Sub-Saharan Africa
Retire in Botswana
Botswana offers a stable, English-speaking environment in southern Africa with a mild climate year-round and a cost of living roughly one-third that of the US. Healthcare coverage is moderate and life expectancy is in the upper 60s, so you'll want to understand the local medical landscape and consider supplementary coverage. The country's relative affordability and political stability make it an understated option for retirees seeking a quieter African experience.
- Currency
- BWP
- Main language
- English / Setswana
- Population
- 3M
At a glance
Cost of living
~62% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability76
- Healthcare60
- Climate comfort100
- Longevity49
- Prosperity55
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 21°C · warmest month 26.2°C · coolest 13°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaborone | 21°C | 26.2°C | 13°C | 503 mm |
| Francistown | 22°C | 25.4°C | 15.3°C | 485 mm |
| Maun | 24.2°C | 27.3°C | 17°C | 516 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
Botswana does not have a dedicated retirement visa program. Long-stay residence typically requires sponsorship, employment, or business investment, and the path for retirees is less formulaic than in some other countries. You may explore temporary residence permits or work with a local immigration consultant to understand your options based on your specific circumstances. Check the official Department of Immigration and Citizenship for current long-stay and residence requirements.
Official source: www.gov.bw
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
Botswana has its own tax code and foreign income may have different treatment; consult a tax professional familiar with both your home country and Botswana before moving.
Safety & advisories
Review your government's official travel advisory for Botswana before planning your move, as security conditions and health risks can change.
Who it tends to suit
Retirees comfortable with a smaller expatriate community, interested in wildlife and nature, and looking for genuinely low living costs without the tourism infrastructure of more popular destinations.