What is a Small Business?

Small businesses are privately owned corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships which have fewer employees and/or less annual revenue than a regular-sized business or corporation.

How To Register A Small Business In Namibia

General Information

Public Companies, Private Companies and NGOs require Memorandum and Articles of Association that need to be certified by a Notary Public who is a member of the legal profession. Therefore applicants applying for any of the business entities are encouraged to use the services of legal practitioners.

Forms for Close Corporations (CC8, CC1 and CC2) and Defensive Names (CM5, CM8, and CM8A) are available at all offices of the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED) country-wide and at the Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and its branches at no cost.

Once a client has collected their registered documents, they must also ensure compliance with the requirements of other relevant institutions namely:

• the Ministry of Finance (registration for VAT and Company Tax)
• the Ministry of Labour
• the Ministry of Home Affairs (work permits, visas, etc.)
• the Social Security Commission
• NAMFISA
• Local Authority by-laws such as those specified by the City of Windhoek, or local authorities in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Keetmanshoop, Oshakati etc.

For a guideline on how to ensure that your business name is successfully reserved, please click here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Where can I register my small business in Namibia?

Business Registration

• the Ministry of Finance (registration for VAT and Company Tax)
• the Ministry of Labour.
• the Ministry of Home Affairs (work permits, visas, etc.)
• the Social Security Commission.
• NAMFISA.
• BIPA

How do I start a business in Namibia?

Obtain the approval for a company name from the Registrar of Companies. Pay the registration fees and buy revenue stamps at the Receiver of Revenue. Hire an attorney to register the company with the Registrar of Companies; obtain the certificate to commence business. Deposit the initial capital in a bank account.

Can a foreigner open a company in Namibia?

The most common structure for a Namibian investor permit applicant is a Namibian company. It therefore follows that a foreign shareholder can own 100% of the shares in a Namibian company. The company may appoint Directors and shareholders need not be natural persons.

How long does it take to register a business in Namibia?

How long does it take to register a Trademark in Namibia? Trademark registration process takes minimum 6 month.

How much does it cost to register a Pty Ltd company in Namibia?

Pty Ltd Registration Fee

ASIC charge $512 to register a company. This fee applies whether you register directly with them or through an agent and is GST free.

What is Pty Ltd Company?

A Pty Ltd is a company that trades for profits. It is a separate legal entity that is unique from its shareholders. In South Africa, a Pty Ltd firm is viewed as a separate legal entity that is registered as a taxpayer in its own right.

How do I register a cash loan business in Namibia?

The applicant will be required to complete the application form and submit the following documentation with the completed application form to NAMFISA: 5.1 A certified copy of Income Tax registration certificate of the Cash Loan Business as issued by the Ministry of Finance.

How much does it cost to register a business in Namibia?

Different Namibia entity types	Cost
Branch of a foreign company	US$13,100
Fast nominee LLC	US$23,850
Trust company	US$12,950
Free zone company	US$11,750
Tax Resident LLC	US$11,900

What is the difference between Pty Ltd and CC?

Both Close Corporations (CC) and Private Companies (Pty) count as a legal entities and have limited liability of members or shareholders. Close Corporations are often the type of company chosen by small business owners. CCs have members – up to a maximum of 10 natural people.

How do I start a business in Namibia?

Obtain the approval for a company name from the Registrar of Companies. Pay the registration fees and buy revenue stamps at the Receiver of Revenue. Hire an attorney to register the company with the Registrar of Companies; obtain the certificate to commence business. Deposit the initial capital in a bank account.

Is Namibia rich or poor?

It is the driest country in Sub-Saharan Africa, and is rich in mineral resources, including diamonds and uranium. Political stability and sound economic management have helped anchor poverty reduction and allowed Namibia to become an upper-middle income country.

How do I register a sole proprietorship in Namibia?

To register a sole proprietorship, you have to apply with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority of Namibia (BIPA). The application process can be completed online (guide) or by visiting a BIPA office in person.

How long does it take to get a work visa for Namibia?

How long does the process take? Obtaining a Namibia work visa is not a short process and processing times vary from 7 to 90 working days. It therefore follows that any application for a Namibia work visa be made in ample time.

How much is a work permit in Namibia?

Payment for study/work visa is to be made after approval by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration before the actual issuance. payment is made to the Embassy bank account, visa fee is 720 SEK. Visa fee for a period of 4 – 6 months is 2000 Namibia dollars.