Namibia
NAMNamibia is one of southern Africa's most politically stable nations, with a functioning multiparty democracy and press freedom well above the continental average since independence from South Africa in 1990. Its vast landscape — dominated by the Namib and Kalahari deserts — supports a small population of roughly 2.6 million and an economy anchored in mining (diamonds, uranium, zinc), tourism, and fishing. Windhoek is a clean, well-ordered capital with English as the official language. The Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African rand, providing monetary stability. Naturalisation requires ten years of lawful residence, dual citizenship is not permitted, and there is no investment-migration programme. Foreign buyers face restrictions on agricultural land. Namibia appeals chiefly to regional business operators, conservation and wildlife professionals, and those drawn by its exceptional natural environment.
Passport Rank
#78
Visa-Free
75
destinations
Country Details
- Capital
- Windhoek
- Currency
- Namibian Dollar (NAD)
- Languages
- English, Afrikaans, Oshiwambo, Damara/Nama
- Population
- 2,600,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 10 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Arid / Semi-arid desert
- English Proficiency Rank
- #42
Indices
Cost of Living
37
Safety
45
Healthcare
38
Quality of Life
105
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 10 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
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| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windhoek | — | — | — | — | $30 |
| Swakopmund | — | — | — | — | $25 |
| Walvis Bay | — | — | — | — | $22 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Windhoek
Rainfall range: 0–75 mm/month · Daylight 10.7h (winter) to 13.4h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist
- Work Permit
- Investor
- Student
- Family
- Permanent Residence
- Authority
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security
- Official Portal
- www.mhaiss.gov.na
- Phone
- +264 61 292 2111
- info@mhaiss.gov.na
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- Yes (level n/a)
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $150
- Processing
- ~24 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#67
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Fake gem sellers near tourist sites
- ⚠Overcharging taxi fares for newcomers
- ⚠Bogus safari booking agents
Related Guides
Sources & last verified
- Last verified 2026-06-15