A Namibian work permit is a permit to enter and stay in Namibia for the purpose of employment. It takes the form of a stamp in a passport and is issued either by a Namibian consulate or embassy or the Ministry of Home Affairs.

If a work permit is issued, it gives the right to temporary residence in Namibia.

What is the decision-making process for a work permit in Namibia?

There are a number of key considerations that the Immigration Commission takes into account when deciding whether to issue a work permit in Namibia:

• It is necessary to prove that the applicant has the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience in a particular field.
• That the prospective employer has failed to hire and fill the vacancy with a Namibian candidate. Namibia is currently experiencing a real shortage of skilled professionals in certain areas and there is a basic understanding of the need to hire foreign workers to fill these positions.
• Application process
• There is no doubt that applying for a work permit in Namibia can be difficult and sometimes unpredictable. The Namibian Immigration Service tends to apply its requirements set out in section 27 of the Immigration Control Act on a case-by-case basis.
• The law further states that no person may enter or reside in Namibia for the purpose of temporary residence in the case of any person who intends to enter or reside in Namibia for the purpose of employment. Therefore, applicants must have a permit before entering Namibia.

Application processing can take from three to nine months.

Validity of a work permit in Namibia

A work permit in Namibia is usually issued for a period of 1 to 3 years. According to the provisions of the law, the immigration commission can extend the validity period of the work permit.

Spouse and children

Spouses and children can also obtain permission to enter and stay in Namibia as part of a work permit.

Guarantee payment

It is the duty of the holder of a Namibian work permit to comply with the terms and conditions on which the permit was issued. To ensure this, a security deposit may be required as specified in the relevant bulletin.

Application requirements

From a natural person

• The application form is completely filled out. Resolution images in Namibia
• 2 recent passport-size photos.
• Certificates of education and qualification.
• Details of the applicant's previous positions and job references.
• Police certificate from the applicant's country of origin.
• Radiological conclusion and medical certificate.
• A copy of the applicant's passport.
• Copy of marriage/divorce certificate if married to a Namibian citizen, proof of citizenship.

From the employer

• Job offer (employer submission).
• If the vacancy was advertised, a copy of the announcement.
• A letter of motivation from a potential employer.
• Guarantee document.
• Proof that the vacancy has been advertised in the Namibian press.

Requirements for a specific position

Position in the civil service - it is necessary to have a letter of recommendation from the permanent secretary of the given ministry.

Medical professionals - proof of registration with the Medical Council of Namibia.

Engineers - proof of registration with the Engineering Council of Namibia.

Visas must be issued at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Immigration, Protection, and Security. For more information, visit their website: https://mha.gov.na/ 

From 1 August 2016, business travelers arriving for meetings/conferences from countries that have a visa waiver agreement with Namibia will be issued a visa on arrival free of charge.

This visa is issued to potential investors who wish to explore business opportunities for the purpose of attending meetings/official government visits/conferences/seminars/workshops/seminars (but not as an organizer)/sports events/trade fairs/corporate events (without working), treatment and other purposes, except employment of any kind.

Documents required:

• Visa application form
• Passport (original). The validity period of the passport must be at least six (6) months from the date of departure and it must contain at least three (3) or more blank pages;
• Current passport photo x1
• Confirmation of air ticket or vehicle reservation
• A letter of motivation from your current company (employer)
• Travel insurance
• Invitation from a Namibian company/institute/ministry
• Confirmation of the payment receipt or printout of the receipt (online payments)

If you work as a volunteer, in media/film production, or want to enter Namibia for research purposes, you need a work/business visa. Otherwise, if you are working as a volunteer and only have a tourist visa, you will be refused entry.

Documents required for volunteers:

• Visa application form
• Passport (original). The validity period of the passport must be at least six (6) months from the date of departure and it must contain at least three (3) or more blank pages;
• Current passport photo x1
• Confirmation of air ticket or vehicle reservation
• Travel insurance
• Letter of invitation from a Namibian company/institution/ministry
• Confirmation of the payment receipt or printout of the receipt (online payments)

For researchers:

• Visa application form
• Passport (original). The validity period of the passport must be at least six (6) months from the date of departure and it must contain at least three (3) or more blank pages;
• Current passport photo x1
• Confirmation of air ticket or vehicle reservation
• Travel insurance
• Motivation letter from your current company/institute/school
• Invitation from a Namibian company/institute/ministry
• Confirmation of the payment receipt or printout of the receipt (online payments)