Sostenus Wilherm
The ministry of home affairs, immigration, safety and security has introduced the new Employment Permit to Conduct Business aimed at simplifying the process for investors and businesspersons seeking to establish or conduct business in Namibia.
The new permit, introduced through an amendment to Regulation 17 of the Immigration Control Act, 1993 (Act No. 7 of 1993), will come into effect on 1 September 2026.
The ministry said the reform is intended to reduce administrative barriers, improve efficiency and create a more investor-friendly environment.
According to a public notice issued by home affairs minister Lucia Iipumbu, the amended regulation provides for new administrative requirements for applications for General Employment Permits, as well as the introduction of the new Employment Permit to Conduct Business and specific requirements for applicants seeking the new permit.
The new permit is specifically intended for qualifying investors and businesspersons whose investor status has been or will be confirmed by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Unlike the standard Employment Permit, which is generally issued for a period of two years, the new Employment Permit to Conduct Business may be issued for up to five years.
The ministry said the longer validity period is intended to give investors greater certainty and allow them to undertake longer-term business planning and investment in Namibia.
The permit will also serve as work authorisation, allowing qualifying investors and businesspersons to conduct their business activities without having to obtain separate work authorisation.
The ministry expects the reform to contribute to increased foreign direct investment, economic growth, industrialisation and employment creation.
“Supporting investment and business growth” is one of the key objectives of the new permit, which forms part of wider efforts by the government to streamline investment-related processes.
Under the new application process, all applications for an Employment Permit to Conduct Business must be submitted through the NIPDB.
The investment promotion agency will first conduct an economic evaluation and impact assessment of the proposed investment before forwarding the application to the chief of immigration for consideration by the immigration selection board.
The ministry emphasised that applications must be submitted manually.
Applicants whose investor status does not qualify them for the new permit category will not be eligible to use the new application form.
Such applicants will instead continue using the existing Employment Permit application form.
Once an application for the new permit has been approved, the applicant will be required to pay N$2,600, which is the same fee charged for a General Employment Permit.
The ministry said the new application form and administrative directives are available through its offices countrywide, the ministry of home affairs website, the One Stop Service Centre hosted at the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) head office in Windhoek, as well as NIPDB offices.
The introduction of the permit comes as Namibia seeks to strengthen its investment environment and attract more business activity.
By extending the potential validity of employment authorisation for qualifying investors from two to five years, the ministry believes the measure can provide greater stability for investors and support the implementation of long-term projects.
The ministry said the reform reaffirms the government’s commitment to improving the investment environment, reducing administrative barriers and positioning Namibia as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and business.
The new system will therefore place the NIPDB at the centre of the initial assessment process, while immigration authorities will retain responsibility for considering and deciding on applications through the established Immigration Selection Board process.
