Namibia Spouse, Partner and Dependant Visas

You don’t have to experience everything Namibia has to offer alone. Your family can live with you in Namibia if you hold a valid Namibian permit to reside and work in the country. Your legally married spouse and dependants (biological or adopted children) must apply for an Accompanying Spouse or Dependant Visa to join you.

• Your accompanying spouse can work in Namibia on a partner visa. There is no requirement for them to apply for a separate work visa or additional Namibian permit.
• Your accompanying dependant (if still a minor) may attend school in Namibia without the need for a separate Study Permit. If your dependant is over the age of 21, they will need to apply independently for a relevant Namibian permit, such as a Study Permit or Job Seeker Visa.

Note: Namibia does not recognise life partnerships or same-sex marriages for immigration purposes. You must be legally married to qualify for a Spousal Visa. This is the most important eligibility requirement for this visa category.

If you are not married or are in a same-sex relationship, your partner must apply for an alternative Namibian visa. The choice of visa will depend on their specific purpose of stay—this could include a Work Permit, Business Investor Permit, or Study Permit, depending on their goals in Namibia.

Last updated: 22/07/2025

Document Requirements for an Accompanying Spouse

• Completed and signed Visa Application Form (3-1/0033)
• Certified copy of the passport bio-data page (certification not older than six months)
• Certified copy of the Marriage Certificate (certification not older than six months)
• Six months of recent bank statements from the main applicant
• Letter of undertaking from the main applicant, addressed to Home Affairs, confirming responsibility for the spouse’s medical and living expenses while in Namibia
• Power of Attorney, if submitted by a third party

Additional Requirements for Visas Exceeding Six Months:

• Signed Deed of Surety (by the main applicant)
• Original Medical Certificate (Form 3-1/0003)
• Original Radiological Report (Form 3-1/0004)
• Original Police Clearance Certificate from the applicant’s country of origin

Document Requirements for an Accompanying Dependant

• Completed and signed Visa Application Form (3-1/0033)
• Certified copy of the passport bio-data page (certification not older than six months)
• Certified copy of the unabridged birth certificate (certification not older than six months)
• Six months of recent bank statements from the main applicant
• Letter of undertaking from the main applicant, addressed to Home Affairs, confirming responsibility for the dependant’s medical and living expenses while in Namibia
• Power of Attorney, if submitted by a third party

Additional Requirements for Visas Exceeding Six Months:

• Signed Deed of Surety (by the main applicant)
• Original Medical Certificate (Form 3-1/0003)
• Original Radiological Report (Form 3-1/0004) – not required for children under 12 years of age
• Original Police Clearance Certificate – required for applicants aged 18 and older, from the country of residence

The processing time for Namibian Accompanying Spouse and Dependant Visa applications depends on whether the application is for a short-term visa or a long-term permit, and whether it is submitted together with or separate from the main applicant.

Short-Term Visas: If submitted together with the main applicant, processing takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks from the date of submission to visa issuance. If submitted separately, the processing timeframe remains the same: 3 to 4 weeks.

Long-Term Permits: When submitted together with the main applicant, processing typically takes 2 to 4 months from the date of submission to the final endorsement of the permit. If submitted separately, long-term permit processing is slightly faster, generally taking 2 to 3 months.

Once approved, the permit or visa must be endorsed in the applicant’s passport in Namibia. The endorsement process usually takes an additional 7–10 working days, during which time the passport must be retained by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The application fee for an Accompanying Spouse or Dependant Visa in Namibia is NAD 1,080. Additional expenses may apply depending on the case, such as costs for medical examinations, radiological reports, police clearance certificates, document certification, and sworn translations. For visas extending beyond six months, a revenue stamp is required for the Deed of Surety.

If the accompanying visas or permits are submitted together with the main applicant’s application, then no government fees are applicable.

Current exchange rate (July 2025): 1 NAD ≈ 0.05623 USD – based on mid‑July data. Please use this rate for reference and confirm actual rates at the time of payment.

All government fees must be paid to the Ministry of Home Affairs upon visa approval. Costs may vary depending on the accuracy and completeness of documentation.

1. Confirm Main Applicant’s Valid Status

Ensure that the main applicant (e.g. employee, student, or permit holder) holds a valid Namibian residence permit. The accompanying visa can only be issued if the principal applicant has valid immigration status.

2. Determine the Correct Visa Type

• Spouse Visa: Only available to legally married, heterosexual couples. Namibia does not recognise life partnerships or same-sex marriages.
• Dependant Visa: Available for biological or adopted children under the age of 21. Adult dependants (21 and above) must apply independently for a Study, Work, or Business Permit.

3. Complete the Application Forms

Download and complete the relevant Namibian visa forms:

• Visa Application Form (3-1/0033)
• Deed of Surety (Form 3-1/0005) – required for stays longer than 6 months
• Power of Attorney form – if a representative is submitting the application on your behalf

4. Gather Supporting Documentation

• Certified copy of the applicant’s passport bio-data page (certification not older than six months)
• Certified copy of marriage certificate (for spouses) or full birth certificate (for dependants)
• Letter of undertaking from the main applicant accepting full financial, medical, and accommodation responsibility
• Six months’ bank statements from the main applicant
• Original police clearance certificate for applicants aged 18 and above
• Radiological Report (3-1/0004) – required for applicants aged 12 and above
• Medical Certificate (3-1/0003) – valid for six months

5. Submit the Application

Submit the complete application pack to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Namibia or through an authorised representative. All documents must be in English or translated by a sworn translator.

6. Collect Acknowledgement Receipt

Upon submission, an official receipt will be issued. This receipt is required for follow-up and tracking during processing.

7. Wait for Application Processing

Short-Term Visas (e.g. accompanying visitor/student/employment): Processing takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks, whether submitted with or separate from the main applicant.

Long-Term Permits: If submitted with the main applicant, processing takes approximately 2 to 4 months. If submitted separately, processing usually takes 2 to 3 months.

8. Final Endorsement

Once the visa is approved, pay the applicable government fee. Submit the applicant’s passport for endorsement at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The endorsement process typically takes 7–10 working days.