Airbnb or Self-Catering Unit: NTB registration in Namibia
Everything the Namibia Tourism Board, the municipality and the inspector will ask an Airbnb or self-catering unit for, in the order to do it, and what it costs to have it done for you.
Is this your category?
One self-catering unit let to guests, with its own kitchen, lounge and bathroom.
If the owner lives on the property and serves breakfast, it is a Bed & Breakfast, not self-catering.
What you need before you lodge
- BIPA entity registered: Founding statement / CC or company; principal activity must match the NTB category (accommodation and tour operation may not be mixed under one entity).
- NamRA tax registration + good standing: Good-standing certificate; Chrimson can renew if lapsed (add-on).
- Social Security (SSC) registration + good standing: Required for every category.
- Business bank account: In the name of the business, bank letter or stamped statement.
- Proof of premises (title deed or lease): Ownership proof, or a signed lease + landlord consent for the tourism use.
- Municipal zoning / consent use: Consent use ("resident occupation") for a B&B not exceeding the dwelling; rezoning where it exceeds consent limits. The slowest urban link, start first.
- Certificate of Fitness (municipal health): Chrimson coordinates the CoW health inspection; clear the municipal account and complete food-handler medicals first.
- Fire compliance certificate: Local-authority fire brigade certificate; extinguishers + first-aid kits in place.
- Room / facility details + tariff schedule: Unit, bathroom and facility details with published tariffs.
What the inspector and the other offices check
- Title deed, or a lease with the landlord’s written consent to tourism use (body corporate consent for sectional title)
- Municipal zoning: consent use for a small operation in your home, rezoning beyond that
- Certificate of Fitness from the municipal health inspector: kitchen tiled to 1.35 m, washable surfaces, no toilet opening off the kitchen, guest bathrooms separate from the family’s
- Food-handler medical certificates for everyone who touches food
- Fire safety certificate, serviced extinguishers and a stocked first-aid kit
- The NTB inspection, then the certificate and guest-complaint notice displayed in reception and every room
How long it takes
Typically six to ten weeks from a complete file to the certificate. Zoning consent, where it is needed, comes first and can take months, so start there.
What it costs
Our professional fee is N$5,500. The NTB prices this category per room; its charges are added at cost and itemised in the instant quote.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Airbnb or self-catering unit need NTB registration?
Yes. Since February 2025, operating a tourism business in Namibia without Namibia Tourism Board registration is an actively enforced offence. An Airbnb or self-catering unit is registered in its own category and must display the certificate.
What does it cost?
Our professional fee is N$5,500. The NTB prices this category per room, and its charges are added at cost, itemised in the instant quote before you pay anything.
How long does it take?
Typically six to ten weeks from a complete file to the certificate. Zoning consent, where it is needed, comes first and can take months, so start there.
How do I know it is an Airbnb or self-catering unit and not another category?
If the owner lives on the property and serves breakfast, it is a Bed & Breakfast, not self-catering.
Can I register before I take bookings?
Yes, and you should: register before your first paying guest. The inspection needs the premises ready, so lodge once building work is finished and the kitchen, bathrooms and fire equipment are in place.
Do you handle it for me?
Yes. We prepare the file, chase the municipality and the other offices, walk you through the inspection list and lodge with the NTB. You sign, we do the running.