The Windhoek Guide - Your Guide to Namibia's Capital

In general the immigrations regulations and laws are very strict and many people who wish to move to Namibia are not allowed to do so. This is the fact in about 95% of all cases! following some information regarding immigration, needed permits and visa. It is important to know that all permits and visa have to be granted before entering Namibia. It is not allowed to pick up permits or visa in Namibia while being already there. Please consult your nearest Namibian Embassy or High Commission or the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration for up-to-date information on this.

 

Ministry of Home Affairs
Cohen Building
Independence Avenue / Kasino St
Windhoek-Central
Phone: 292 2111
www.mha.gov.na

In principle the Namibian immigration laws are targeting and preferring those people that work in a needed profession (e.g. specialised medical doctor) or those who can increase the industrial and economical level of Namibia through their knowledge. Namibia is known as one of only a few developing countries in the world that are known as a country for immigration.

 

Immigration, Visa and Permits

Work Visa up to a maximum of 3 months
A work visa is needed for any kind of "work" that is done for a maximum of three months. This visa is also neede for practical trainings, internships, etc. unless one is doing so without any financial or non-financial benefit (even getting food or accommodation is considered as a benefit). It is possible to apply in Namibia for a one time extension under strict conditions.

Work Permit / Study Permit
A Work Permit ist needed for any  permanent work or study in Namibia. There are no exemptions whatsoever. The application process takes up to 12 months and is very strict. Generally a work permit will only be granted for a year or two and can be extended upon application.

Temporary Resident Permit
A TRP is needed for any person including tourists that want to stay in Namibia for more than 90 days per year. The application process is very bureaucratic and takes up to four months.

Permanent Resident Permit
The PRP is the unrestricted permit to stay and work in Namibia. It is generally granted without a time frame, however, at least once every 24 months the holder must be present in Namibia. It includes all rights and obligations of a Namibian citizen without suffrage. The application process is very bureauctratic and needs a lot of money to invest in Namibia. One can nowadays not directy apply anymore for a PRP before holding a TRP for some years before. The application process can take up to 24 months.

Namibian Citizenship
After 10 years of permanent resident in Namibia (until 2008 this was 5 years and 2 years for spouses) an application for Namibian Citizenship can be filed. The process takes up to 18 months. The Namibian Law strictly prohibits any dual citizenship and requests an official proof of leaving the old citizenship. This is, however, already overruled by the Namibian Supreme Court and the law will be changed to give born Namibians the chance to keep or get another citizenship.

 

Immigration Categories

Workers
Every person between 18 and 51 years of age who enter Namibia for work have to present to the authorities binding work contracts or binding offers of potential employers. The employer has to proof that the position cannot be filled by any Namibian Citizen whatsoever. This can be proofed e.g. by showing job advertisements from newspapers, etc. People older than 51 years of age do generally not qualify for a work-related immigration to Namibia.

Family Members
Close family members are generally qualified to immigrate to Namibia if the close relative is a Namibian citizen or holder of a PRP. The head of the family resident in Namibia has, however, to issue a binding guarantee for the immigrating family members.

Spouse/Children
Spouses and children qualify for immigration to Namibia as long as they can legally proof their marriage. The spouse residing in Namibia has to issue a binding guarantee that he/she will financially fully support the spouse/children. Children below 21 years of age get automatically in most cases the status of the immigrating parent.

Pensioner
Pensioners have to proof extensive (!!!) assets/property and/or income and that these financial means are fully accessible in Namibia. Furthermore they must guarantee and proof that they are not taking any money from the Namibian authorities and will cost the Republic of Namibia any money whatsoever (e.g. old-age government pension). As a rule of thumb around N$ 10 million or a montly income of N$ 50,000 are considered to be sufficient.

Financially independent people
The following prerequisites and conditions apply: Transfer of a target sum of N$ 1.5 million, whereas N$ 1 million have to be invested for at least three years into the Namibian economy. This investment can also be done by means of a deposit to a deposit account or by buying real estate. After the initital three years the applicant has to proof the mentioned investment. Lack of proof will result in a withdrawal of the residence status. The creation of sustainable jobs can lead to the reduction of the required capital. It is not allowed to form companies or apply for jobs without previous written approval by the ministry. The ministry has to be informed about any change of the place of living within the first three years.

Freelancers / Investors
All people that want to start a business in Namibia have to proof the following (within 12 months) besides giving a written guarantee for all family members accompanying the applicant and transferring of an amount of money set by the ministry: (a) Profit and loss account by a professional tax advisor or Chartered Accountant; (b) written evidence that at least two Namibians who do not belong to the family, have been hired and are still employed; (c) written evidence that the fixed sum of money was brought in and invested.

Business Partners
Legal entities or people have to proof within 12 months that the acquired business partnership is substantially leading to a development of the Namibian economy and that that at least two Namibians who do not belong to the family, have been hired and are still employed.

Any person who legally settles on a permanent basis in Namibia is allowed to bring once in their life one shipping container personal belongings and a vehicle without paying customs duty or taxes into Namibia. The same applies for returning residents or Namibians.