Namibia investor permit

The permit is for investors and business persons who want to establish, operate or expand a business in Namibia and whose investor status is confirmed by NIPDB. It can apply both to new investors and to existing business owners planning to expand. Applicants who do not qualify as investors use the existing employment permit process.

NIPDB says the specific minimum investment, turnover or capital criteria have not yet been approved for public release. Until they are, it assesses each proposal on capital investment, economic contribution, job creation, skills and knowledge transfer, local value addition and other socio-economic benefits. No sectors are listed as excluded or qualifying; applicants unsure about their activity can ask investorpermit@nipdb.com before applying.

Upon approval a fee of NAD 2,600 is payable, the same as for a general employment permit.

Complete the prescribed Employment Permit to Conduct a Business form and the NIPDB assessment form, and submit them with supporting documents by email to investorpermit@nipdb.com or at the NIPDB office at the corner of Garten and Dr A B May Street in Windhoek. NIPDB confirms investor status, checks the assessment criteria and carries out a business and economic evaluation and impact assessment. The application then goes to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, where the Immigration Selection Board decides.

NIPDB aims to finish its assessment and forward the file to the ministry within 30 working days, after which the ministry's own consideration follows. It only starts an assessment once an actual application is lodged. New applicants should apply two to three months before their intended entry, and permit holders seeking renewal two to three months before expiry, to allow for site verification and the immigration decision.

The permit may be issued for up to five years, with the exact period set in the immigration approval, and also serves as work authorisation for the approved investment-related activity. Forms are available from NIPDB, MHAISS offices and website, and the One Stop Centre at the BIPA head office in Windhoek.

The investor permit can run for up to five years, compared with the usual two-year period of a general employment permit. Existing employment permit holders stay on their current permits until they expire and may then apply under the new framework, and a pending permanent residence application does not prevent an investor permit application, as the two are separate categories. The NAD 2,600 fee is payable per year.