The Namibia business visa allows foreign nationals to enter Namibia for short-term business activities such as attending meetings, exploring investment opportunities, negotiating contracts, and participating in conferences. Since April 2025, new visa rules apply to citizens of many countries. This guide explains who needs a business visa, how to apply, what documents are required, and what the fees are.
Who Needs a Business Visa for Namibia?
Whether you need a business visa depends on your nationality. Namibia categorizes foreign visitors into three groups:
- Visa-exempt nationals – Citizens of countries with bilateral visa exemption agreements (e.g., South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR) can enter Namibia without a visa for business visitor activities for up to 90 days.
- Visa on Arrival nationals – Citizens of over 100 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and most EU nations, must obtain a visa before or upon arrival since April 1, 2025.
- Pre-arranged visa nationals – Citizens of countries not on either list must apply through a Namibian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Even visa-exempt nationals engaging in short-term business visitor activities – such as attending meetings, exploring business opportunities, or attending workshops – can enter under the standard Visitors Entry Permit (VEP). However, anyone performing actual work, giving training, conducting audits, or volunteering must obtain a work permit regardless of nationality.
Business Visa vs. Business Investment Permit
Namibia distinguishes between two types of business-related visas:
| Feature | Business Visa (Visitor) | Business Investment Permit |
|---|---|---|
| **Purpose** | Meetings, conferences, exploring opportunities | Owning and operating a business in Namibia |
| **Duration** | Up to 90 days | 24 months (renewable) |
| **Work allowed?** | No employment or hands-on work | Yes, within your own business |
| **Application** | Online (e-Visa) or on arrival | In person at Ministry of Home Affairs |
| **Processing** | Minutes to days | 3-5 months |
| **Fee** | NAD 1,600 (non-AU countries) | NAD 5,200 (2-year permit) |
If your goal is to explore business opportunities, attend meetings, or negotiate deals, a standard business visa or visa on arrival is sufficient. If you plan to establish and operate a business in Namibia, you need the Business Investment Permit (a long-term work permit).
How to Apply for a Namibia Business Visa
Option 1: e-Visa Online (Recommended)
The fastest way to get a Namibia business visa is through the government’s online e-Visa portal.
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the official Namibia e-Visa portal at eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
- Create an account with your email address
- Select “Visa on Arrival” as your visa type
- Choose “Business” as your purpose of travel
- Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
- Upload a passport scan (PDF format, under 2 MB)
- Upload a recent passport-style photo (under 300 KB)
- Enter your travel itinerary – first accommodation, destinations, and last place of stay
- Pay the visa fee online (NAD 1,600 for non-African Union citizens, plus 3% service fee)
- Receive your e-Visa approval via email
- Print the e-Visa – you must present a signed hard copy at immigration
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your departure date. The e-Visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa automatically.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
If you have not applied online, you can obtain a visa on arrival at select entry points. You will need to fill in an arrival form (A5 format) – often distributed on the plane before landing – and present it with your documents to the immigration officer.
Entry points issuing visas on arrival:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Walvis Bay Harbour
- Oshikango Border Post
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post
- Noordoewer Border Post
- Katima Mulilo Border Post
- Ngoma Border Post
- Oranjemund Border Post
- Impalila Island Border Post
- Mohembo Border Post
- Lüderitz Airport and Harbour
- Ruacana Border Post
Option 3: Embassy Application
You can also apply in advance at a Namibian embassy or consulate in your country. This is mandatory for nationals who are not eligible for visa on arrival. Processing typically takes a minimum of 3 working days after submission.
Documents required for embassy applications:
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 3 blank pages
- Two passport-sized color photographs (2″ × 2″, white background, taken within 3 months)
- Motivation letter stating the nature and purpose of your business visit
- Proof of confirmed return ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Namibia
- Proof of financial means (3 months of bank statements)
- Copy of legal residence status in your country of residence
- Travel insurance
- Invitation letter from your Namibian business contact (if applicable)
- All documents must be in English or sworn translated into English
Namibia Business Visa Fees (2025)
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (non-African Union countries) | NAD 1,600 (approx. USD 90 / EUR 82) |
| Visa on Arrival (African Union countries) | NAD 1,200 |
| Children aged 6-11 (non-AU) | NAD 800 |
| Children aged 6-11 (AU) | NAD 600 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Single entry visa (embassy, Germany) | EUR 80 |
| Multiple entry visa (embassy, Germany) | EUR 130 |
| Express/same-day service (embassy) | EUR 80-220 |
| Business entry visa (Switzerland embassy) | CHF 105 |
A 3% service fee applies to all online e-Visa payments. All visa fees are non-refundable.
Namibia Business Investment Permit
For foreign nationals who want to establish and operate a business in Namibia, the Business Investment Permit (also called a Long-Term Work Permit for Investors) is required. This permit allows you to reside in Namibia and work within your own business for 24 months.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must present a viable business plan with a growth strategy
- Your business must create employment opportunities for Namibian citizens
- The business must comply with Namibian immigration and investment regulations
- Priority sectors include renewable energy, green hydrogen, oil and gas, metals and mining, transportation and logistics, and global business services
Required Documents
Personal documents:
- Completed Visa Application Form (3-1/0033)
- Completed Work Permit Application Form (3-1/0001)
- Two passport-sized color photographs
- Certified copy of passport bio-data page
- Original police clearance certificate (issued within 6 months)
- Original Medical Certificate (3-1/0003)
- Original Radiological Report (3-1/0004)
- Certified copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Detailed CV in English
- Certified copies of relevant qualifications
Company documents:
- Motivational letter on company letterhead
- Comprehensive business plan
- Company Tax Registration Certificate and Good Standing Certificate from NamRA
- Company profile and registration documents
- Proof of financial resources
- Lease agreement or proof of ownership for business premises
- Six months of company bank statements
- Employment Equity Compliance Certificate
- Social Security Commission registration
Processing Time and Costs
- Preparation: 72 hours (if documents are complete)
- Processing: 3-5 months from submission date
- Post-approval endorsement: 7-10 working days in Namibia
- Fee (1-year permit): NAD 2,600
- Fee (2-year permit): NAD 5,200
Fees are payable only after the permit is approved. The applicant must be physically present in Namibia for the passport endorsement.
Application Process
- Register your business with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA)
- Gather all documents including a comprehensive business plan
- Submit in person at the Ministry of Home Affairs counter in Windhoek
- Wait for processing – the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) will schedule a business evaluation interview
- Pay fees upon approval
- Present your passport for endorsement (7-10 working days)
The Business Investment Permit can lead to permanent residence after 5 years of continuous business operation in Namibia.
Documents Required at the Port of Entry
Regardless of how you obtained your visa, be prepared to present the following documents when arriving in Namibia:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 3 blank pages
- Printed and signed e-Visa approval (if applicable)
- Return ticket or proof of onward travel
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (booking confirmations, credit/debit card, or bank statement)
- Travel or medical insurance in English
- Birth certificate or parental consent letter (if traveling with children)
Key Tips for Business Travelers
- Apply online in advance. The e-Visa process is faster and avoids queues at the airport.
- Print your e-Visa. Digital copies on phones or tablets are not accepted at immigration.
- Know your visa type. Visa on arrival is for tourist and business visitor purposes only. If you plan to work, train staff, or conduct audits at a Namibian subsidiary, you need a work permit.
- Multiple entry. The e-Visa on arrival is automatically issued as a multiple-entry visa, so you can leave and re-enter Namibia during its validity.
- Extensions. The visa is valid for up to 90 days. Extensions for a further 3 months can be requested at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
- Business Investment Permit holders can apply for permanent residence after operating their business for over 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Namibia on a business visa?
No. A business visa or visa on arrival allows you to attend meetings, explore business opportunities, and participate in conferences – but not to engage in any form of employment. To work in Namibia, you need a work permit or employment visa.
How long does it take to get a Namibia business visa?
The e-Visa can be processed within a few days. Embassy applications take a minimum of 3 working days. The Business Investment Permit takes 3-5 months from submission.
Is there a minimum investment amount for the Business Investment Permit?
There is no fixed minimum capital requirement. The NIPDB evaluates each business proposal based on viability, capital adequacy, sector alignment, and economic contribution. The required capital varies by business type and scale.
Can I apply for a visa on arrival if I am from the US, UK, or Canada?
Yes. Since April 1, 2025, US, UK, and Canadian citizens must obtain a visa. You can apply online for an e-Visa in advance or get a visa on arrival at select entry points.
How long can I stay in Namibia on a business visa?
The visa on arrival is valid for up to 90 days in a calendar year. Extensions may be available through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Does the Business Investment Permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes. After holding the permit and operating your business for over 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for Namibian permanent residence based on investment.
Contact Information
Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security
Corner of Hosea Kutako Drive and Harvey Street, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: 081 9511000 / 081 951 0000
Website: mha.gov.na
e-Visa Portal: eservices.mhaiss.gov.na
