Namibia has no "residence for a fixed amount" programme like some European countries. The investor route works differently: you start or buy a business and obtain an investor permit, then apply for a Permanent Residence Permit. The country's immigration board decides, based on your contribution to the economy. Here is how the route works in 2026.
In brief
- Step one is the investor and business-owner permit for up to 5 years (Employment Permit to Conduct Business), via NIPDB.
- Then permanent residence under section 26 of the Immigration Control Act. The law sets no fixed investment amount and no minimum residence period.
- The official PR fee is N$20,000, paid after approval.
- Buying property does not by itself grant residence.
- Namibia has no citizenship-by-investment programme.
Step 1. Investor permit (up to 5 years)
Since September 2026 the Employment Permit to Conduct Business has been available to investors and business owners. It allows you to live in Namibia and work in your own company.
- Applications go through NIPDB (Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board).
- NIPDB confirms investor status, assesses the economic contribution (capital, jobs, local value added) and forwards the application to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- NIPDB processes it within 30 working days.
- A fee of N$2,600 on approval.
- Apply 2–3 months before entry.
Minimum investment amounts for this permit have not yet been officially published: NIPDB assesses each project.
Step 2. Permanent Residence Permit
Under section 26 of the Immigration Control Act 1993, the immigration board grants PR if the applicant:
- is of good character and will be a "desirable inhabitant";
- has sufficient means or the right qualifications and experience;
- will not take up an occupation already sufficiently filled in the country.
The law names no fixed amount and no minimum residence period. In practice, immigration consultants refer to several years of running a registered business before applying; the periods quoted range from 5 to 10 years. Timing and the strength of an application depend on the scale of the business and its economic contribution.
Fee: N$20,000 after approval (Ministry of Home Affairs).
PR documents
Per the ministry's list:
- PR application, temporary permit and visa forms;
- medical and radiological reports;
- deed of surety from a bank or employer;
- passport copy, two photos;
- police clearances from your home country and Namibia;
- detailed CV, references;
- proof of financial resources and assets;
- training and experience questionnaire;
- marriage certificate (where applicable).
Other routes
Property in Walvis Bay. Intermediaries offer a route through buying a home at the President's Links Estate golf development (from US$365,000; from US$300,000 for buyers over 60): the investor receives a renewable 5-year work permit for their own company and can apply for PR after 7 years of ownership. According to the programme operator, the process is currently under government review, so check the terms at the time of purchase.
Retirees (60+). People moving without employment can obtain PR by proving sufficient means. Consultants cite a guideline of about N$4m in net assets, part of it invested in Namibia; the law sets no fixed amount.
Spouses and children. The spouse, dependent children and dependent parents of a permanent resident can obtain PR on a separate basis.
What to know
- Entry: after PR approval you must enter Namibia within six months.
- Keeping status: an absence of more than two years (without domicile) can lead to loss of PR.
- Citizenship is possible only by naturalisation after long residence; there is no citizenship-by-investment programme.
- Property is open to foreigners but does not confer status. More: Buying property in Namibia as a foreigner.
How we help
We register companies, open accounts, prepare the document pack for the investor permit and for PR, and arrange meetings with immigration lawyers in Windhoek. Choosing the route (business, property, retirement) and assessing your case happen at the first free consultation.
More on permit types: Residence permits in Namibia. Investor conditions: Doing business and investing in Namibia in 2026.
This material is provided for reference. Data as of October 2026.
