Starting a business in Namibia as a foreigner
Which structure to use, the documents that delay most founders, tax with a resident Public Officer, the bank account, permits, and how to do it all without moving here.
Foreigners can own 100% of a Namibian Private Company or Close Corporation, and can set it up without living in Namibia.
A company that trades needs more than a registration certificate: NamRA tax registration with a resident Public Officer, Social Security registration, and a business bank account.
Running the business from inside Namibia is a separate question from owning it: that needs the right permit.
Which structure: Pty, CC or branch?
| Structure | When it fits | Our price |
|---|---|---|
| Private Company (Pty) Ltd | The usual choice for foreign founders and subsidiaries of foreign companies. Shareholders can be people or companies. | N$13,500 |
| Close Corporation | Small owner-run businesses where every owner is an individual. Members must be natural persons. | N$3,500 |
| External company (branch) | A foreign company trading in Namibia under its own name, without a separate Namibian subsidiary. | N$13,500 |
| Foreign Investor Package | A Pty set up ready to trade: company, tax with a Public Officer, Social Security, certificate of fitness and bank account facilitation, in one order. | N$17,650 |
For most founders who will not live in Namibia, a Private Company with the Foreign Investor Package is the simplest route: one price, one order, one team.
Documents: the step that delays most foreign founders
- Passport copies notarised by a Notary Public in your home country for every foreign director and shareholder. An ordinary certified copy is not accepted.
- Residential addresses and contact details for every director and shareholder
- For a corporate shareholder: its registration documents and a resolution authorising the investment
- A business address in Namibia, which we can help arrange
We check every notarised document before lodging. A rejected document can cost weeks; a checked one costs nothing.
From instruction to trading
- Company registration at BIPA, including name reservation and founding documents.
- NamRA tax registration. NamRA requires a Public Officer who lives in Namibia and answers for the company's tax affairs; if none of your directors live here, we provide one.
- Social Security registration as an employer, once you take on staff.
- Municipal certificate of fitness for the premises, where required.
- Business bank account. We prepare the bank pack and follow it up; depending on the bank, a director may need to attend a branch once, or a Namibian-resident signatory is appointed.
With the Foreign Investor Package, this takes about 28 working days from the day we have your complete documents. The bank sets its own approval timing.
Owning versus working here: permits
Owning shares in a Namibian company does not give you the right to live or work in Namibia. If you or foreign staff will run the business on the ground, you need the right permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, such as a work permit or a business or investment permit. We coordinate permit applications with our immigration partner, and the company documents your application needs come from your registration.
Tax and compliance once you are trading
- File NamRA returns on time, including nil returns in quiet periods.
- Pay BIPA annual duty every year.
- Keep proper books; Private Companies must prepare annual financial statements under the Companies Act.
- Keep your Public Officer appointment current.
Our Presence, International annual plan covers the Public Officer, bank liaison and a monthly compliance report for owners who are not in Namibia.
What it costs with us
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Foreign Investor Package (Pty, tax with Public Officer, Social Security, certificate of fitness coordination, bank facilitation) | N$17,650 |
| Foreign-owned Private Company registration only | N$13,500 |
| Foreign-owned Close Corporation registration only | N$3,500 |
| Public Officer, per year | N$1,200 |
| 30-minute consultation, credited if you go ahead | N$500 |
The order page shows exactly what is included, and any government fees, before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own a business in Namibia?
Yes. Foreigners can own a Namibian Private Company or Close Corporation outright, and a foreign company can register a Namibian subsidiary or an external company (branch). Some regulated sectors have their own ownership rules, so check yours before you invest.
Do I need to live in Namibia to register a company?
No. Chrimson registers foreign-owned companies fully remotely. Passport copies must be notarised by a Notary Public in your home country, and we check every document before lodging.
What is a Public Officer in Namibia?
NamRA requires every company to have a Public Officer who lives in Namibia and answers for its tax affairs. If none of your directors live here, Chrimson provides one for N$1,200 a year.
How long does it take to set up a company in Namibia as a foreigner?
With the Foreign Investor Package, about 28 working days from the day we have your complete documents, covering company, tax, Social Security and the bank application. The bank sets its own approval timing.
Can a foreigner open a business bank account in Namibia?
Yes, for a registered Namibian company. We prepare the bank pack and follow it up. Depending on the bank, a director may need to attend a branch once, or the company appoints a Namibian-resident signatory.
Do I need a work permit to run my Namibian company?
Owning shares does not give the right to live or work in Namibia. If you or foreign staff will work here, you need the right permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Chrimson coordinates applications with an immigration partner.
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.