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THE CITIZENSHIP DESK

Namibia

NAM

Namibia 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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Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
CityRent 1BR centreRent outsideGroceriesUtilitiesTransit 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

24°J
23°F
21°M
19°A
16°M
13°J
13°J
16°A
19°S
22°O
23°N
24°D

Rainfall range: 075 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
Email
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