Namibia

Digital Nomad Visa

Namibia's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allows location-independent foreign professionals to live, work remotely, and travel in Namibia for up to six months, with the option to renew for an additional six months. Launched in October 2022 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the program targets remote employees, freelancers, and business owners who earn their income from employers or clients outside Namibia. It is one of the most affordable digital nomad visa options in Africa, with a minimum income requirement of just USD 2,000 per month.

• Foreign national working remotely for employers or clients outside Namibia
• Minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 from sources outside Namibia
• Additional income of USD 1,000/month for a spouse and USD 500/month per child
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Valid health or travel insurance covering risks while in Namibia
• Must not be employed by or work for Namibian entities

• Completed visa application form (Form 3-1/0033)
• Certified passport copy
• Proof of income (payslip or employment contract)
• Six months of bank statements
• Motivation letter from employer
• Medical certificate and radiological report
• Proof of health or travel insurance
• Original police clearance certificate from country of origin (translated into English)
• Marriage certificate (if accompanied by spouse)
• Full birth certificates (for accompanying children)
• Copies of qualifications

The visa is issued for up to 6 months. It can be renewed for one additional 6-month period, allowing a maximum total stay of one year. Renewal is handled through the NIPDB and MHAISS.

Spouses and children may accompany the main applicant. Each dependant must complete a separate visa application form and provide supporting documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. The income requirement increases by USD 1,000/month for a spouse and USD 500/month per child. For example, a couple with one child would need to demonstrate USD 3,500/month in income. Health or travel insurance must cover all family members.

Namibia operates a source-based tax system. Income from services rendered while physically in Namibia is considered Namibian-source income and may be subject to tax. The digital nomad visa does not grant any tax exemptions. However, holders from countries with Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with Namibia may qualify for relief. DTA countries include Botswana, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, Mauritius, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Applications are submitted by email to nomadvisa@nipdb.com (no online portal is currently available). The process works as follows:

1. Download the visa application form from the NIPDB website (nipdb.com)
2. Complete the form and gather all supporting documents
3. Email the completed application to nomadvisa@nipdb.com
4. The NIPDB reviews the application and forwards it to the MHAISS with an endorsement
5. The MHAISS makes the final approval decision (processing takes approximately 2-3 weeks)
6. Upon approval, pay the visa fee of NAD 3,300 (approximately USD 62)
7. Receive a loose entry visa for airport entry into Namibia
8. After arrival, submit your passport for visa endorsement (takes 7-10 working days)

The application fee of NAD 3,300 (approximately USD 62) is payable after approval, before arrival in Namibia. Applicants must apply from outside Namibia; applications submitted by persons already present in Namibia on a tourist visa have been rejected.

Visa holders may only work remotely for entities outside Namibia. Local employment in Namibia is strictly prohibited. The visa does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship.

Links

• https://www.nipdb.com/digital-nomad-visa
• https://mha.gov.na/all-visa-general-information
• https://nipdb.com/2022/12/15/namibia-launches-digital-nomad-visa-for-remote-workers/

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Africa