Work visas
Namibian Employment Permit (Long-Term Work)
The main permit for foreign nationals taking up ongoing employment with a Namibian employer for longer than six months.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Permit validity period, fees and processing times are from secondary sources and must be verified against official MHAISS employment-permit guidance.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Namibia government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Employment Permit
- Route type
- Long-term work permit (employer-sponsored)
- Typical validity
- Issued for a fixed term and renewable
- Commonly cited as 1-2 years; confirm current validity with MHAISS
- Ties to
- A specific employer, role and location
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals with an offer of ongoing employment from a Namibian-registered employer
- Roles that will last longer than a short-term assignment (more than about six months)
Requirements
- Job offer / employment contract with a locally registered entity
- Employer justification for hiring a foreign national (e.g. skills shortage)
- Qualifications, CV and relevant professional documents
- Passport, photographs, police clearance and medical documentation as required
- Payment of the applicable permit fee
What you can do
- Work for the sponsoring employer in the approved role for the permit's validity
- Apply to renew while employment continues and tax obligations are met
- Cannot switch to a different employer without approval
How to apply
- Employer and applicant prepare the required documentation
- Submit the application to MHAISS (including via the eServices work-visa services where available)
- Await adjudication by the immigration authorities before starting work
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.