Namibia

Business visit visa / Work visa

All foreign nationals seeking to enter Namibia for business purposes require a Business Visitors Permit or a Business Visa. Business visitors may request an initial stay of up to 90 days with either single or multiple entries. Renewals are available for a period of up to 90 calendar days per year provided the extension request is justified by a business letter. Frequent business travelers may be required to apply for a short-term work visa.

A short-term work visa is required for work activities. Short-term work visas are initially issued with a three-month validity but may be renewed two additional times for a total allowable period of stay of nine months. Generally, a foreign national who intends to work for a short period and who is not on the payroll of a Namibian entity requires a short-term work visa.

Long-term work in Namibia requires an Employment Permit. The Employment Permit is usually issued for 12 or 24 months, but a 36-month permit is possible. Extensions are available.

As the Chairman of the Immigration Selection Board determines the validity (and period of stay) of the work permit, employees must clearly indicate the employment contract period on their visa application.