Namibian Long-Term Work Permit

Are you planning to work in Namibia or are you a Talent Specialist seeking to employ a foreign national for a year or two?
The Namibia 1–2 Year Work Visa and Permit is specifically designed for individuals needing to perform work-related activities in the country for this period. Whether it’s for a defined project or a temporary work assignment, this visa provides the necessary legal framework to carry out your activities. These work permits and visas grant work authorisation and temporary residence.
A Long-Term work permit in Namibia is valid for one to two years (1-2 years).
Suitable for people who need to be in the country to work on a project that will take more than seven months to complete.

In this guide, we will focus on:

• Eligibility
• Processing Time
• Validity
• Document and Form Requirements for Application
• Cost and Fees for Application
• How to Apply or Renew this Work Permit
• FAQs

This visa is typically non-renewable, though extensions may be considered under exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Immigration Board. It’s important to plan your stay accordingly.

If your family plans to join you, spouses and children must apply for accompanying visas to stay legally in Namibia during your work assignment.

Ready to begin your application? Explore the requirements and process to ensure a smooth journey to Working in Namibia.

The Namibian Long-Term Work Permit is designed for foreign nationals who intend to work in Namibia for an extended period.
Unlike the Namibian Short-Term Work Visas, the long-term permit requires a more comprehensive application process, including employer sponsorship and proof that the position could not be filled locally.
The permit allows the holder to reside and work legally in Namibia for the duration granted, with the option to renew or apply for permanent residence if eligible after 10 years of continued residence.

This is a key solution for companies operating in sectors like energy, mining, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, which often face critical skill shortages.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Namibian Long-Term Work Permit, the applicant and receiving entity should fill the below criteria:

• Have a valid job offer from a Namibian-registered employer.
• Possess qualifications and/or experience aligned with the position offered.
• Demonstrate that the role cannot be readily filled by a Namibian citizen. This labour market testing is done by advertising the position in at least 3 local newspapers for a minimum of 14 working days.
• Hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• Provide a medical and radiological report (Certificate) confirming good health.
• Be able to procure a police clearance certificate(s) from their country of origin and/or country of residence for the past 12 months.
• Prove sufficient financial means or employment income to support themselves (and any dependants).

Overview

Applying for a Long-Term Namibian Work Permit requires a comprehensive set of documents to ensure compliance with immigration regulations. This guide outlines the forms and documentation needed for applicants, employers, and accompanying family members. Submitting accurate and complete documentation is essential for a successful application.

Documents Required from the Applicant

• A completed and signed Namibian Visa Application Form (3-1/0033).
• 2x Colour Passport Photos.
• A certified copy of the passport bio-data page (certification not older than six months).
• Certified copies of qualifications relevant to the role (certification not older than one to two years).
• An original Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin and, if different, from the country of residence for the past 12 months.
• An Original Medical Certificate (3-1/0003) issued by a certified medical practitioner.
• An Original Radiological Report (3-1/0004) issued by a certified medical practitioner.
• If you are using the services of a third-party immigration/visa consultant, signed Power of Attorney is required.

Documents Required from the Namibian Business/Receiving Entity

• A motivational letter addressed to Home Affairs, signed by the Head of Department (HOD) or HR of the company, containing:
  • Work/visit duration (start and end dates).
  • Place of work on the official company letterhead.
  • Role/position of the applicant.
• A signed Employment Contract.
• Proof of Job Advertisement in three local newspapers and through the Ministry of Labour, demonstrating the inability to find a suitable Namibian candidate.
• A Confirmation Letter from the Ministry of Labour stating the unavailability of local candidates with the required skills.
• A signed Deed of Surety (Form 3-1/0005) with a revenue stamp.
• A detailed Recruitment Report, if interviews were conducted.
• Confirmation Letter from the Ministry of Labour showcasing compliance with the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS). Employers must register and notify the Ministry of vacancies through the NIEIS portal:
  https://nieis.namibiaatwork.gov.na.

Additional Documentation from the Employer

• A completed Representation by Prospective Employer Form (Form 1-3/0002).
• A Company Profile, showcasing legitimacy and economic contribution.
• A Recruitment Report Applicable if interviews were held with prospective applicants.
• An Original Social Security Commission Tax Good Standing Certificate (valid for one month).
• A Stamped Namelist of Employees from the Social Security Commission.
• A Social Security Registration Certificate.
• Company Registration Documents, including a registration certificate and founding statements.
• A Company Tax Registration Certificate with Inland Revenue (NamRA).
• An Original Tax Good Standing Certificate from Inland Revenue (NamRA).
• Proof of Employment Equity Compliance Certificate (Affirmative Action).
• Latest Financial Statements to demonstrate financial stability.

Additional Notes

Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator. Missing or incomplete documents can delay the processing of your application.

For further guidance, consult the Ministry of Home Affairs or seek assistance from an immigration consultant.

There is compulsory Local Labour Market Testing. You must post a job listing in three national Namibian newspapers for two weeks. There are not many national newspapers in Namibia, and IBN Immigration Solutions can help you with this process.

Following that, you need to approach the Department of Labour. They will search their database and say if they can or can’t find somebody for the job. Compared to South Africa, the Namibian Department of Labour is extremely fast and efficient. They also admit that they don’t have everybody on the database or can’t always find local talent.

Work permit applications in Namibia often have extended processing times, so we encourage you to begin the application process as soon as possible. You don’t want your employment start date to come and go because there were unexpected delays in processing your Namibia permit application.

Here’s how to apply for a Long-Term Work Visa in Namibia:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before beginning your application, confirm that your intended work falls under the category permitted for a Namibian Long-Term Work Permit.
You must have an official offer of employment including the start and ends dates, responsibilities, address of employment and skills required.
Employers must have listed the vacancy on Namibia Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS) and obtain the conformation letter from the Ministry of Labor and that Namibian and Non-Namibians are available to fill the position.

This involves:

• Advertising the job opening in three Namibian newspapers for a minimum of 14 days.
• Obtaining a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Labour, verifying the lack of qualified Namibian candidates to fill the position.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Ensure you compile all required documents.
Ensure all documents are accurate and submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator.

Step 3: Quality Check and Application Compilation

Carefully review all documents to ensure they are complete and meet the required standards. Organise them into a comprehensive application pack before submitting. Any errors or omissions could delay processing times.

Step 4: Submit the Application

• Once all documents are in order, the application will be submitted via the Home Affairs counters
• An Application Pack is what we call a collection of required documentation and forms for application for a Visa/Permit. This application pack can be couriered to Namibia for processing by an Immigration Consultant should you require remote application.
• After submission of documents a receipt is provided by the Home Affairs officials which is used to follow-up on the application process

Step 5: Upon Approval

Once your application is approved, pay the applicable government fees to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Following payment, deliver your passport to the Home Affairs office to have the visa endorsed into your passport. This endorsement process typically takes 7–10 working days.

Key Considerations

• Processing times may vary, so it’s crucial to begin the application process as early as possible to avoid delays affecting your employment start date.
• Ensure that all documents are submitted in English or translated by a sworn translator.
• Check the Ministry of Home Affairs website (https://mha.gov.na) for any updates or additional guidance on the process.

By following these steps, you can navigate the Namibian Long-Term Work Permit application or renewal process, efficiently and confidently.

Visa application fees are paid to the Namibian Home Affairs Department once the visa is approved:

• Application Cost for the Long-Term (1-2 Year) Work Permit:
  N$5200.00

Other additional costs can be found in the form of:

• Costs associated with obtaining, translating or legalising required documents for application
• Costs associated with obtaining Police Clearance Certificate/s
• Costs associated with Labour Market Testing
• Consultation and/or Application Fees when using the services an Namibian Visa and Immigration Consultant. These costs vary and depend on the complexity and difficulty of your Short-Term Namibian Work Visa Application.

Preparation:
If all documents are in order and complete, it will take 72 hours to review, complete and submit.

Submission/Application:
When applying for or renewing the Namibian Long-Term Work Permit, it’s important to understand that the processing time from date of submission to approval of application takes 3-5 months and can vary significantly due to various steps in the application process. Several other factors can extend the total timeline. Applications are submitted at the Home Affairs counters

Post Application:
Once a work permit application is approved, check the approval letter for any conditions that must be fulfilled within a 3-month time frame. If conditions are stipulated, they must be met before making payment to the Home Affairs. If no conditions are indicated, payment can be made immediately to the Home Affairs. After payment, the applicant must be physically present in Namibia for the permit to be endorsed into their passport. The endorsement process typically takes 7-10 working days.

1. Types of Work Visas Available in Namibia: Which One Do You Need?
2. Tips for Improving Eligibility for a Long-Term Work Permit in Namibia
3. How to Apply for a Work Visa in Namibia: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Required Documents for a Work Visa Application in Namibia: Don’t Forget These!
5. Explanation of the role of the Labour Ministry in the Work Permit approval process
6. Renewing Your Work Visa in Namibia: Everything You Need to Know
7. Common Reasons for Visa Application Rejection in Namibia: How to Avoid Them
8. Appeals Process for Visa Application Rejection in Namibia: What You Need to Know
9. Namibia Document Requirements: What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
10. The Role of Medical and Radiological Documents: A Comprehensive Guide
11. Requirements from your Namibian Employer
12. Breakdown of Cost of a Work Visa in Namibia
13. Processing time for a Work Visa in Namibia
14. Tips for Avoiding Delays on Your Namibian Work Visa Application
15. Cultural Differences to Expect in Namibia
16. Understanding Namibian Health Insurance
17. Tax Requirements When Staying in Namibia
18. Bringing Your Family with You to Namibia
19. Tips for a Successful Long-Term Work Permit Application in Namibia