Overview
The visa is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) to freelancers, self-employed professionals and remote employees who work for companies or clients outside Namibia. The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board publishes the requirements: US$2,000 a month for the applicant, US$1,000 for an accompanying spouse and US$500 per child, valid international health and travel insurance, and a valid passport.
The visa grants a six-month stay, is non-renewable, and applicants can only reapply twelve months after expiry; no change of condition is allowed.
Editor's note — Namibia taxes income by source, and services are sourced where they are performed — so income earned while physically in Namibia can in principle be taxable there. Most six-month nomads never register, but take advice if you are on a large salary.
Who is eligible
- Remote work for companies or clients based outside Namibia — freelancers, self-employed and remote employees.
- Minimum monthly income of US$2,000 (plus US$1,000 for a spouse and US$500 per child), shown with six months of bank statements.
- Valid international health and travel insurance for the stay.
- Valid passport and, for employees, a motivation letter from the employer.
- Clean record; no local employment.
Income & financial requirements
Per month.
Per month.
Per month.
Payable on approval, before travel.
NIPDB lists US$2,000 a month for the main applicant, US$1,000 for an accompanying spouse and US$500 per child, evidenced with six months of bank statements and an employer letter or proof of self-employment.
Costs & fees
- NAD 3,300 visa fee, required upon approval and before arrival.
- International health and travel insurance.
- Namibia is inexpensive outside tourism hotspots; long-term rentals in Windhoek and Swakopmund are reasonable.
Taxes
Namibia applies source-based taxation: income for services performed in Namibia is Namibian-source regardless of where the client sits. Whether the authorities pursue six-month nomads is another matter — the visa was designed to attract them — but the legal position deserves advice for higher earners.
How to apply
Complete the MHAISS form
Download the application from the Ministry or NIPDB site.
Email the documents
Passport, six months of statements, employer letter or self-employment proof, insurance, photos.
Receive approval and pay
NAD 3,300 on approval, before you travel.
Enter Namibia
Present the approval; the six months are non-extendable.
Duration & renewal
Six months, non-renewable. A new application is possible only twelve months after the visa expires, and no change of condition (to work or residence permits) is allowed.
Bringing family
Spouse and children can accompany the applicant; the income requirement rises by US$1,000 for the spouse and US$500 per child.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Simple email-based application
- Low US$2,000 threshold
- Safe, uncrowded, spectacular landscapes
- English-speaking
Considerations
- Six months, no renewal, 12-month wait to reapply
- Source-based tax exposure
- Fee payable in Namibian dollars on approval
- Limited big-city amenities