How to get Namibian residency through real estate investment

When most people hear “investment immigration,” their minds immediately jump to the fast-track Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs of the Caribbean or the golden visas of Europe. However, Namibia, a peaceful gem in southern Africa, also offers such an opportunity. 

Its real estate-based residency program proposes a path for those seeking to live, work, and invest in a country rich with natural beauty and stability.

Here’s a deep dive into what Namibia’s real estate visa program offers, how it works, and how to know if it’s a right fit for you.

The real estate pathway to Namibian residency

Namibia’s Real Estate Investment visa is one of two pathways the country is looking to attract foreign capital and grow its economy. The program is technically a “Residence by Investment” (RBI) pathway, not a Citizenship by Investment. It grants investors a renewable five-year residence permit when they purchase a property within an approved real estate development.

The property at the heart of this program is the President’s Links Estate located in Walvis Bay.

About the President’s Links Estate

Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, Walvis Bay is a rare mix of natural grandeur and practical opportunity. President’s Links Estate builds on this foundation, with luxury homes and a sustainable living environment designed with international investors in mind.

Rather than offering just bricks and mortar, the estate promotes an eco-conscious, luxurious lifestyle. Homes here come with:

• 24/7 gated security
• Designer architecture
• Recreational centers
• Proximity to the rapidly developing Walvis Bay port

Features and requirements of Namibia’s RBI

Under Namibia’s RBI scheme, purchasing property within the President’s Links Estate grants you a renewable five-year residence permit. Alongside the property investment, you gain work rights within your own business, the ability to include your immediate family, and a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Here are more details you’ll need to know:

Financial commitment:

• Minimum property investment of NAD 3,950,000 (approximately USD 210,000)

Key documents:

• Valid passport
• Police clearance
• Health certificate
• Proof of financial means
• Completed investment/business plan

Residency status:

• Renewable five-year permit tied to property ownership and good standing

Employment rights:

• You can operate your own business
• You cannot work for other Namibian companies without a separate work permit

Pathway to permanency:

• Eligible for permanent residency after 7 years
• Eligible for citizenship 10 years after obtaining permanent residency

Processing timeline:

• Typically about three months from application to approval

It’s important to understand that Namibia’s program isn’t designed for passive investors looking to collect a passport. It’s geared toward those willing to truly integrate into Namibian life.

RELATED: Should you get a second passport?

Why Namibia?

Namibia is one of Africa’s safest and most democratic nations, with free elections and an independent judiciary. English is the official language.

From a financial standpoint, Namibia is attractive too. Taxes are territorial, so you’re only taxed on income earned within Namibia. There’s no inheritance tax, and capital gains taxes are modest compared to other jurisdictions. And for business-minded investors, there are opportunities in the growing sectors of tourism, agriculture, mining, and logistics.

The lifestyle Namibia offers is also exceptional. There are wide open spaces, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park.

And crucially, Namibia is still under the radar. Early adopters have the rare chance to be part of a country’s growth story before it becomes crowded and costly.

Is Namibia’s real estate investment visa the right fit for you?

This pathway could be ideal if you are looking for more than a transactional second residency. It’s suited for you if you:

• genuinely want a second home in a peaceful, beautiful, and politically stable country.
• are okay with waiting many years for possible citizenship, and who actually plan to maintain ties with Namibia
• Are a businesses and entrepreneur interested in investing in Namibia’s tourism, renewable energy, and property development sectors.

However, it might not be the right choice if you:

• Need a second passport urgently
• Expect a highly liquid real estate investment
• Don’t plan to spend much time in the country