Staff Writer
Government agencies have introduced the new Employment Permit to Conduct a Business, also known as the Investor Permit, aimed at providing qualifying foreign investors with a more streamlined route to establish, operate or expand businesses in the country.
The permit, which took effect on 1 September may be issued for up to five years and also serves as work authorization for the approved investment-related business activity.
The government said the new permit is part of broader efforts to modernise immigration administration, improve the ease of doing business and strengthen Namibia’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
The initiative follows commitments made by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the inaugural Namibia Public Private Forum (NamPPF), hosted by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) in partnership with the National Planning Commission in October 2025.
The forum focused on strengthening cooperation between the government and the private sector, unlocking investment and improving the business environment.
Under the new system, the NIPDB serves as the first point of submission for applications for the five-year Investor Permit.
The board will confirm an applicant’s investor status and conduct the required business and economic evaluation, including an assessment of the anticipated economic impact of the proposed investment.
The government said the assessment is intended to ensure that qualifying investments contribute to national development priorities, including employment creation, business growth, innovation, skills transfer and industrialisation.
Applicants must complete the prescribed application form and submit the required supporting documentation through the NIPDB.
Applications can be submitted electronically or manually at the NIPDB office in Windhoek.
Applicants who meet the applicable assessment criteria will proceed to the immigration stage, where applications are submitted to the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security for consideration by the Immigration Selection board.
Upon approval, an application fee of N$2 600 is payable, the same fee applicable to a General Employment Permit.
The Investor Permit is specifically intended for foreign investors whose investor status has been confirmed by the NIPDB.
Foreign applicants who do not qualify for the five-year Investor Permit will continue to use the existing Employment Permit process administered through the ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security.
The NIPDB said the new permit is designed to provide greater certainty for investors making long-term commitments in Namibia, while creating a clearer and more coordinated application process.
