Employment Permit (Long-Term Work Permit)
Namibia
Last updated: December 26, 2025
1 to 3 years (renewable)
$312
1-2 months
High
About this Visa
Namibia's Long-Term Work Permit (Employment Permit) is governed by Section 27 of the Immigration Control Act 7 of 1993. This visa authorizes foreign nationals to reside and work in Namibia for 1 to 3 years with a locally registered employer. The permit is employer-specific and tied to the particular job role, location, and company. Applicants must demonstrate skills and qualifications not readily available in the Namibian labor market, and employers must provide evidence of unsuccessful local recruitment efforts. Namibia remains an active destination for skilled foreign workers in sectors experiencing labor shortages, including engineering (mining/oil & gas), healthcare, information technology, finance, and construction management. The visa system is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS). As of April 1, 2025, citizens of 33 countries require visas on arrival for tourism; however, this does not restrict work permit access for these nationalities. Bangladesh nationals have direct access through an Honorary Consulate in Dhaka and also through the Namibia High Commission in New Delhi, India. The employment permit is renewable annually or biannually, though renewals are discretionary. A path to permanent residence exists after 10 years of continuous employment, 5 years of business operation, or through investment of minimum NAD 3.95 million (approximately USD 236,000 at December 2025 rates).
Key Benefits
- Right to work for specified employer
- Legal temporary residence 1-3 years
- Spouse automatically included with work rights
- Minor children can attend school without separate study permit
- Spouse work authorization included (no separate permit needed)
- Healthcare access via mandatory insurance (private coverage required)
- SADC travel subject to individual country visa requirements
- Renewable annually or biannually at discretion
- Path to permanent residence after 10 years continuous residence with employment
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Possess skills and qualifications not readily available in Namibia's labor market
- Have valid employment offer from Namibian-registered company
- Employer must prove unsuccessful local recruitment efforts
- No criminal record (or addressed rehabilitation if prior convictions)
- Pass medical examination confirming good health, no communicable diseases
- Age 18+ (minors require additional documentation)
- Provide police clearance certificate
- Demonstrate financial capacity to support stay through employment
- Health insurance coverage mandatory
- All documents in English or officially translated
Financial Requirement
No explicit minimum income threshold. Applicant must maintain valid health insurance (mandatory). Employer must demonstrate financial capacity to meet contractual obligations. Salary must comply with national minimum wage (NAD 18.00/hour as of January 2024).
Documents
- Valid Passport6+ months validity, 3+ blank pages
- Completed Application FormOfficial MHAISS form duly completed and signed
- Passport Photographs2 recent color photographs, 45×35mm
- Educational CertificatesCertified copies translated to English
- Employment ContractSigned contract specifying role, salary, location, duration (minimum 6+ months)
- Police Clearance CertificateFrom country of origin, translated to English, for applicants 18+
- Medical CertificateOn MHAISS template; mandatory radiological/chest X-ray for stays >3 months
- Proof of Health InsuranceLocal or international coverage must span entire stay
- Work Experience RecordsReferences from previous employers, employment history documentation
- CV and Professional RegistrationsCurrent curriculum vitae and relevant professional licenses/certifications
- Family DocumentsMarriage certificate, birth certificates of children, divorce documents if applicable
- Employer Motivation LetterExplaining skills gap, why Namibian candidates unsuitable, training plan for locals
- Employer Recruitment EvidenceCopies of job advertisements (minimum 30 days), interview records, reasons for rejection of local candidates
- Employer Registration DocumentsBIPA registration certificate, proof of good standing with authorities
- Employer Tax ComplianceNamRA tax registration, SSC registration, recent tax compliance certificates
- Deed of SuretyLegal guarantee from employer of applicant's employment and conduct
- Employer Organizational ChartStructure showing current staff, number of expatriates, succession planning
- Sector-Specific LicensesIndustry licenses required (if applicable): banking, insurance, telecoms, mining, energy, healthcare, aviation
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.