Namibia introduces new business permits and joins FATF initiative

Namibia is implementing several measures to strengthen its economic standing and attract foreign capital. Starting September 1, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security will introduce a new five-year Employment Permit to Conduct Business. This permit is designed for qualifying foreign investors and business owners, offering a longer validity period than the current two-year Investor Permit to provide greater operational certainty.

Applications for the new permit must be submitted manually through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), which will assess the potential economic impact of the investment before forwarding it to the Chief of Immigration. Approved applicants will be subject to a government fee of NAD 2,600.

In a separate development regarding financial regulation, Namibia has been selected for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Guest Initiative. Alongside Barbados and Thailand, Namibia will hold a one-year seat at the FATF plenary table beginning in October 2026. This follows Namibia’s removal from the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring in June 2026, signaling improved compliance with global anti-money laundering standards.