STAFF WRITER
Namibia will finally roll out a new five year work permit to lure investors – putting to action calls by President Naetumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for the country to come up with an attractive visa regime which allows investors to plan on a long term.
The new visa regime for investors with ability to create jobs and make a positive dent on the Namibian economy will be effective 1September.
In a statement, Minister of Home Affairs Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu on Wednesday said the new visa regime is a result of an amendment on the immigration and control act. While investors will be catered through a five year visa other expatriate skills that do not fit the conditions of the new visuals will continue to be catered under the two year work permit cycle.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is hereby informing the public, investors and business persons that Regulation 17 of the Immigration Control Act, 1993 (Act No. 7 of 1993), which governs Employment Permits, has been amended to introduce a new Employment Permit to Conduct Business, together with new application forms and
administrative requirements. The implementation thereof will take effect from 1st September 2026, “Iipumbu said.
She said the amendment is aimed at creating a simpler and more efficient process for investors and business owners seeking to establish or conduct business in Namibia.
“The amended Regulation 17 provides for:New administrative requirements for applications for General Employment Permits, the introduction of a new Employment Permit to Conduct Business for qualifying investors and businesspersons; and the new administrative requirements specifically applicable to applications for an Employment Permit to Conduct Business,” she said.
Ipumbui said all applications for an Employment Permit to conduct business must be submitted through the NIPDB.
“The NIPD will conduct an economic evaluation and impact assessment of the
proposed investment before submitting the application to the Chief of Immigration, for consideration by the Immigration Selection Board (ISB). All applications must be submitted manually,” she said.
Alicante will pay a fee of N$2,600.00 when their visa is approved, Iipumbu said
The fee is the same fee applicable to a General Employment Permit.
“The Employment Permit to Conduct Business is designed specifically for investors and business persons, and forms part of ongoing efforts to streamline investment-related processes in Namibia. The new permit may be issued for a period of up to five (5) years, as opposed to the usual two-year period applicable to employment permits. This longer validity period is intended to provide greater certainty for investors and support long-term business planning and investment in Namibia,” she said.
COMMENTS