Namibia Residence by Investment 2026

The minimum business investment is NAD 3,950,000 (approximately USD $220,000 at current exchange rates), with a requirement to own at least 10% of the qualifying Namibian company. Alternatively, property investment at the government-supported President’s Links Estate starts from approximately USD $316,000 (NAD 5,670,000). Both pathways grant a five-year renewable work permit and residence.

President’s Links is a government-supported luxury resort and golf course development in Namibia. Purchasing property within the estate (from approximately USD $316,000) qualifies investors for a five-year renewable work permit and residence. This route is particularly suitable for investors seeking a lifestyle-oriented Namibian asset alongside their residency status, combining recreational and residential use with investment migration benefits.

Yes, but only within your own private companies. The Business Investment Permit grants the right to operate your own businesses in Namibia. You may not take employment with other Namibian companies or accept employee roles outside of your own ventures under this permit category. This restriction is consistent with the programme’s design as an investment-led rather than employment-driven residency pathway.

Namibia operates a territorial tax system, meaning only income sourced within Namibia is subject to local taxation. Foreign-sourced income — including international business profits, overseas dividends, capital gains on foreign assets, and rental income from properties outside Namibia — is fully exempt from Namibian taxation. There is no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. Namibian corporate income tax is levied at 32%, and individual income from Namibian sources is taxed at progressive rates up to 37%.

The Business Investment Permit does not impose a strict minimum physical presence requirement for maintaining the work permit annually. However, the qualifying investment and business must remain active throughout the permit period. For permanent residency eligibility after 10 years, continuous legal residence is required — this implies meaningful connection to Namibia, including regular presence, active business operations, and maintenance of the qualifying investment.

Yes. Your spouse and dependent children under 21 years of age qualify for dependent residence visas under your Business Investment Permit. Each family member submits their own dependent application, linked to the principal applicant’s permit. Dependent visas are processed concurrently with the main application. Children over 21 who are full-time students or have disabilities may also qualify under certain circumstances.

After 10 years of continuous legal residence in Namibia, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided the qualifying investment has been maintained throughout the period. Following a further 10 years of permanent residency (approximately 20 years of total legal status in Namibia), you may apply for Namibian citizenship. This is a long-term pathway, but for investors with genuine long-term Southern Africa business interests, it provides a clear roadmap to full citizenship.

Most legitimate business sectors qualify, provided the investment demonstrates economic contribution to Namibia. Common qualifying sectors include tourism and hospitality, agriculture and agro-processing, mining services, logistics and transportation, technology, and real estate development. The business plan must show commercial viability and, where possible, local employment creation, skills development, and alignment with Namibia’s national development priorities.

Two medical documents are required: (1) an original Medical Certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner confirming general good health, and (2) a Radiological Report (chest X-ray) from an approved facility, primarily used for tuberculosis screening. These documents must be current at the time of application and may need to be obtained from specific approved clinics. Our advisors can provide guidance on approved medical facilities in your jurisdiction.

As a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Namibia provides investors with access to a regional market of over 350 million people across 16 nations, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) membership simplifies trade among Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini, with harmonised tariffs and customs procedures. This regional connectivity makes Namibia an efficient base for businesses with pan-Southern African operations or ambitions.

Namibia offers a compelling combination of political stability, territorial taxation, regional market access, and an accessible investment threshold compared to alternatives in the region. Mauritius offers a lower property investment entry point (USD $375,000) with a more international financial ecosystem. South Africa does not currently offer a formal investment visa programme. For investors specifically targeting Southern African business expansion, Namibia’s SADC/SACU membership and direct market access to neighbouring economies provide advantages not available from island jurisdictions.