Namibia Short-Term Work Visa

The Short-Term Work Visa in Namibia is intended for individuals who need to enter the country for a few weeks, up to six months, to carry out work-related activities. These may include physical labour, hosting meetings, facilitating workshops, or conducting training sessions. A common example would be assignments in the Oil and Gas industry, which is rapidly developing in Namibia.

It is essential to obtain the correct Namibian Work Visa or Permit before undertaking any form of work, regardless of its duration or nature.

There are two categories of the Short-Term Work Visa in Namibia, distinguished by the duration of the assignment:

1. A Short-Term Work Visa valid for up to 3 months, which can cover assignments lasting a few weeks to the full three-month period. This visa is renewable once for an additional three months, subject to approval.
2. A Short-Term Work Visa valid for exactly 6 months, typically issued for fixed-duration projects. In most cases, this visa is non-renewable. Any request for renewal is assessed individually and remains at the discretion of the Namibian Immigration Board.

The key differences between the two visa types include:

• Processing time
• Document requirements
• Government application fees
• Labour Market Testing obligations (where applicable)

Holders of a valid Short-Term Work Visa may be granted multiple entries during the authorised stay. All intended entry and exit dates must be clearly stated in the motivation letter submitted as part of the application.

If your spouse or children intend to accompany you during your assignment in Namibia, they must apply for the appropriate Namibian Accompanying Spouse/Dependant Visas.

Last updated: 05/08/2025

To apply for a Namibia Short-Term Work Visa, the applicant must submit the following forms and documents in English, or translated into English by a sworn translator:

• Completed and signed Visa Application Form (3-1/0033)
• Certified copy of passport bio-data page (certification must not be older than six months)
• Certified copies of qualifications relevant to the work (certification must not be older than six months)
• Completed and signed Power of Attorney Form

When applying for the 6-Month Short-Term Work Visa:

• Original police clearance from the country of origin and country of residence (if different) for the past 12 months
• Original Medical Certificate (3-1/0003)
• Original Radiological Report (3-1/0004)

Documents Required from the Local Namibian Business / Receiving Entity

• Motivational letter addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs from the Namibian company, confirming the short-term work assignment and the exact duration of stay. This must be signed by the Head of Department or HR representative.

The motivational letter should include:

• Start and end dates of the work visit
• Physical place of work (on official company letterhead)
• Role or position of the applicant within the company

When applying for the 6-Month Short-Term Work Visa:

• Employment contract between the Namibian company and the applicant
• Labour Market Testing evidence: The Namibian company must advertise the position in at least three printed local newspapers and through the Ministry of Labour. Copies of all advertisements must be submitted.
• Confirmation letter from the Ministry of Labour (NIEIS) stating the unavailability of Namibian candidates for the position
• Completed and signed Deed of Surety with a revenue stamp

Documents Required from the Sending Entity (Foreign Company or Self-Employed Applicant)

All Short-Term Work Visa applications must be supported by a foreign “sending entity”. If the applicant is self-employed, this can be their registered sole proprietorship or business.

• Motivational letter addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs from the sending entity, confirming the short-term assignment and its duration. This must be signed by the Head of Department or HR representative.

The letter should include:

• Start and end dates of the assignment
• Place of work (on official letterhead)
• A copy of the contract, agreement, tender award, or employment confirmation letter between the Namibian and foreign entity involving the applicant

Additional Requirements for Special Short-Term Work Visa Applications

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

The Accompanying Spouse and Dependant Visas are distinct Namibian visa categories that must be applied for separately, alongside the primary applicant’s visa. These visas have their own specific requirements, including supporting documents, application forms, processing times, fees, and procedural steps.

For detailed information or to apply for an accompanying dependant and/or spousal visa for Namibia, please visit the following page:

Apply for a Namibian Accompanying Spouse or Dependant Visa

Preparation:

If all documents are complete and in order, the application can be reviewed, compiled, and prepared for submission within 24–48 hours.

Submission:

When applying for a Namibian Short-Term Work Visa, applicants should note that the standard processing time from submission to approval is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. However, this timeline can vary depending on internal reviews and procedural requirements. Delays may occur based on the specifics of the case or workload at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Post-Application:

Once the visa application is approved, the applicable government fees must be paid to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the loose-leaf visa to be issued. This process typically takes 5 to 7 working days.

Note: The printed physical visa is sufficient for travel. However, if a visa endorsement (sticker) in the passport is required, an additional 3 to 5 working days should be allowed. This step is optional.

As an employee or employer planning to expand into Namibia for a work assignment, it is essential to understand the costs and procedural requirements associated with Namibian Work Visas. The Short-Term Work Visa is generally more straightforward to apply for and obtain compared to the Long-Term Work Visa, which involves more complex documentation and eligibility criteria.

Visa Application Fees Payable to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs (Post-Approval):

• 3‑Month Short-Term Work Visa: N$1,600
• 6‑Month Short-Term Work Visa: N$2,200

Current Exchange Rate (22 July 2025): 1 NAD ≈ 0.05657 USD :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Please verify the rate at the time of payment, as it may vary.

Additional potential costs may include:

• Expenses related to obtaining, translating or legalising required documents
• Costs for securing Police Clearance Certificates
• Advertising costs to fulfil local Labour Market Testing requirements
• Consultation and/or application fees if using a Namibian visa and immigration consultant

These costs vary depending on the complexity and requirements of your Short-Term Work Visa application.

Application for a Namibian Short-Term Work Visa can be completed via the Namibian Visa E-Portal or in person. The E-Visa portal may experience intermittent outages that can delay submission and processing. Both applicants and receiving entities should plan for possible delays and consider physical submission when reliability is required.

Please Note:
Physical presence is not required when applying for a Short-Term Work Visa.
All applications must be linked to a Namibian-registered receiving entity.

Due to extended processing timelines, both applicants and receiving entities are encouraged to begin preparations well in advance of the intended start date. Delays may affect project scheduling or assignment commencement.

Step 1: Eligibility and Role Suitability Review

• The role must not fall within a sector considered oversaturated with local talent. Final discretion rests with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Qualifications and Experience: The applicant’s professional qualifications and experience must align with the requirements of the assignment or position in Namibia.

Step 2: Labour Market Testing and Job Advertising

• The Namibian receiving entity must place job advertisements in at least three printed local newspapers.
• The position must also be advertised through the Namibian Integrated Employment Information System (NIEIS).

Step 3: Preparation and Coordination of Required Documentation and Application Forms

• Refer to the complete list of Documents and Compliance Requirements for the Namibian Short-Term Work Visa.
• The Visa Application Form (3-1/0033) may be completed digitally or by hand and must be signed.

Applicants and receiving entities must coordinate on documents such as motivational letters, confirmation letters from the Ministry of Labour, a signed Deed of Surety, and any other supporting materials. Incomplete or incorrect submissions are a common reason for delays or rejections.

Step 4: Compiling and Submitting the Application

• Compile Documents: Both parties should ensure that all required documents are accurate, complete, and correctly assembled.
• Submit Application: Applications submitted in person must be lodged at the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs. An acknowledgement receipt should be obtained and progress followed up as needed.

Ensure the correct application fee is available at the time of submission.

Step 5: Monitoring Processing and Receiving the Outcome

• Notification: Follow-ups may be required in person at the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs when using the counter submission route. Remote updates are not always provided.

Step 6: Payment of Government Fees Upon Approval

• Once the application is approved, the applicable government fee must be paid for the loose-leaf visa to be issued.

Step 7: Visa Issuance and Entry Preparation

• The issued visa must be collected physically from the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs. It can be scanned and forwarded to the applicant if necessary.
• A printed copy must be presented at the port of entry where immigration officials will endorse it in the passport.

Step 8: Renewal and Ongoing Compliance Management

• Monitor Visa Expiry: Both the receiving entity and applicant should track visa validity to allow timely renewal where applicable.
• Compliance: Full compliance with visa conditions and Namibian law must be maintained throughout the period of stay.

• Namibian Department of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security – Visit for official updates, visa forms, and application guidelines.
• Ministry of Home Affairs E-Services – Access the e-portal for application information and service availability.
• Immigration Consultants – If the process feels complex or time-consuming, consider engaging a qualified Namibian immigration consultant to assist with your application.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• Plan Ahead: Begin collecting your documents early, especially items that take time such as police clearances, translations, or labour market testing evidence.
• Double-Check Requirements: Confirm the latest visa requirements and documentation standards via the official website before submission.
• Stay Informed: Fees, processing times, and procedures may change. Always verify current information directly with the Namibian Department of Home Affairs or through a registered visa consultant.

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/