Has Namibia ever crossed your mind as a place to settle down and work remotely for a while? The capital, Windhoek, has been attracting remote professionals for several years now. If you are considering a move to the African nation, it currently offers a dedicated digital nomad visa to help make that possible.
Simply known as the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa, this pathway allows digital nomads and remote workers to legally live and work in the country for a longer stay while enjoying its unique lifestyle and culture.
Here’s a closer look at how the Namibia’s digital nomad visa works and what applicants should expect.
In this Namibia digital nomad visa guide
What exactly is the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa?
Introduced in October 2022, the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa was created to welcome remote workers, freelancers and self-employed professionals seeking the opportunity to live in the country while continuing their work for overseas employers or clients.
The program gives digital professionals the chance to spend an extended period in Namibia, combining remote work with the country’s scenic landscapes, laid-back lifestyle and developing infrastructure. By launching the visa, Namibia has also taken steps toward becoming a more attractive destination for the growing global digital nomad community.
Eligibility for Namibia's digital nomad visa
The Namibia Digital Nomad Visa is aimed at individuals who earn their income remotely while working for employers or clients located outside the country.
What do you need to apply?
To apply for the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must submit a completed and signed application form (3-1/0033). Dependants are required to complete a separate form.
You’ll also need a medical certificate (3-1/0003), a radiological report (31/0004), a certified copy of your passport (and proof of legal status if already in Namibia) and valid medical or comprehensive travel insurance.
Financial proof is essential, including evidence of at least USD $2,000 monthly income for the main applicant, plus USD $1,000 for a spouse and USD $500 per child. A 6-month bank statement is also required.
Additional documents may include a motivation letter from NIPDB (submitted directly to the Ministry), an employer motivation letter, copies of qualifications, and a police clearance certificate from your home country (certified and translated into English if needed). Upon approval, a fee of N$3,300 (Namibian Dollar) is payable.
How to apply for the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa
The application for Namibia’s digital nomad visa is completed via the official form:
- Complete the application form
Fill in the official visa application form (3-1/0033) with accurate personal and professional details. Dependants must submit separate forms. - Prepare and submit required documents
Provide supporting paperwork such as a valid passport, medical certificate, radiological report, proof of income, bank statements and health or travel insurance. - Submit the application package
Lodge the full set of documents, including any required motivation letters and additional supporting materials, through the appropriate Namibian immigration channels. This is typically nomadvisa@nipdb.com. - Pay the applicable fee
Once approved, the visa fee of N$3,300 is payable. - Wait for processing and approval
Processing times may vary depending on the completeness of the application and individual circumstances, so applicants should allow sufficient time for review before travel.
How long can you stay, and can the visa be renewed?
The Namibia Digital Nomad Visa grants a stay of six months, allowing remote professionals to live and work in the country temporarily while based abroad.
The visa is non-renewable, meaning it cannot be extended beyond the initial period. However, applicants may reapply for a new visa 12 months after the expiry of their previous one.
It is also important to note that no change of conditions is permitted under this visa, so holders must continue to meet the original requirements throughout their stay.
What about paying taxes in Namibia?
Tax obligations for holders of the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa are generally based on Namibia’s source-based tax system, rather than automatic tax residency rules.
Unlike many countries, Namibia does not typically apply a strict 183-day rule for taxing worldwide income. Instead, individuals are mainly taxed on income that is earned from a Namibian source, while foreign-sourced income is generally not subject to local tax under normal circumstances.
For digital nomads on this visa, this usually means that income earned from overseas employers or clients remains outside the Namibian tax net. However, if your situation changes – such as taking up local employment or generating income from within Namibia – different tax rules could apply.
Because tax treatment can still vary depending on individual circumstances and any future policy updates, it’s advisable to consult a qualified tax advisor or review official Namibian tax guidance to confirm your specific obligations.
Do you even need a visa?
As of 1 April 2025, many travellers to Namibia – including those from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, France, Canada and Australia – now require a visa, which can typically be obtained on arrival or through an e-visa process. Short tourist stays are generally permitted for up to 90 days, subject to immigration approval.
However, if you intend to stay longer and work remotely, a standard tourist entry is not appropriate, as it does not permit employment or long-term residence.
The Namibia Digital Nomad Visa is designed specifically for this purpose, allowing remote professionals to live in the country for up to six months while continuing to work for overseas employers or clients.
Further assistance
If you need assistance with your Namibia Digital Nomad Visa application or have any questions about the requirements, you should contact the official issuing bodies for guidance.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants are advised to refer directly to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) or the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS), as they oversee the process and provide official support channels.
