Residency Benefits for Business in Africa

Many African countries offer residency benefits and/or citizenship for foreign investors. Together with tax incentives, residency and/or citizenship programs are designed to attract foreign investors and innovation to the African continent.

Botswana, for example, offers residency through investment into the country. A minimum investment threshold of 1 million Botswanan Pulas (BWP) is currently required and applicants are evaluated through a points system. Comparing the BWP to the USD or EUR will indicate the achievability of this minimum investment. Once residency is granted, investor residents may also be eligible for certain tax exemptions in addition to the relatively low tax rates. 

Botswana, for example, offers residency through investment into the country. A minimum investment threshold of 1 million Botswanan Pulas (BWP) is currently required and applicants are evaluated through a points system. Comparing the BWP to the USD or EUR will indicate the achievability of this minimum investment. Once residency is granted, investor residents may also be eligible for certain tax exemptions in addition to the relatively low tax rates. 

Residency benefits are important to consider when entering the African market, together with tax incentives. Careful consideration of the offerings of each African country is advisable before rushing into any investment program. 

Smit & Van Wyk can assist in protecting intellectual property across Africa.