This checklist collects the documents that BIPA and a public bank list name for opening a bank account and registering a private company (Pty Ltd) in Namibia. It is dated 3 October 2026. Every bank decides for itself and may ask for more, and we found a public document list for only one bank, FNB Namibia.
1. Personal bank account
- ☐ A valid foreign passport (FNB Namibia's list for foreign nationals).
- ☐ Copies certified by a commissioner of oaths, or the originals for bank staff to verify and copy (FNB).
- ☐ Anything else your chosen bank asks for. FNB says to “check with us” if a document is not easily available. We found no public requirement for proof of address or income, and no public list for other banks.
2. Register a private company (Pty Ltd) with BIPA
- ☐ Approved company name: form CM5, valid for 60 business days according to BIPA's March 2025 presentation.
- ☐ Memorandum and articles booklet: forms CM1, CM2, CM44 or CM44A, and CM44C. One original and two notarised copies.
- ☐ Loose forms: CM22 (postal and registered address), CM29 (directors, auditors and public officers), CM31 (appointment of an auditor), CM46 (certificate to commence business) and the name approval letter.
- ☐ Certified copies of the directors' documents. For a foreign passport, BIPA's close-corporation page asks for notarisation in the issuing country or an Apostille under the 1961 Hague Convention; confirm the same applies to a company.
- ☐ A beneficial ownership declaration for every owner (section 4 below).
Fees, steps and timelines are in our guide to registering a company in Namibia.
3. Company bank account (private company)
From the company
- ☐ Certificate of incorporation (CM1) and certificate to commence business (CM46).
- ☐ Certificate of name change (CM9), if the name changed.
- ☐ Memorandum (CM2) and articles of association (CM44).
- ☐ Notice of registered office and postal address (CM22), stamped by the Registrar of Companies and signed by the company secretary.
- ☐ Special resolution (CM26) and the register of directors, auditors and officers (CM29).
- ☐ A list of shareholders controlling 20% or more of the voting rights at the annual general meeting.
- ☐ Income tax number documents, and VAT documents if you are registered for VAT.
From each related party
FNB counts as related parties the person with executive control, the directors, shareholders with 20% or more of the votes, anyone authorised to act for the company, and the beneficial owners.
- ☐ A valid foreign passport with a copy of the relevant permit or visa. FNB adds that it “must include ‘business’ if trading in Namibia”.
- ☐ For a shareholder that is a company, the documents FNB lists for that type of entity.
Bank forms
- ☐ Mandate by a company and list of signing officers.
- ☐ The application forms for the products you choose.
A foreign company with a place of business in Namibia has its own FNB list and registers with BIPA on form CM49. FNB's list for foreign companies asks for the same company documents without form numbers, and adds agents authorised by a directors' resolution or power of attorney.
4. Beneficial ownership
Section 4 of the Financial Intelligence Act 2012 requires companies to give BIPA details of the natural persons who ultimately own or control them, at registration and every year. According to BIPA's presentation, the BO1 declaration comes with a certified ID or passport copy, and a change of beneficial owners must be declared within 7 days. BIPA names holders of 25% or more of the shares or votes as beneficial owners, while FNB asks for documents from shareholders with 20% or more of the votes, so prepare for the lower threshold.
What these lists do not tell you
- ☐ The bank's own risk assessment and any extra questions it asks, for example about the source of funds.
- ☐ Whether your visa or permit lets you trade in Namibia. See our overview of residence permit types.
- ☐ How long the bank takes and what it charges.
- ☐ Whether you need to be present in person.
- ☐ We do not take requests where the funds come from crypto assets.
Namibia's removal from the FATF grey list did not change these lists; see what the official sources say. This page summarises public documents and is not legal advice. Requirements change, so confirm them with the bank and BIPA before you file.