Namibian banks do open foreign currency accounts for non-resident individuals: FNB Namibia's application form has a separate "FCA Non Resident Account" option in EUR, GBP, USD, JPY or another currency. None of the four main banks publishes a fully remote opening process for non-residents. The FNB form is handed in at a branch, so an option without travelling has to be agreed with the bank in advance.
Which account you need: an FCA
In Namibia a bank account held in a foreign currency is called a Foreign Currency Account (FCA). FNB's form for individuals has three client categories: Namibian resident, temporary resident or contract worker, and non-resident. You choose the currency on the same form.
For several currencies in one place, FNB also offers the Global Account. Its 2026/2027 pricing guide says it holds up to three currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) and comes with a currency card. In 2018 the bank described it as a product for Namibians aged 18 and over who are registered taxpayers. FNB does not say publicly whether non-residents can open one today, so ask before you apply.
Can you open it without visiting Namibia?
The banks' published documents describe no fully remote route. On the FNB form, you complete and sign the application, hand it in at the nearest branch, and the branch emails it to RMB Namibia, FNB's foreign exchange division. A commissioner of oaths certifies copies of your documents, or an FNB staff member checks the originals and makes the copies.
The same form says the bank does not accept telephone, email or fax instructions on an FCA unless you have signed a waiver and indemnity for electronic instructions. Sign it at the start if you plan to run the account from abroad.
Whether a bank accepts documents certified in your home country, and how many visits you need, depends on the bank and your situation. We go through this at the first free consultation.
Documents for a non-resident
- a valid passport or foreign national identity document;
- a visa endorsement, if you have one;
- your residential address abroad and an email address for statements;
- the signature card that is part of the bank's form.
Under the Financial Intelligence Act a bank can ask for more, such as proof of the source of funds. Ask the bank for its list in writing. Our document checklist covers accounts and companies.
What SWIFT transfers cost
FNB Namibia fees in force from 1 July 2026:
- inward SWIFT: 0.79% of the N$ value, minimum N$149, maximum N$968;
- outward SWIFT via online banking: N$177;
- outward SWIFT at a branch: 0.79%, minimum N$184, maximum N$1,034;
- unpaid or returned payment: N$714; payment amendment: N$177.
For example, an inward transfer worth N$50,000 costs N$395 at FNB. Above roughly N$122,500 the fee stays at the N$968 cap, and below about N$18,900 you pay the N$149 minimum. Standard Bank Namibia's 2025 tariff charges a flat N$67.90 for an inward telegraphic transfer. Correspondent bank charges and the exchange rate come on top.
Exchange control
Bank of Namibia runs exchange control through the authorised commercial banks. Its FAQ says the controls apply mostly to residents. Payments with countries outside the Common Monetary Area (Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini) settle in foreign currency or in Namibia dollars from a local non-resident account, and the central bank tells customers to check with their bank which currencies it will handle.
FNB states that FCA transactions are subject to the Exchange Control Regulations of 1961. Deposits and withdrawals need one business day's notice, and any exchange rate gain or loss on conversion to Namibia dollars is yours.
A card for the account
The FNB FCA form has no card option. Cards come with a current account or the Global Account; fees abroad are covered in Namibian bank card for non-residents.
How we help
Opening personal and corporate accounts is part of our services. We prepare the document set, select the bank and accompany the visit. Terms are discussed at the first free consultation.
For a regular account in Namibia dollars, read personal bank account in Namibia for foreigners. Company accounts are covered in corporate bank account in Namibia. If the account is part of a move backed by investment, start with Namibia permanent residence by investment.
This material is provided for reference. Data as of October 2026.
FAQ
Can a non-resident open a USD or EUR account in Namibia?
Yes. FNB Namibia's application form has an FCA Non Resident Account option in EUR, GBP, USD, JPY or another currency. A non-resident provides a passport or foreign national ID and a visa endorsement.
Do I have to travel to Namibia to open a foreign currency account?
The banks' published forms are handed in at a branch, and a commissioner of oaths or a bank officer certifies the document copies. Whether you can do it without a visit depends on the bank and is agreed in advance.
How much does an inward SWIFT transfer to a Namibian account cost?
At FNB Namibia from 1 July 2026: 0.79% of the N$ value, minimum N$149, maximum N$968. Standard Bank Namibia's 2025 tariff: N$67.90 per inward transfer.
