Botswana
Botswana is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Known for its vast Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, one of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas, Botswana offers exceptional wildlife viewing and natural beauty. The country has a stable, democratic government and a relatively strong economy based on diamond mining and tourism. Botswana is culturally diverse, with the Tswana people comprising the majority, and English is widely spoken alongside Setswana. The nation is considered one of Africa's most developed and safest countries, with good infrastructure in major cities like Gaborone. Life in Botswana combines modern urban amenities with access to world-class natural attractions and outdoor experiences.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsGet Quote
BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
BlueCross BlueShield Global SolutionsBlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote
Podcasts
Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat
Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns
Living in Botswana
Best Places to Live in Botswana
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Botswana involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. Expats looking to reside in Botswana typically apply for an Employment Visa or an Investor Visa, depending on their circumstances. The Employment Visa is for those who have secured a job in Botswana, and the employer often assists with the visa application process. To apply for an Employment Visa, the expat must provide a contract of employment, a completed application form, a valid passport, and proof of advertisement of the job position in local media to ensure that no suitable local candidate was available for the job. Additionally, a medical report, police clearance, and a fee are required. The Investor Visa is for individuals who plan to establish or invest in a business in Botswana. Applicants must provide evidence of the investment, a business plan, and other documentation that supports the viability of the business and its benefit to Botswana's economy. This visa also requires a completed application form, a valid passport, a medical report, police clearance, and the payment of a processing fee. Both visas require the applicant to apply for a residence permit once the visa is granted, which allows them to live in Botswana for a specified period, usually one to two years, and can be renewed. The process can be bureaucratic and time-consuming, as it involves multiple government departments, including the Department of and Citizenship. It is advisable for expats to begin the application process well in advance of their intended move to Botswana and to ensure that all paperwork is meticulously completed to avoid delays. Working with a local sponsor, employer, or legal representative can help navigate the complexities of the Botswana immigration system.
Healthcare in Botswana
Botswana's system is a blend of public and private services. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and legal residents, providing services at minimal or no cost. It is funded by the government and includes primary healthcare facilities, district hospitals, and referral hospitals. The quality of public healthcare varies, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. Private healthcare in Botswana offers higher quality services with more modern facilities and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost, making it less accessible to the general population. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have legal residence status, but many opt for private health insurance to cover private healthcare services, which provide a higher standard of care. The cost of private healthcare can be significant, and it is advisable for expats and digital nomads to have comprehensive health insurance.
Cost of Living
Botswana's cost of living is moderate to low compared to developed Western countries, though higher than some neighboring African nations. Housing costs vary significantly between Gaborone and other cities, with rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranging from $400-800 USD monthly, while property purchases are considerably more expensive. Daily expenses for groceries, dining, and utilities are relatively affordable, particularly outside the capital, making it accessible for many expatriates and locals alike.
Weather
Botswana experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season runs from November to March, bringing warm temperatures and occasional thunderstorms, while the dry season from April to October features cooler nights and sunny days. Temperatures can range from below freezing in winter nights (June-July) to over 35°C (95°F) during summer months. Rainfall is generally low and unpredictable, with the Kalahari region receiving minimal precipitation.
Educational System in Botswana
The educational system in Botswana is structured to provide free and compulsory education for the first ten years, which is divided into primary and junior secondary education. Children typically start school at the age of six, beginning with seven years of primary education, known as Standard 1 to Standard 7. After completing primary school, students proceed to three years of junior secondary education, which culminates in the Junior Certificate Examination. Successful students can then move on to two years of senior secondary education, leading to the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE). The quality of education in Botswana is considered to be good, with the government investing heavily in educational infrastructure and teacher training. English is the medium of instruction, which is beneficial for expatriate families. However, there can be variations in the quality of education between urban and rural areas. Schools in Botswana are generally well-equipped with facilities, and there is a growing number of private schools that offer international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB). The school year in Botswana typically runs from January to December, with breaks in April, August, and December.
