Your first 90 days in Namibia: the arrival checklist
The visa got you in — this is what turns you into a functioning resident: the registration clock, the ID number everything else depends on, and the money, healthcare, and license steps in the order they actually unlock. Each step links the official source so you can verify the current rule.
Checked against official sources · September 2026 · how we verify
The catch that burns new arrivals
Namibia's scale is the thing that catches people — it is one of the least densely populated countries on earth, and 'the nearest hospital' can be a four-hour drive on gravel. Plan vehicle reliability, fuel, water and communications with that in mind, and get evacuation cover that includes air transfer.
The checklist, in the order it unlocks
Apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security for an employment permit, permanent residence, or the Digital Nomad Visa
Before your entry stamp expires — visitors are commonly admitted for up to 90 days per year, and permits are applied for through the MHAISS e-services portal
Permanent residence typically takes 6-12 months from submission and requires a real qualifying basis — investment, long employment, or marriage. The Digital Nomad Visa is a 6-month renewable option for remote workers meeting an income threshold, and is far faster.
Get your Taxpayer identification number from NamRA
Employment income, business activity and any filing with the Namibia Revenue Agency key off it; Namibia taxes on a source basis, so foreign-source income is generally outside the net.
Registered with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) once you hold a permit; Social Security Commission registration is separate and applies to local employment.
Open a bank account
Bank Windhoek, FNB Namibia and Standard Bank open accounts on the permit and proof of address. The Namibian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the South African rand and rand notes circulate freely, which makes the two economies effectively one payment area for day-to-day purposes.
Enrol in healthcare
Public hospitals provide basic care at low cost but are stretched; most foreign residents join a private medical aid scheme and use private hospitals in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Distances are the real medical risk — a serious incident on the road between towns is hours from definitive care, so evacuation cover with air transport matters here more than in most countries.
Sort your driver's license
A foreign licence in English, or with a certified translation, is valid for up to 90 days; residents then convert through NaTIS, with South African and several other licences exchanging on paper. Driving is on the left.
Deadlines and requirements vary by nationality, visa type, and region, and they change — this is information current as of 2026, not legal or immigration advice. Verify each step with the official source before you rely on it.
Moving to Namibia?
Add your email for new Namibia guides and a heads-up when the arrival rules or figures change. We never file anything ourselves.
Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.
First 90 days in Namibia: FAQ
What do I have to do first after arriving in Namibia?
Apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security for an employment permit, permanent residence, or the Digital Nomad Visa — Before your entry stamp expires — visitors are commonly admitted for up to 90 days per year, and permits are applied for through the MHAISS e-services portal. Permanent residence typically takes 6-12 months from submission and requires a real qualifying basis — investment, long employment, or marriage. The Digital Nomad Visa is a 6-month renewable option for remote workers meeting an income threshold, and is far faster. Verify the current rule with the official source before you rely on it.
What is the Taxpayer identification number from NamRA and do I need one?
Taxpayer identification number from NamRA is Namibia's personal tax/ID number. Employment income, business activity and any filing with the Namibia Revenue Agency key off it; Namibia taxes on a source basis, so foreign-source income is generally outside the net. Registered with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) once you hold a permit; Social Security Commission registration is separate and applies to local employment.
Can I drive in Namibia on a US license?
A foreign licence in English, or with a certified translation, is valid for up to 90 days; residents then convert through NaTIS, with South African and several other licences exchanging on paper. Driving is on the left. Rules differ by nationality and change — check the official source before the window closes.
How do I get healthcare after moving to Namibia?
Public hospitals provide basic care at low cost but are stretched; most foreign residents join a private medical aid scheme and use private hospitals in Windhoek and Swakopmund. Distances are the real medical risk — a serious incident on the road between towns is hours from definitive care, so evacuation cover with air transport matters here more than in most countries. See our healthcare-systems guide for how Namibia's system treats foreign residents.