The process to arrange Namibian immigration documents for expatriate experts involves extensive preparation and planning. Below is a brief explanation of the immigration system in Namibia.

Overview

In terms of the Namibian Immigration Control Act, Act 7 of 1993; any person who intends to enter or reside in Namibia for the purpose of employment or to carry on a profession is required to have a valid employment visa or permit.

Depending on the purpose and duration of his/her stay in Namibia, different immigration applications are required by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration (MHA). An application will only be considered if application forms are completed in full, all requirements are met and the relevant required documents have been submitted to MHA offices.

The respective immigration applications for Namibia can be obtained and submitted at the nearest Namibian Embassy in the home country of the applicant or the Ministry of Home Affairs: Alien Control in Windhoek, Namibia.

Business Visa

A business visa is required for a person visiting Namibia in any of the following instances:

  • looking for prospects to set up formal business;
  • exploration for business opportunities;
  • business people attending meetings at branches or subsidiaries;
  • official government visits;
  • attending conferences, corporate events (not work) and meetings for which no remuneration is received;
  • attending short training courses (not more than 90 days), sports events, expositions and trade fairs.

Business visa's are valid for a period not exceeding 90 days per annum. Kindly note, the 90 days per annum does not refer to a calendar, but rather to the day of first entry into Namibia. Nationals from certain countries are exempt from the application and payment of business visa fees.

Work Visa

A work visa is required for any person who intends to enter Namibia for the purpose of employment . The visa should be granted to the individual prior to entering the country.

The work visa is valid for a period not exceeding 3 months. Please note that an initial application for a 6 months work visa has the same requirements as a work permit application.

Work Permit

Any person who intends to enter or reside in Namibia for the purpose of employment is required to have a valid employment permit prior to entering the country, if the duration/period of stay will exceed 3 months.

A favourable police clearance certificate from the country of origin and last country of residence/work is required. The processing time for authorities in the respective countries to issue such certificates vary, and it is important to obtain such certificate for expats in advance as this is one of the major reasons causing delays in the submission of the work permit application to Home Affairs.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.