Botswana’s New 60-Day CBI on Hold Due to Pending Legal Reform

Botswana is positioning itself to enter the citizenship-by-investment market and it has high aspirations. The southern African nation aims to offer a programme with a 60-day processing timeline and an anticipated donation route between USD 75,000–0,000.

However, a major legal barrier remains: Botswana currently does not allow dual citizenship, and the country’s citizenship law must be amended before formal applications can be accepted.

For investors and globally mobile families, this presents both an exciting opportunity and a timing risk. In this article, we break down what is known so far, what remains uncertain, and how to prepare your strategy.

• The programme is being developed in cooperation with a major global advisory firm, with a realistic launch window in Q1 2026, pending legislative reform.
• The targeted processing window is 60 days, from application filing to approval.
• The initial investment route is expected to be donation-based, not real estate or business investment. Estimated contributions range from USD 75,000 to 90,000, depending on family composition.
• Interest is already high, with more than 600 expressions of interest received as of October 2025.
• The programme is part of Botswana’s broader economic diversification strategy, driven by the need to reduce dependence on the diamond sector and attract foreign capital.

1. Dual Citizenship Law
   • Botswana currently prohibits most forms of dual nationality. For the CBI programme to proceed, Parliament must pass an amendment to the Citizenship Act that permits applicants to retain their existing nationality.
2. No Formal Applications Yet
   • Until the legal change is enacted, the programme remains in a “pre-launch” phase. At this stage, only expressions of interest or pre-registration are being accepted.
3. Compliance & Due Diligence
   • To deliver a 60-day processing timeline, the government plans to implement strict compliance measures. This means applicants must be document-ready and prepared to meet full due diligence and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements from day one.

• Speed Advantage
  • If launched as promised, Botswana’s CBI programme would become one of the fastest in the world, offering approvals in just two months.
• Cost-Efficiency
  • Compared to European or Caribbean programmes, the estimated donation range of USD 75,000–90,000 is highly competitive and could appeal to a wide segment of the investor market.
• Strategic African Access
  • Botswana is known for its political stability, strong governance, and rule of law. As a base in Southern Africa, it provides geographic and strategic value for investors seeking access to the continent.
• Portfolio Diversification
  • Adding an African citizenship option to a broader mobility strategy allows investors to diversify regionally especially if they already hold passports from the Caribbean, Europe, or the Middle East.
• Time-Sensitive Opportunity
  • Because the programme is tied to legislative reform, investors who prepare early can gain first-mover advantage but must also accept that delays are possible if the law is not amended promptly.

• Document Readiness
  • Ensure clients have their paperwork in order, including valid passports, civil documents, KYC files, and proof of funds to take advantage of the programme as soon as it launches.
• Budget Planning
  • Model potential costs based on family size, donation amounts, and due diligence fees (which are expected to be around USD 5,000 per adult). Keep in mind that pricing could change upon formal launch.
• Transparent Communication
  • Advisors should make it clear to clients that no applications can be filed until the legal reform is passed. It’s essential to set expectations around timing and risk.
• Monitor Legal Developments
  • Track parliamentary sessions and official announcements related to Botswana’s Citizenship Act. The passage of the amendment is the key milestone that determines programme readiness.
• Plan for Post-Citizenship Needs
  • Citizenship is just the beginning. Clients should also consider tax planning, international banking access, and future mobility needs that could arise once citizenship is granted.

Botswana’s citizenship-by-investment programme has the potential to become a standout option in the global mobility market, combining fast approvals, affordability, and access to a politically stable African nation.

But like any emerging opportunity, it comes with uncertainty. The programme cannot proceed until Botswana’s laws change to permit dual citizenship, a step that remains pending in Parliament.

For serious investors and advisors, this is the time to prepare, not to wait. By building readiness now, you ensure your clients are first in line when the programme goes live.

Because in global mobility, the early movers almost always win.