Namibia Long-Term Work Permit

Are you planning to work in Namibia, or are you a Talent Specialist looking to employ a foreign national for a fixed-term assignment? The Namibia Long-Term Work Permit is specifically designed for individuals who need to perform work-related activities in the country for a period of one to two years. Whether you are managing a defined project or fulfilling a temporary contract, this permit grants both legal work authorisation and temporary residence.

A Long-Term Work Permit in Namibia is typically issued for a period of 1 to 2 years. It is best suited for individuals whose assignments will exceed seven months in duration.

This guide covers:

• Eligibility Criteria
• Processing Time
• Permit Validity
• Document and Form Requirements for Application
• Cost and Application Fees
• How to Apply or Renew this Work Permit
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This permit is generally non-renewable, although extensions may be considered in exceptional cases, subject to the discretion of the Namibian Immigration Board. Applicants should plan their duration of stay and project timelines accordingly.

If your family intends to accompany you, your spouse and children must apply for the appropriate accompanying visas to reside legally in Namibia during your work assignment.

Ready to begin your application? Explore the requirements and follow the process to ensure a successful relocation and work experience in Namibia.

Last updated: 05/08/2025

The Namibian Long-Term Work Permit is intended for foreign nationals seeking to live and work in Namibia for an extended period. Unlike the Namibian Short-Term Work Visas, this permit involves a more detailed application process, including employer sponsorship and proof that the position cannot be readily filled by a Namibian citizen.

The permit grants the right to legally reside and work in Namibia for the approved duration. If eligibility criteria are met, holders may apply for renewal or consider applying for Permanent Residence after ten years of continuous legal residence.

This permit is especially relevant for companies operating in sectors such as energy, mining, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing – industries where critical skills shortages are common.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Namibian Long-Term Work Permit, both the applicant and the receiving Namibian entity must meet the following criteria:

• A valid job offer must be issued by a Namibian-registered employer.
• The applicant must possess qualifications and/or work experience relevant to the role.
• The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a Namibian citizen. This requires Labour Market Testing by advertising the vacancy in at least three local newspapers for a minimum of 14 working days.
• The applicant must hold a passport with at least six months’ validity remaining.
• A valid Medical Certificate and Radiological Report confirming good health are required.
• Police clearance certificates must be submitted from the country of origin and/or country of residence covering the past 12 months.
• The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means or confirmed employment income to support themselves and any accompanying dependants.

Overview

Applying for a Namibian Long-Term Work Permit requires a comprehensive set of documents to ensure full compliance with immigration regulations. This guide outlines the required forms and supporting documentation for applicants, employers, and accompanying family members. Submitting complete and accurate documents significantly improves the likelihood of approval.

Documents Required from the Applicant

• Completed and signed Visa Application Form (3-1/0033)
• Completed and signed Work Permit Application Form (3-1/0001)
• 2x colour passport-sized photographs
• Certified copy of passport bio-data page (certification not older than six months)
• Certified copies of qualifications relevant to the role (certification not older than one to two years)
• Original Police Clearance Certificate from the country of origin and/or country of residence (covering the past 12 months)
• Original Medical Certificate (3-1/0003) issued by a registered medical practitioner
• Original Radiological Report (3-1/0004) issued by a registered medical practitioner
• If represented by a third party, a signed Power of Attorney must be submitted

Documents Required from the Namibian Business/Receiving Entity

• Motivational letter addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by the Head of Department (HOD) or HR representative. It must include:
  • Start and end dates of employment or assignment
  • Place of work, on official company letterhead
  • Role and position of the applicant
• Signed Employment Contract
• Evidence of Labour Market Testing: Job advertisements in at least three local newspapers and via the Ministry of Labour (NIEIS)
• Confirmation letter from the Ministry of Labour verifying the unavailability of local candidates
• Deed of Surety (Form 3-1/0005) signed and stamped with revenue stamp
• Detailed Recruitment Report, if applicable (for example, if interviews were held)
• Confirmation of NIEIS registration and advertisement from the Ministry of Labour

Additional Documentation from the Employer

• Representation by Prospective Employer Form (Form 1-3/0002)
• Company Profile outlining core activities and economic relevance
• Recruitment Report (if interviews were conducted)
• Original Social Security Commission Good Standing Certificate (valid for one month)
• Stamped Namelist of Employees from Social Security Commission
• Social Security Registration Certificate
• Company Registration Documents, including certificate of incorporation and founding statements
• Company Tax Registration Certificate from Inland Revenue (NamRA)
• Original Tax Good Standing Certificate from Inland Revenue (NamRA)
• Employment Equity Compliance Certificate (Affirmative Action compliance)
• Latest Financial Statements confirming financial standing

Additional Requirements for Specific Applications

• Filming: Filming permit from the Namibia Film Commission
• Media: Accreditation letter from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology
• Tour Operators: Namibia Tourism Board certificate from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism
• Research: Research permit from the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)

Additional Notes

All documents must be accurate, complete, and submitted in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Incomplete or inconsistent submissions are a frequent cause of delays or rejections.

For further guidance, consult the Ministry of Home Affairs or engage a licensed Namibian immigration consultant.

The Accompanying Spouse and Dependant Visas are distinct Namibian visa categories that must be applied for separately, alongside the application of the primary visa holder. These visas have their own set of requirements, including specific documentation, forms, processing times, government fees, and procedural steps.

If your spouse or children will accompany you during your stay in Namibia under a Long-Term Work Permit, a valid accompanying visa must be obtained for each dependant.

For full application guidance and document requirements, please visit the following page:

Apply for a Namibian Accompanying Spouse or Dependant Visa

Namibia requires compulsory Local Labour Market Testing as part of the Long-Term Work Permit application process. Employers must advertise the position in three printed national newspapers for a minimum duration of two weeks. Given the limited number of national newspapers in Namibia, IBN Immigration Solutions can assist with this step to ensure compliance.

After the advertisement period, employers must approach the Department of Labour, which will search its employment database to determine whether a suitably qualified Namibian candidate is available. Unlike some neighbouring jurisdictions, the Namibian Department of Labour is known for its efficiency and transparent handling of these assessments.

In practice, the Department acknowledges that not all available candidates are listed in the database and that there are cases where local talent may not be readily available for certain specialised roles.

Visa Application Fees (Payable Upon Approval)

Visa application fees are payable to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs once the Long-Term Work Permit is approved:

• Government Fee for the Long-Term (1–2 Year) Work Permit: N$5,200.00

Additional costs may include:

• Expenses related to obtaining, translating, or legalising required documents
• Fees for securing Police Clearance Certificates
• Costs associated with fulfilling Labour Market Testing requirements (e.g., newspaper advertisements)
• Consultation and/or application service fees if engaging a Namibian visa and immigration consultant

These costs may vary depending on the complexity of the application and individual circumstances.

Preparation:
If all documents are accurate and complete, the application can typically be reviewed, finalised, and ready for submission within 72 hours.

Submission / Application:
When applying for or renewing a Namibian Long-Term Work Permit, applicants should be aware that the standard processing time from submission to decision is approximately 3 to 5 months. This duration may vary based on the complexity of the case, internal review procedures, and completeness of documentation. Applications must be submitted in person at the Home Affairs counters.

Post-Application:
Once the application is approved, review the approval letter carefully to check for any conditions. If conditions are attached, they must be fulfilled within three months before payment can be made. If no conditions are stipulated, payment to the Ministry of Home Affairs may proceed immediately.

After payment is completed, the applicant must be physically present in Namibia to have the permit endorsed into their passport. This endorsement process generally takes 7 to 10 working days.

Work permit applications in Namibia often experience extended processing times, so we strongly encourage applicants to begin the application process well in advance. Delays can occur unexpectedly, and you don’t want your employment start date to lapse due to permit processing delays.

Here’s how to apply for a Long-Term Work Permit in Namibia:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before proceeding, confirm that your intended role qualifies for a Namibian Long-Term Work Permit. You must have a formal offer of employment that includes start and end dates, a job description, place of work, and required skills.

Additionally, the employer must advertise the vacancy via the Namibia Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS) and secure a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Labour stating that no suitably qualified Namibians are available to fill the position.

This includes:

• Advertising the job in three printed Namibian newspapers for at least 14 consecutive days
• Obtaining a confirmation letter from the Ministry of Labour confirming the unavailability of local candidates

Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents

Compile all required documentation, including forms, letters, and certificates. All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a sworn translation.

Step 3: Quality Check and Application Compilation

Review every document carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness. Assemble them into a single, well-organised application pack. Inconsistencies, outdated forms, or missing items can significantly delay the process.

Step 4: Submit the Application

• Submit the complete application pack at the Ministry of Home Affairs counters in Namibia.
• If you are applying from abroad, the application pack may be couriered to Namibia and submitted by a licensed immigration consultant.
• A submission receipt will be issued by the Ministry, which serves as your reference for follow-ups.

Step 5: Upon Approval

Once approved, pay the applicable government fees to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Following payment, the applicant’s passport must be delivered to Home Affairs for visa endorsement. This step usually takes 7 to 10 working days.

Key Considerations

• Begin your application early to account for delays in processing and document collection.
• Ensure all documentation is clear, complete, and in English (or translated by a sworn translator).
• Regularly check the Ministry of Home Affairs website: https://mha.gov.na for any updates or procedural changes.

By following these steps, applicants and employers can approach the Namibian Long-Term Work Permit process with clarity and confidence.

1. Types of Work Visas Available in Namibia: Which One Do You Need?
2. Tips for Improving Eligibility for a Long-Term Work Permit in Namibia
3. How to Apply for a Work Visa in Namibia: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Required Documents for a Work Visa Application in Namibia: Don’t Forget These!
5. Explanation of the role of the Labour Ministry in the Work Permit approval process
6. Renewing Your Work Visa in Namibia: Everything You Need to Know
7. Common Reasons for Visa Application Rejection in Namibia: How to Avoid Them
8. Appeals Process for Visa Application Rejection in Namibia: What You Need to Know
9. Namibia Document Requirements: What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
10. The Role of Medical and Radiological Documents: A Comprehensive Guide
11. Requirements from your Namibian Employer
12. Breakdown of Cost of a Work Visa in Namibia
13. Processing time for a Work Visa in Namibia
14. Tips for Avoiding Delays on Your Namibian Work Visa Application
15. Cultural Differences to Expect in Namibia
16. Understanding Namibian Health Insurance
17. Tax Requirements When Staying in Namibia
18. Bringing Your Family with You to Namibia
19. Tips for a Successful Long-Term Work Permit Application in Namibia

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of Namibia. We are not affiliated with the Namibian Government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs can visit their website at https://mha.gov.na/