How to register an NGO or church in Namibia
The Section 21 company route, the seven-member rule, documents, steps, tax exemption and what donors expect after registration.
Most NGOs, churches, charities and community organisations in Namibia register as a Section 21 company (an association not for gain) at BIPA.
You need at least seven founding members, a name, and founding documents that set out the organisation's not-for-gain objects.
Registration opens the door to a bank account, donations and grants. Tax exemption from NamRA, and welfare organisation registration where it applies, are separate steps after that.
Which structure for a non-profit?
| Structure | What it is | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Section 21 company | A company not for gain, registered at BIPA under the Companies Act | NGOs, churches, foundations, schools and charities that want legal standing, a bank account and access to grants |
| Voluntary association | A group run under its own constitution, without BIPA registration | Small clubs and community groups; many funders and banks will not deal with one |
| Trust | Assets held by trustees for a purpose | Holding property or managing a fund, rather than running programmes |
If you want to receive donor funding, open a bank account easily and be taken seriously by government and partners, a Section 21 company is usually the right choice.
What you need
- At least seven founding members, all individuals, with certified ID copies and contact details
- Directors who will run the organisation
- Three proposed names, in order of preference
- The organisation's objects: what it exists to do, clearly not for profit
- A physical address in Namibia
How registration works
- Name reservation at BIPA.
- Founding documents drafted to meet the not-for-gain requirements: income and assets may only be used for the organisation's objects and may never be paid out to members.
- Signing by the founding members and directors.
- Lodgement at BIPA and issue of the registration certificate. With us, expect 21 to 30 working days from complete documents.
After registration
- Bank account in the organisation's name.
- Tax exemption. A Section 21 company can apply to NamRA for income tax exemption; it is not automatic.
- Welfare organisation registration with the responsible ministry, if your work falls under welfare.
- Proper records. Donors expect clean books and annual financial statements; good records are what win the second grant.
- Annual duty and returns at BIPA, every year.
Registering a church
Churches and faith-based organisations register as Section 21 companies in the same way. Registration gives the church legal standing to own property, open bank accounts, employ staff and receive donations in its own name, which protects the members and leaders personally.
Common mistakes
- Fewer than seven founding members ready to sign.
- Objects that read like a business, which puts not-for-gain status at risk.
- Assuming registration means tax exemption. It has to be applied for.
- No financial records from the first donation, which costs you the next grant.
What it costs with us
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Section 21 company registration (Namibian founders) | N$5,500 |
| Section 21 company registration (founders abroad) | N$13,500 |
| NamRA tax registration | N$300 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I register an NGO in Namibia?
Most NGOs register as a Section 21 company at BIPA: reserve a name, draft founding documents with not-for-gain objects, have at least seven founding members sign, and lodge them. With Chrimson it takes 21 to 30 working days from complete documents and costs N$5,500.
How many members do I need to register an NGO in Namibia?
A Section 21 company needs at least seven founding members, all individuals, who sign the founding documents.
How do I register a church in Namibia?
Churches register as Section 21 companies in the same way as other non-profits. Registration lets the church own property, open bank accounts, employ staff and receive donations in its own name.
Is an NGO automatically tax-exempt in Namibia?
No. A registered Section 21 company must apply to NamRA for income tax exemption. Registration is the first step, not the exemption itself.
What is a Section 21 company?
A company not for gain registered under the Companies Act. Its income and assets may only be used for its objects and can never be distributed to members. It is the standard structure for NGOs, churches, foundations and charities in Namibia.
Need help registering your business in Namibia?
Chrimson Consultants handles company registration, BIPA compliance, NAMRA tax registration, and tender-readiness for Namibian businesses. Contact us today.