Which visa or permit do you need to work in Namibia?

Work of up to 6 months needs a short term work visa. Employment with a Namibian employer for longer than 6 months needs an employment permit, issued under section 27 of the Immigration Control Act 7 of 1993.

What counts as work?

Any paid or unpaid work counts. The Immigration Regulations define "employment" as engagement in any occupation, whether the person is self employed or employed by another person, and "occupation" as work or any other activity for gain. Section 24 of the Act says a person who intends to enter or reside in Namibia for employment, business, or a profession needs an employment permit. A visitor may not work. Regulation 5(3) states that no visitor shall engage in employment unless issued an employment permit under section 27(1).

When is a short term work visa the right choice?

The short term work visa covers contracts, installations, consultants, trainers and conference speakers, for any paid or unpaid work of up to 6 months. It is issued for up to 3 months and can be extended once, to 6 months in total, or it is issued once for 6 months. A visa issued for 6 months cannot be extended. The government fee is N$1,600 per visa of up to 90 days.

The 6 month version needs more paperwork: a police clearance, a medical certificate, and a radiological report (a chest X ray).

When is an employment permit the right choice?

Choose an employment permit when a Namibian employer will employ the person for longer than 6 months. It is issued per year, up to 2 years, and is renewable. The government fee is N$2,600 per year. The employer must pass a labour market test, which means showing that no Namibian can do the job, and must be registered and in good standing with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), Social Security and the Employment Equity Commission.

Can both be used together?

Yes. A person who needs to start before the permit is approved can work legally on the short term work visa while the employment permit is processed. Working while waiting on a visitor visa is not allowed.

What to prepare

1. A certified passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 clean pages.
2. The contract or tender, or the signed employment contract.
3. Qualifications and a CV showing relevant experience.
4. A motivation letter from the employer.
5. For long term work: the employer's company documents and good standing certificates.

Frequently asked questions

Can a person start work while the employment permit is being processed?

Not on the permit itself. The person can start on a short term work visa, which typically takes about 10 working days as stated by the Ministry, and the permit is lodged in parallel.

What extra documents does the 6 month version need?

The 6 month version needs a police clearance, a medical certificate and a radiological report. We confirm the full checklist for the visa length before lodging.

Can I switch from a visitor visa to a work visa once I am in Namibia?

Not to start work. A visitor may not work (Act, section 29(6)), so the work visa or permit must be issued before the first day of work. Lodge the work route before travel.

We confirm the right route for your hire, then prepare and lodge the application. Contact Andersen in Namibia: WhatsApp +264 81 315 7942, info@na.andersen.com, +264 61 402520 or na.andersen.com.