Namibia•AfricaShort-Term Employment Visa
At a Glance
Varies
NAD $1,600
3 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Permits work-related activities for up to 6 months including contract work, training local staff, audits, and volunteer assignments — requires employer sponsorship and prior approval.
The Short-Term Employment Visa is governed by Section 27 of the Immigration Control Act (Act No. 7 of 1993). It was established to provide a legal framework for foreign nationals to perform specific, time-limited work tasks in Namibia that cannot be immediately filled by the local labor market. This visa fills the critical gap between casual business visits and long-term employment permits, allowing companies to bring in essential expertise for short-term projects without the extensive requirements of a permanent work permit.
This visa is for skilled professionals, technical experts, or consultants hired by a Namibian entity for a period of up to six months. It is ideal for individuals coming for contract work, specialized training, commissioning, or urgent technical assignments. What makes it distinctive is the requirement for employer sponsorship, including a motivation letter explaining why a local candidate could not be hired, and the necessity for the applicant to possess specific qualifications relevant to the assigned work.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Completed visa application form
Motivation letter from the Namibian employer explaining the skills gap
Proof of tender or contract awarded
Certified copies of qualifications (translated into English)
CV and evidence of relevant experience
Police clearance from country of origin (for stays > 3 months)
Medical certificate and radiological report (for stays > 3 months)
Proof of health insurance
Payment of the visa fee (NAD 1600 for up to 3 months; NAD 3200 for up to 6 months)
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Passport photo
Educational certificates
Police clearance certificate
Medical certificate
Curriculum vitae
Employment contract (sponsor)
Motivation letter (sponsor)
Newspaper advertisements (sponsor)
Company registration documents (sponsor)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows legal work for a specific employer and location
- Provides full legal protection under Namibian labor laws
- Allows for the inclusion of dependents (spouse/children) who may be qualifying for work/study benefits
- Facilitates short-term technical, consulting, or project-based assignments
Worth Knowing
- Strictly tied to the approved employer, job title, and location
- Cannot change jobs or work elsewhere without a new visa
- Requires proof that Namibian nationals could not fill the position (Labour Market Testing)
- Processing can take significant time; apply well in advance
- Medical and police clearance requirements add complexity for longer stays
Application Process
Obtain job offer
Secure employment offer from Namibian employer
Employer advertises position
Employer posts vacancy in 3 national newspapers for 2 weeks minimum
Prepare documentation
Compile passport, qualifications, employment contract, and employer documents
Submit application
Submit via online portal or to embassy/consulate
Pay visa fee
Pay NAD 1,600 for 3 months or NAD 3,200 for 6 months
Await approval
Immigration authority reviews and approves
Receive visa
Visa issued in passport or as permit letter
Application Forms
| Short-Term Work Visa Application | — |
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