Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Elidge Staff

Your Ultimate Guide to apply for a permit in Namibia

Are you planning to study, work or reside in Namibia? If yes, then you need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know to apply for permits in Namibia.

Requirements for all Permits:

To apply for any permit, you need to have the following requirements:

  • Permit Application Form and Visa Application Form
  • Original and certified copy of your passport reflecting relevant pages
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Medical certificate
  • Radiological report
  • Police clearance certificate from your country of origin and last place of residence
  • Deed of surety

Study Permit Requirements:

In addition to the above requirements, you also need to have:

  • Proof of acceptance/registration with a study institution
  • Written reason for studying in Namibia
  • Letter from the Ministry of Education confirming no objection against your studying in Namibia instead of the country of origin
  • Written undertaking of parent/guardian/sponsor to sponsor your studies
  • Proof of bursary (if applicable)

Employment Permit Requirements:

In addition to the above requirements, you also need to have:

  • Proof of highest qualification and previous work references
  • Certified marriage/divorce certificate (if married to a Namibian Citizen, Citizenship Certificate)
  • Tax certificate of good standing
  • Namibian Police Clearance Certificate
  • Representation by Employer (Work offer and company profile)
  • Deed of Surety (signed by bank)
  • Proof of job advertisement in local newspaper
  • Social Security registration
  • Names and qualifications of unsuccessful Namibian applicants
  • Motivation letter from the employer
  • Motivation letter from Office/Ministry/Agency (for government work)
  • Approval/Recommendation Letter from Public Service Commission / Office of Prime Minister (foreign government work)

Temporary Residents Permit Requirements:

In addition to the above requirements, you also need to have:

  • Deed of surety
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Proof of pension (pensioner)
  • Proof of parents/guardian/spouse’s Namibian legal status

Permanent Residence Permit Requirements:

In addition to the above requirements, you also need to have:

  • Birth certificate (Certified copy)
  • Certified marriage/divorce certificate (if married to a Namibian Citizen, Citizenship Certificate)
  • Death certificate of late spouse (widow or widower)
  • Proof of highest qualification
  • Reference from current employer
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Training and experience questionnaire
  • Proof of property owned
  • Detailed motivation for application
  • Tax certificate of good standing

Fees:

The fees for each permit are as follows:

  • Study Permit (1 year): N$ 80 (Handling Fee) and N$ 1395 (Success Fee)
  • Employment Permit: N$ 80 (Handling Fee) and N$ 2 790 (Success Fee)
  • Temporary Residents Permit: N$ 80 (Handling Fee) and N$ 780 (Success Fee)
  • Permanent Residence Permit: N$ 80 (Handling Fee) and N$ 12 270 (Success Fee)

Obtaining a permit to study, work, or reside in Namibia can seem daunting. However, with this guide, you have all the information you need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. If you have any further questions, you can contact the head office at +264 61 292 2111.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration responsible for?

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration is responsible for handling applications for Study, Employment, Temporary Residents and Permanent Residence Permits.

What documents do I need to apply for any type of permit?

You will need to provide the following documents for all types of permits: Permit Application Form and Visa Application Form, Passport (Original and certified copy reflecting relevant pages), Passport photos x 2, Medical Certificate, Radiological Report, Police Clearance Certificate from country of origin, and Deed of surety.

How long is a Study Permit valid for?

A Study Permit is valid for 1 year.

What additional requirements are needed for an Employment Permit?

Additional requirements for an Employment Permit include proof of highest qualification and previous work references, certified marriage/divorce certificate (if married to Namibian Citizen, Citizenship Certificate), tax certificate of good standing, Namibian Police Clearance Certificate, and other documents related to the employer.

How long is an Employment Permit valid for?

An Employment Permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years (Employer dependent).

What is the fee for a Temporary Residents Permit?

The fee for a Temporary Residents Permit is N$ 80 (Handling Fee) and N$ 780 (Success Fee).

What documents do I need for a Permanent Residence Permit?

You will need to provide documents such as Birth Certificate (Certified copy), Certified Marriage/Divorce Certificate (if married to Namibian Citizen, Citizenship Certificate), Death Certificate of late spouse (widow or widower), Proof of highest qualification, Reference from current employer, Proof of sufficient funds, Training and experience questionnaire, Proof of property owned, Detailed motivation for application, Tax Certificate of good standing, and other relevant documents.

How long is a Permanent Residence Permit valid for?

A Permanent Residence Permit is valid permanently.

Can a Temporary Residents Permit be renewed?

No, a Temporary Residents Permit cannot be renewed.

How can I contact the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration?

You can contact the Head Office at +264 61 292 2111.

If you have more questions, look through our blog for answers!