Employment Permit to Conduct a Business (Investor Permit)
Namibia is committed to creating an investment environment that is efficient, predictable and welcoming.
In an effort to modernise immigration administration and create a more responsive and enabling environment for investment and business in Namibia, the Government has launched a dedicated permit for qualifying investors and business persons looking to establish, operate or expand a business in Namibia.
The Employment Permit to Conduct a Business (Investor Permit) provides qualifying investors with a clearer pathway to conduct business in Namibia, with greater certainty for long-term planning and growth.
INVEST WITH GREATER CERTAINTY
The Permit is designed to support investors whose proposed investments contribute to Namibia’s economic growth.
The permit may be issued for up to five years and also serves as work authorisation for the approved investment-related business activity. This gives qualifying investors more certainty to establish operations, make long-term commitments and grow their businesses in Namibia.
Introduced on 1 September 2026, the Investor Permit forms part of Government’s broader efforts to modernise immigration administration, support ease of doing business and strengthen Namibia’s competitiveness as an attractive investment destination.
HOW NIPDB SUPPORTS INVESTORS
The NIPDB is the first point of submission for applications for the 5-year Employment Permit for Conducting Business (Investor Permit).
In line with its mandate to promote and facilitate investment, NIPDB confirms investor status and conducts the required economic evaluation and impact assessment before an application proceeds for immigration consideration.
By supporting a clearer and more coordinated application route for qualifying investors, the Investor Permit contributes to Namibia’s commitment to ease of doing business while ensuring that investment supports national development priorities, including employment creation, business growth, innovation, skills transfer and industrialisation.
HOW TO APPLY
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Prepare your application
Complete the prescribed Employment Permit to Conduct a Business application form and compile the required supporting documentation.
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Submit your application through NIPDB
All Employment Permit to Conduct a Business applications must first be submitted through the NIPDB.
Applications can be submitted via investorpermit@nipdb.com or submitted manually at the NIPDB office at Cnr. of Garten & Dr. A B May Street Windhoek, Namibia
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Application assessment
The NIPDB confirms investor status and determines whether an applicant/s meets the applicable assessment criteria/s and will communicate as such.
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Investor evaluation
Applicants that meet the assessment criteria will progress to the next stage of the assessment process, which will involve the required business and economic evaluation, as well as an assessment of the anticipated economic impact.
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Immigration consideration
The application is submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security for final consideration by the Immigration Selection Board through the prescribed immigration process.
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Approval and payment
Upon approval, the applicable fee of N$2,600 is payable. This is the same fee applicable to a General Employment Permit.
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Permit issued
The Investor Permit may be issued for up to five years and also serves as work authorisation for the approved investment-related business activity.
APPLICATION FORMS AND REQUIREMENTS
Application forms are available from:
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NIPDB office at the Cnr. of Garten & Dr. A B May Street Windhoek, Namibia
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Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (website and offices countrywide)
Applicants are encouraged to consult the latest application requirements and checklist before submitting an application. Complete submissions help support an efficient application process.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
For enquiries regarding the gazetted regulations, application requirements or the Employment Permit to Conduct a Business (Investor Permit), contact: