Moving to Namibia
3 ways to move to Namibia in our guide: 1 work visa, 1 student visa, 1 spouse visa.
No digital nomad visa. Tax for newcomers: Namibia: income tax on Namibian-source income, 37% tax. Checked against official sources on .
Namibia is a country where the visa process is closely tied to having a specific purpose, like a job or a course of study. The routes here are mostly employer- or institution-led, so you will usually need a Namibian sponsor before you can apply.
Work · 1
Student · 1
Spouse visas · 1
For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident.
Tax
Namibia taxes income from a source within or deemed to be within the country, so foreign-source income of an individual is outside the definition of gross income. The tax authority applies a scale that starts at zero and rises with income. Tax is separate from immigration, so your permit does not determine your tax position.
Standard rules
Namibia: income tax on Namibian-source income; individual rates up to 37%
37% tax
Details
- On: Taxable income from Namibian sources
- Limit: NAD 100k/yr ≈ $6,040
Namibia taxes gross income received or accrued from a source within or deemed to be within Namibia, excluding capital receipts; the individual scale in Schedule 4 of the Income Tax Act is 0% to N$100,000 rising to 37% above N$1,550,000.
Taxed on
Taxable income from Namibian sources (Income Tax Act 24 of 1981 definition of gross income). Scale in Schedule 4 as substituted by the Income Tax Amendment Act 4 of 2024, for individuals from the year of assessment commencing on or after 1 March 2024: nil to N$100,000; 18% of excess to N$150,000; N$9,000 + 25% to N$350,000; N$59,000 + 28% to N$550,000; N$115,000 + 30% to N$850,000; N$205,000 + 32% to N$1,550,000; N$429,000 + 37% above.
Who it applies to
- Applies to individuals including deceased estates and trusts, other than companies, under the self-assessment system.
Exclusions
- Receipts or accruals of a capital nature are excluded from gross income (with listed exceptions).
Limits
- NAD 100,000 a year (≈ $6,040) · Taxable income up to this amount is not taxable.
- NAD 1,550,000 a year (≈ $93,700) · Taxable income above this amount is taxed at 37% on the excess.
Tax residence
The Act taxes by source (income within or deemed within Namibia), so foreign-source income of an individual is outside gross income as defined; the Act refers to persons ordinarily resident.
Other taxes
VAT, PAYE and other taxes exist separately.
Checked against official sources on , some details partly verifiedChange log
Checked against official sources on Change log
Namibia in pictures
Shorter stays · 2
Work
Short-term work visa
First stay: 6 mo
Student
Short-course student visa
First stay: 6 mo
Path to permanent residence · 1
- PR after 2 years · Permanent Residence Permit
Arriving in Namibia: first steps
- Arrange medical and radiological reports as required for your permit application.
- Obtain police clearance from your country of origin and last country of residence.
- Have your employer or institution provide the deed of surety and any sponsor undertaking.
- Keep proof of your Namibian address and accommodation ready for registration steps.
- Register with the relevant professional board if your work requires it.
- Open a local bank account once you have your permit and address documents.
Questions people ask
What work visas does Namibia offer foreigners?
Namibia has 1 work visa. It is Employment permit.
How do I get a student visa for Namibia?
Namibia has 1 student visa. It is Student permit.
Can I join my spouse or partner in Namibia?
Yes. Namibia has 1 spouse visa. It is Spouse of a citizen.
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≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
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