NIPDB URGES INVESTORS TO APPLY FOR THE NEW EMPLOYMENT PERMIT TO CONDUCT A BUSINESS AND CLARIFIES THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Namibia has taken a significant step towards strengthening its global competitiveness as a viable investment destination with the launch of a new Employment Permit to Conduct Business (Investor Permit), providing qualifying investors with a more streamlined and predictable process to establish and operate businesses in the country. The permit will enhance the country’s ability to effectively attract and retain investors who contribute to sustainable economic growth. 

The launch of the new permit is directly aligned with commitments made by Her Excellency President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the inaugural Namibia Public Private Forum (NamPPF), hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, in partnership  with the National Planning Commission in October last year (2025). The Forum was convened to strengthen collaboration between the Government and the private sector, with the shared objective of unlocking investment and strengthening Namibia’s  business environment as a catalyst for economic growth. 

In today's highly competitive investment landscape, countries are increasingly competing on the certainty, responsiveness and predictability of their business environments, and thus the speed and ease at which a potential investor can establish a business becomes a key determining factor of where their capital is ultimately deployed. The introduction of the investor permit is thus an important step to improving Namibia’s ease of doing business and enhancing our overall competitiveness as an investment destination. 

“We have listened to the feedback from our investors regarding some of the constraints they face, and this is just one way of demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Namibia. This new investor permit gives investors the certainty and long-term security they need to commit to doing business in  Namibia. It sends a clear signal that Namibia is not only open for business, but we are ready to provide an environment that allows businesses to thrive and create the necessary jobs for our people,” said NIPDB Acting Chief Executive Officer, Julia Muetudhana.

Following the official launch yesterday, the NIPDB hereby encourages current and potential investors to apply for the new permit. The permit offers significant improvement over the current standard two-year employment permit as it may be issued for up to five years and functions simultaneously as work authorisation, giving qualifying investors and their core staff added certainty for long-term planning and business operations in Namibia.

Application and Assessment Process

In accordance with the processes established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS), applications for the Employment Permit to Conduct a Business are to be submitted through the NIPDB, as the designated first point of call. As part of the assessment process, the NIPDB confirms the investor's status and conducts an economic evaluation of the proposed investment. Following this assessment, the NIPDB submits its recommendation to the MHAISS for consideration by the Immigration Selection Board. The NIPDB's role in the process concludes upon submission of its recommendation to MHAISS. The final decision on the application rests with MHAISS, as the authorised institution responsible for the issuance of visas and permits. 

The prescribed application forms and supporting documentation requirements are available from the NIPDB office and website, as well as the MHAISS website and offices countrywide. 

Qualification Criteria

The new permit is intended for foreign investors whose investor status has been confirmed by the NIPDB. Applicants must submit a complete application in the prescribed form together with all required supporting documentation and satisfy the applicable criteria as assessed by the NIPDB. Applicants who do not qualify as eligible for the 5-year permit should apply through the existing Employment Permit process, through MHAISS.

As Namibia seeks to attract quality investment that drives employment creation and accelerates industrialisation, the NIPDB remains committed to facilitating engagement between the Government and private sector to ensure the country’s policies affecting investors remain responsive and aligned with changes in the global business landscape. 

Investors seeking more information on the new permit are advised to contact: 

investorpermit@nipdb.com.

Issued by: Catherine Shipushu Executive: Competitiveness and Branding (Acting)

Namibia Investment Promotion

and Development Board Telephone: +264 811 433051

Email: catherine.shipushu@nipdb.com