Permanent Residence in Namibia

Application to Namibian Permanent Residence Starts Here

Permanent residency is your legal resident status, whereby you are entitled to live in Namibia permanently. To qualify for a Namibian permit, you must have lived in the country for 10 years under a valid work permit. Alternatively, you may apply as a retiree or a business investor.

Who can apply for a Namibian Permanent Residence Permit?

There are three paths that allow for Namibia permit applications:

• Naturalised persons who have worked on a valid work permit in Namibia for a minimum of 10 years.
• Business investors who have operated a business in Namibia (on a valid work permit) for over five years. Learn more about the investment visa.
• Retirees who are 60 years and above and have the financial means to live in Namibia independently. Please note that there are no options to obtain temporary residency for Namibia based on your retirement, only Permanent Residency.
• Spouses and children may also qualify for a Namibian permit. However, adult children (21 years and above) must apply independently.

Note: If you want to apply for Permanent Residency in order to retire in Namibia, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) regulations require a minimum of N$4 million investment value for all permanent residence permit applications (with rare exceptions). The investment value can be a combination of assets, funds in the bank, retirement funds, and other investments. Part of your wealth should already be invested in Namibia. Nothing in the Act and Regulations of the Namibian Department of Home Affairs refers to an exact amount, but from practical experience, we can confirm that the Department expects the following:

• N$ 2 million invested into a property in Namibia to show your commitment to the country.
• N$ 2 million in a Namibian bank account/retirement fund, etc.
• Monthly income of N$ 50,000 to survive independently in Namibia.

Note: Applications for Namibian visas are considered on merit. Requirements differ depending on whether you currently work in Namibia, are an investor, are retired, or have some other status. However, some requirements for Namibian permits are the same, regardless of circumstance.

General Requirements for Namibian Permits

• Completed Application for a Permanent Residence Permit.
• Declaration form.
• Medical and radiological certificates.
• Copies of all types of certificates, including birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates or letters.
• Copy of passport.
• Two current passport photographs.
• Police clearance certificates, from your home country and Namibia.
• Highest educational and training certificates.
• Motivational letters.
• Detailed CV (not needed for retirees).
• Latest employment contract (not needed for retirees).
• Taxpayer certificate.
• Work references and recommendation letters. These are letters of recommendation supporting the permanent residence application from current and previous employers, friends, and family.
• Proof of financial resources to maintain yourself while living in Namibia. This provides an overview of wealth and sustainability to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Examples include:
  • Six months’ bank statements (Namibian and foreign).
  • Pension funds.
  • Investment policies.
  • Business financial statements.
  • Bank guarantee letters.
  • Proof of property ownership (Namibian and foreign).
• In the case of minors, a letter from the relevant institute of learning.
• Written consent from both parents and guardians for applicants younger than 21.
• Deed of surety.
• If you are not submitting your application yourself, a Power of Attorney form.
• Company documents – applicable if you’re submitting your application for permanent residence through the investment path.
• Proof of current legal status in Namibia if you are currently residing in Namibia.

N$20,000 government processing costs, payable only upon approval.

Please note that applications for Permanent Residency are submitted directly at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Namibia. You do not have to be present for this – an immigration company can submit on your behalf, using a Power of Attorney form.

Steps for Applying for Permanent Residency in Namibia

1. Eligibility Assessment: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residence, including the financial investment requirement of N$4 million.
2. Document Preparation: Collect all necessary documents, including a detailed motivation letter explaining your intent to reside in Namibia permanently.
3. Application Form: Complete the required application form for permanent residence. Ensure all details are accurate and that you have attached the required supporting documents.
4. Company Representation (Optional): You can choose to submit your application in person, or you may authorise a company to act on your behalf using a Power of Attorney form. This can be particularly beneficial if you are abroad or prefer a representative to handle the process.
5. Submission: Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security in Windhoek. You may submit in person, or, as mentioned, a company or representative can submit on your behalf with proper authorisation.
6. Processing: Your application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Processing time is usually between 4 – 6 months.
7. Outcome: Once a decision is made, you will be informed of the outcome. If approved, you will be required to pay the application fee of N$20,000.
8. Enter Namibia: If you aren’t already living in Namibia, you have six months to enter the country.
9. Endorsement: Submit your main passport along with proof of the government fee payment. After that, the Ministry of Home Affairs typically takes about 2-3 weeks to issue a Permanent Residence certificate and place an endorsement sticker in your passport. This sticker will be valid until the passport itself expires. Please note, the endorsement process can only be completed when you are physically in Namibia.

To retain your Permanent Residence in Namibia, you must visit Namibia at least once every two years to avoid losing your status.