Namibia is rolling out a new immigration permit aimed at making it easier for investors to do business and create jobs in the country.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has announced amendments to Regulation 17 of the Immigration Control Act of 1993, introducing an Employment Permit to Conduct Business, that came into effect on Monday this week. (1 September 2026). The new permit is designed specifically for investors and businesspersons and will be valid for up to five years, significantly longer than the usual two-year employment permit. Importantly, the permit will serve a dual purpose, providing both authorisation to conduct business and permission to work in Namibia.

Applications, however, will have to go through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which will first assess the economic value of the proposed investment before forwarding applications to the Immigration Selection Board. Only investors confirmed by NIPDB will qualify for the new category. Other applicants must continue using the existing employment permit process. Applications must be submitted manually, with the fee set at N$2 600, the same as the General Employment Permit. The ministry said application forms will be available through its offices nationwide, its website, NIPDB offices and the One Stop Service Centre at BIPA’s head office in Windhoek.

The reform is being positioned as a major step towards cutting red tape, attracting foreign direct investment, promoting industrialisation and creating employment. For investors, the message is clear: Namibia is seeking to make the path from investment decision to doing business more straightforward, while ensuring that new investment contributes to the country’s broader economic development.

By Rudi Bowe