs. the Competition
São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé’s program has a minimum investment of US $90,000. In terms of top-line, that is $15,000 higher than the lower limit that Botswana has proposed. When other costs and fees are included, however, the net cost of São Tomé’s program may actually be different.
Caribbean & European Programs
Several established citizenship and residence programs operate across Europe and the Caribbean, including Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Malta, Cyprus, and Vanuatu. The Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program could compete with them if it offers comparable visa access, political stability, and favorable tax treatment.
Regional tax reforms such as the Portugal IMT Tax Hike Analysis illustrate how taxation policy shapes investor behavior an area Botswana will need to manage carefully.
Hypothetical Situations & Price Definition for Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Since the site does not clarify how exactly the $75,000–$90,000 range is utilized, several reasonable interpretations include base vs. advanced levels, individual vs. family applications, or time-based.
And if more charges of due diligence, processing, and government fees between 20–50% over the headline price (as in certain plans) are added on, the real price might be coming close to or exceeding competition schemes.
Program Launch & Implementation Timeline of Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Application Window & Quota
The application window of Botswana Citizenship by Investment will open early in 2026 on a limited quota basis. Early applicants are advised to apply early to obtain a place in the first tranche.
Regulatory Publication & Legal Framework
Between today and launch, the government of Botswana will have to pass and finalize the legislation and regulation framework due diligence and adjudication processes for Botswana Citizenship by Investment.
Application Processing & Decision
After the program launches, applicants must submit their documents, undergo screening, and await a decision. The government has not yet specified how long the review process will take.
Citizenship Grant & Rights
Once the government approves an application, successful candidates will receive Botswana citizenship. However, key questions such as whether dual citizenship will be allowed and whether benefits like voting rights or diplomatic protection will apply will remain unanswered until the final regulations are issued.
Strategic Implications of Botswana Citizenship by Investment
For Botswana
The Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program could attract foreign funds and help reduce the country’s dependence on diamond revenues. Reputation protection and rigorous due diligence, however, will be essential in order to avoid criticism or misuse.
For Applicants & Investors
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Botswana Citizenship by Investment presents yet another path of diversification, risk reduction, and potentially to African and international markets. But applicants must wait until the government releases the full framework.
What We Still Don’t Know About Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Most critical unknowns are the fee structure, qualification, dependent policy, processing time, and revocation rules. Until the government releases these details, any comparisons will remain preliminary.
Tips for Prospective Applicants
Sign up early, seek professional advice, prepare all required documents, and plan ahead, as the total cost of the Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program may exceed the advertised amount.
Summary & Outlook
Botswana plans to launch its new Citizenship by Investment Program in early 2026, requiring a minimum investment of US $75,000 to US $90,000. If applicants pay the lower amount, the program will rank among the most affordable open CIPs in the world. However, key details such as due diligence requirements and the total cost remain undisclosed.
The program’s success or failure will ultimately depend on the transparency, enforcement, and regulatory framework established before its launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding Botswana Citizenship by Investment
Q: When will the Botswana Citizenship by Investment program launch?
A: The program will go live in early 2026, as indicated on the official portal.
Q: How much will it cost to apply?
A: The contribution range announced is US $75,000 to US $90,000. This is only the minimum core donation or investment, however. The government has not yet announced the additional charges.
Q: Why $75,000 to $90,000?
A: One or more family applications or tiers of the Botswana Citizenship by Investment program could be the reason.
Q: Will dependents be included?
A: The portal has not yet clarified how it will handle dependents.
Q: Is residency required?
A: The government has not yet set any residency requirements for the Botswana Citizenship by Investment Program.
Q: How many citizenships will be awarded?
A: The government will limit the scheme through a quota system but has not yet announced the exact number of available spots.
Q: What about due diligence and other fees?
A: Applicants must pay government charges and undergo due diligence checks.
Q: Will the citizenship be revocable?
A: The end law needs to state that.
Q: Will dual citizenship be permitted?
A: It is premature to say whether Botswana will open it up under the new Citizenship by Investment program.
Q: What can prospective applicants do now?
A: Pre-register interest early, speak to experts, get paperwork in order, and compare Botswana Citizenship by Investment with other programs available to them before they decide.
