Namibia immigration and financial regulation updates

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

In addition to these immigration updates, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security has clarified that international performers and artists must obtain proper short-term employment authorization before entering the country to avoid enforcement action.

On the regulatory front, Namibia has been selected for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Guest Initiative. Following its removal from the FATF list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring in June 2026, Namibia will hold a one-year seat at the FATF plenary table beginning in October 2026, alongside Barbados and Thailand.