Business Investment Visa for Namibia

Namibia is focused on attracting foreign direct investment and demonstrating a clear commitment to welcoming investors. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) serves as a key source of information for prospective investors.

A Business Investment Visa/Permit allows foreign investors to establish and work in their own business in Namibia, contributing to the local economy while complying with immigration regulations.

While foreign investors are generally allowed to engage in any economic sector, investing in priority sectors identified by NIPDB increases the likelihood of a successful application. Priority sectors include:

• Renewable Energy
• Green Hydrogen
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Oil & Gas
• Metals & Mining
• Transportation & Logistics
• Chemicals
• Global Business Services

In certain cases, like tourism, the physical location of the investment can influence the approval outcome. For example, a guesthouse in Swakopmund may be discouraged due to market saturation, while a similar business in a less-served northern region may be encouraged.

For investments outside of priority sectors, applicants must demonstrate that their business does not contribute to market saturation.

• Any foreign investor can establish or invest in a business in Namibia, but this alone does not automatically grant the right to work in that business.
• Applicants must present a viable business with a growth strategy and evidence of its capacity to create jobs for Namibians. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) reviews the viability and scalability of proposed businesses.
• Business ideas must be distinct, with careful attention to local market conditions to avoid oversaturation. Research on local dynamics and competitors is critical. Aligning with Namibia’s economic priorities, such as Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Tourism, and Global Business Services, is recommended.

When applying for a Namibia Business Investment Visa/Permit, your investment will be assessed against specific criteria to ensure it contributes positively to the Namibian economy. These criteria include:

• Financial Investment: The amount of Namibia Dollars (NAD) invested or committed for investment. When considering investment for Namibian residency or business, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) assesses proposals based on business type and capital needs. The NIPDB is approachable and can provide feedback on business plans.
• Minimum Threshold: The minimum investment threshold is N$2 million. At the time of application, this capital must be available for investment – it is not required that it is already invested into the business. However, a N$2 million investment does not guarantee the visa. Each business is judged on its capital requirements, and whether the stipulated amount is sufficient for the business operations.
• Operational Costs: Operational costs count toward your overall investment amount, covering essential expenses like salaries, rent, and utilities. Including these costs shows financial readiness and commitment to building a sustainable business.
• Employment Impact: The number of jobs created for Namibians, including detailed descriptions of positions, skills transferred, and salary ranges. The ability of your business to generate employment and contribute to skill development within the local workforce plays a significant role in the evaluation process.
• Revenue and Economic Contribution: Projected revenue, anticipated economic impact, and the long-term viability of your business proposal are important for demonstrating your business’s sustainability and contribution to the local economy.
• Export Potential: The potential to export goods and services, thereby earning foreign currency and enhancing Namibia’s economic diversification.
• Alignment with National Goals: Your business’s ability to align with Namibia’s national development goals, including its scalability potential, economic growth contributions, and relevance to key economic sectors.

Personal Documents Required:

• Two recent passport-sized photos (original)
• Certified copy of passport bio-data page
• Highest professional qualification (if applicable)
• Police clearance from the country of origin and any other country of residence exceeding 12 months
• Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)
• Motivational letter and comprehensive CV
• Completed work permit and visa application forms
• Original medical certificate and radiological report

Company Documents Required:

• Detailed business proposal (business plan)
• Company profile outlining core activities
• Proof of financial resources
• Business registration documents for Namibia
• Lease agreement or proof of ownership for business premises
• Investor’s information form
• Deed of surety form (if applicable)
• Business questionnaire
• Proof of registration with Social Security and Inland Revenue authorities
• Good standing certificates from Social Security and Inland Revenue
• Employee list as registered with Social Security
• Employment equity compliance certificate (if applicable)
• Power of attorney form, if required

• 1-year permit: NAD 2,600
• 2-year permit: NAD 5,200

1. Company Formation: Establish a legal entity in Namibia, typically a Close Corporation (CC) or a Pty Ltd company.
2. Document Collection: Assemble all necessary documents for both personal and company requirements.
3. Bank Account: Demonstrate that the business entity has a Namibian bank account. Note that local banks may require a work visa to open such accounts. A temporary arrangement with a local director may resolve this.
4. Draft a Business Plan: Address potential rejection risks due to market saturation by emphasizing localized market research, financial viability, job creation, and skills transfer.
5. Application Preparation: Complete all necessary documentation for an investment visa application.
6. Submission: Submit the completed application through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security in Namibia. Submissions can be made on behalf of the applicant and do not require the applicant to be in-country. No fee is charged for submissions.
7. Processing: The Ministry reviews the application for basic eligibility, then forwards it to the NIPDB for assessment. This often involves a 45-minute interview with the investor. Once the NIPDB approves the proposal, it is returned to the Ministry for final approval.
8. Waiting Period: Applicants must remain outside Namibia while awaiting a decision. Processing times typically range from 3 to 5 months.
9. Approval and Payment: Once approved, the applicant pays the necessary fees and submits their passport for visa endorsement, which typically takes 7-10 business days.

Investors should be aware of potential pitfalls that can delay or jeopardize their application:

• Inadequate Market Research: Avoid entering markets that are already oversaturated. Conduct thorough research to ensure your business aligns with local demand.
• Unclear Financial Documentation: Ensure all proof of funds and financial statements are clear, transparent, and well-documented to avoid delays or rejections.
• Limited Job Creation: Businesses must demonstrate a significant and positive impact on local employment. A lack of clarity on job creation plans or insufficient employment contributions can hinder approval.
• Non-Compliance with Local Regulations: Adherence to all relevant local laws and regulations is mandatory. Failure to comply can lead to application rejections or operational delays.
• Lack of Economic Contribution: Businesses that fail to demonstrate a meaningful contribution to Namibia’s economy or offer minimal growth potential may face challenges in securing approval.

Navigating the business and investment landscape in Namibia often requires coordination with several agencies and ministries. Here are the main entities involved in business registration, regulatory compliance, and investment facilitation:

• Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA): Responsible for business registration and intellectual property services.
• City of Windhoek: Handles business registration, including fitness certificates for business premises.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR): Issues importation permits, land management approvals, and real estate registrations.
• Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT): Provides environmental clearance certificates and manages tourism-related permits.
• Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS): Oversees visa and permit applications, including business investment permits.
• Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME): Handles licensing related to mineral rights and petroleum exploration and activities.
• Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC): Ensures compliance with competition laws and issues certificates of clearance.
• Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA): Manages land allocation and industrial property investments.