Namibia introduced the Employment Permit to Conduct a Business, commonly called the Investor Permit, on 1 September 2026. It is a route for qualifying investors and business people; it is not an automatic residence programme or a promise that a specific project will be approved.
What the permit can cover
NIPDB says the permit may be issued for up to five years and also serves as work authorisation for the approved investment-related business activity. The wording matters: the duration is a possible term of this programme, while the Immigration Selection Board makes the final decision through the prescribed immigration process.
The official route
- Prepare the prescribed employment-permit application and supporting documents.
- Submit the application through NIPDB, by email or at its Windhoek office.
- NIPDB confirms investor status and carries out the business and economic-impact assessment.
- The application proceeds to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security for consideration by the Immigration Selection Board.
- After approval, NIPDB states that the applicable fee is N$2,600.
What this does not answer
NIPDB advises applicants to use the latest checklist. Its public page does not establish a universal minimum investment, a guaranteed processing time, permanent residence or approval for a particular business type. Check the current requirements before submitting any application.
Prepare the business side separately
A permit application is not company registration. If a Namibian entity is part of the plan, first understand BIPA company registration, the document pack for a company and bank account, and the broader investment decision path.
FAQ
Who makes the final Investor Permit decision?
NIPDB performs the investor and economic assessment, while the application proceeds to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security for consideration by the Immigration Selection Board.
Does the Investor Permit guarantee permanent residence?
No. NIPDB describes an employment permit for conducting an approved business. Permanent residence is a separate process under the Immigration Control Act.
