---
title: "Moving to Namibia 2026: visas, requirements and tax"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-12
---

Dead tree and red dunes at Dead Vlei, Sossusvlei

# 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](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/tax/), 37% tax. Checked against official sources on 12 October 2026.

**Tax angle:** **37% tax** Namibia: income tax on Namibian-source income

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.

People with a confirmed job offer from a Namibian employer Students accepted at a Namibian institution Short-term specialists hosted by a Namibian organisation Spouses and children joining a temporary resident permit holder

## Work · 1

### [Employment permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/employment-permit/)

[Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/employment-permit/)

## Student · 1

### [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/study-permit/)

[Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/study-permit/)

## Spouse visas · 1

For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident.

### [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/spouse-of-citizen/)

[Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/spouse-of-citizen/)

## 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%](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/tax/#tax-na-source-based-income-tax)

37% tax

Foreign-source income: Territorial

**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 12 Oct 2026, some details partly verified [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

[Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/tax/)

Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

**No digital nomad visa in Namibia.** See [nomad visas elsewhere](https://settleanywhere.com/visas/digital-nomad/).

**Shorter stays · 2**

Work

### [Short-term work visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/short-term-employment-visa/)

**First stay:** 6 mo

[Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/short-term-employment-visa/)

Student

### [Short-course student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/students-visa/)

**First stay:** 6 mo

Needs a place to live

[Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/students-visa/)

**Path to permanent residence · 1**

- **PR after 2 years** · Permanent Residence Permit

## Arriving in Namibia: first steps

1. Arrange medical and radiological reports as required for your permit application.
2. Obtain police clearance from your country of origin and last country of residence.
3. Have your employer or institution provide the deed of surety and any sponsor undertaking.
4. Keep proof of your Namibian address and accommodation ready for registration steps.
5. Register with the relevant professional board if your work requires it.
6. 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](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/employment-permit/).

### How do I get a student visa for Namibia?

Namibia has 1 student visa. It is [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/study-permit/).

### Can I join my spouse or partner in Namibia?

Yes. Namibia has 1 spouse visa. It is [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/namibia/spouse-of-citizen/).

## Compare with

[🇲🇦 Morocco](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/morocco/) [🇿🇦 South Africa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/south-africa/) [🇲🇺 Mauritius](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/mauritius/) [🇨🇻 Cabo Verde](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cabo-verde/) [🇰🇪 Kenya](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/kenya/) [🇳🇬 Nigeria](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/nigeria/) [🇷🇼 Rwanda](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/rwanda/) [🇬🇭 Ghana](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ghana/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.
