Namibia residence 2026 — work, business & family permits

Namibia offers a stable environment in southern Africa with transparent immigration procedures, strong rule of law and a growing economy supported by mining, tourism and renewable energy. Work and business permits lead to long-term residence and, later, eligibility for permanent settlement. Plan ahead: once your residence is stable, explore Namibia citizenship options and align your documents from the start.

Key terms

Temporary residence permit: allows lawful stay for work, study, or family purposes; issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration.

Work permit: permission for foreign employees under local contracts; renewable and employer-specific.

Business permit: residence for investors, entrepreneurs and company directors engaged in Namibian-registered entities.

Study permit: allows foreign students to reside during full-time education in accredited institutions.

Permanent residence: long-term status granted after five or more years of lawful residence with stable income and good conduct.

Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration: main authority responsible for residence, visas and citizenship matters.

Residence types

• Work permits: For professionals employed by Namibian companies. Employers must justify hiring a foreigner due to skills shortage and register contracts with labour authorities. Renewal requires continued employment and tax compliance.
• Business permits: For entrepreneurs and investors owning or managing Namibian businesses. Applicants must show a viable business plan, company registration, capital investment (typically over NAD 2 million) and job creation proof.
• Self-employed / independent professionals: For consultants, artists or freelancers with long-term projects or contracts in Namibia. Requires local registration and income verification.
• Study permits: For students admitted to recognised schools or universities. Applicants need acceptance letters, funds and accommodation. Work rights are restricted.
• Family permits: For spouses, minor children and dependent relatives of Namibian citizens or residents. Proof of genuine relationship and sufficient financial means is mandatory.
• Humanitarian / medical residence: For those needing long-term medical care or under protection; requires official referral and regular renewal.
• Missionary and NGO residence: For registered religious or non-profit workers involved in local community projects with verified organisation credentials.
• Retiree residence: For financially independent individuals with stable pensions or savings; applicants must show consistent foreign income or annuity payments.
• Permanent residence: Granted after at least five years of lawful stay, stable employment/investment and clean criminal record. Holders enjoy most rights of citizens except voting.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Choose category: define purpose — employment, business, study or family — and confirm eligibility with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
2. Prepare documents: passport, medical certificate, police clearance, employment or investment evidence, proof of funds and accommodation.
3. Apply locally or via embassy: business and work applications often begin abroad; family and study permits may be filed locally if status is valid.
4. Pay applicable fees: official filing and processing fees depend on duration and category.
5. Attend interview or verification: immigration officers may request clarification or on-site inspection for business and residence proofs.
6. Collect permit: once approved, register your address and obtain the residence card.

Documents

Core documents: valid passport, application form, recent photos, health certificate, police clearance (home and Namibia), bank statements and insurance.

Work: employment contract, proof of qualifications, employer’s tax certificate and motivation letter.

Business: company registration, investment proof, capital transfer evidence and business plan summary.

Family: marriage or birth certificates, proof of support, sponsor’s ID and income records.

Study: admission letter, accommodation proof, tuition receipt and financial means.

Need certified translations or apostille wording? Use our translation support to meet Namibian filing standards.

Costs

Fees vary by category; expect moderate application and processing charges. Business applicants should account for notary and corporate costs. Translations and medical checks add minor expenses. Compare route templates and examples in our Residency & Citizenship section.

Renewals

File renewals at least 30 days before expiry. Provide updated police clearance, tax compliance certificate, proof of continued employment/investment, and valid medical coverage. Any gap in lawful residence may delay permanent residence eligibility.

Integration

Authorities assess integration through community participation, steady work or business activity, local tax registration and family ties. Applicants showing long-term residence stability, local investment and contribution to Namibian society strengthen future permanent residence cases.

What changed in 2026

New e-permit system now tracks renewals and reduces manual paperwork. Investors can file digitally through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board. Residence cards became biometric with integrated tax and employment data.

Did you know?

Namibia’s Permanent Residence Permit grants lifetime stay rights without renewal, provided holders maintain good conduct and do not reside abroad for over two years consecutively.

Common mistakes

• Assuming work permit holders can freely change employers without prior approval.
• Failing to legalise foreign certificates.
• Applying for permanent residence without continuous stay evidence.
• Submitting outdated medical or police clearances.
• Not updating address after relocation.

FAQ

Expert opinion

Namibia’s residence system rewards documentation discipline — maintain every renewal file as evidence of stability. Authorities value tax compliance, verified investment, and genuine family ties. With a clean record and consistent paperwork, permanent residence becomes a natural progression.

— Maya, African Immigration Specialist, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Ready to secure your Namibian residence? Receive a free consultation, document checklist and timeline analysis from VelesClub Int. Visit our main platform or explore full templates in the Residency & Citizenship section — and continue to the companion citizenship article for naturalisation details.