Namibia updates immigration permits for investors and performers

Namibia is implementing new immigration measures to manage foreign workers and investors. Starting September 1, 2026, the government will introduce a five-year ‘Employment Permit to Conduct Business’. This new permit, which follows amendments to the Immigration Control Act of 1993, aims to reduce administrative hurdles by allowing qualifying investors to work and conduct business under a single authorization. To qualify, applicants must undergo an economic evaluation by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) to assess their potential impact on industrialization and economic growth.

Separately, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has clarified that international performers and artists must obtain proper employment authorization before entering the country, regardless of the duration of their engagement. This directive follows recent incidents where foreign musicians were unable to perform or faced enforcement action due to permit violations. The ministry emphasized that even short-term engagements require a short-term employment permit under Section 27 of the Immigration Control Act.