The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) on Tuesday launched the digital Nomad visa, which can enable travelling enthusiasts to have leisure while at the same time working as part of its vision to promote tourism and lure investments as the country seeks to tap into a growing billion market.
Gigital Nomads, are people who are location independent and use technology to perform their work, living outside their country of normal residence.
“The programme allows a swift and streamlined procedure to acquire a visa from the comfort of your home. The visa allows our participants to work, travel and study in Namibia. It will be issued for a total of six months that you will receive upon your arrival,” said Nangula Shejavali, NIPDB’s Manager for Policy Reforms and Business Climate.
“As a globally recognised holiday destination on the African continent, the country’s number one priority is to ensure potential visitors have access to programmes that encourage travel to our country with less to none paperwork and minimal bureaucracy.”
The visa will be strictly for individuals who are working reportedly and able to provide financial sustainability.
“Applicants wanting to take advantage of the Namibia Digital Nomad Visa will have to prove that they earn enough money to be self-sufficient. They will need to demonstrate proof of income/funds (Payslip/Employment Contract) to sustain themselves and dependents, such as USD2000 for the Applicant, USD1000 for an accompanying spouse, and a further USD500 – per accompanying child per month,” she said.
Other additional requirements are that applicants must have valid travel documents, health or travel insurance covering risks while in Namibia. ApproximatelyUS$62 (N$1,100) will be required upon arrival as payment for the Visa.
Meanwhile, NIPDB says applicants may not enter the Namibian labour market, and also their main place of business including source of income must be from outside Namibia.
According to NIPDB, there were 35 million digital nomads in 2021 operating from roughly 40 countries, with an estimated revenue generation of US$787 million.
In Africa, countries such as Mauritius, Seychelles and Cabo Verde are already offering Digital Nomad visas, while seven others are in the process, including South Africa and Kenya.
The Digital Nomad concept is fast booming because of the evolution of work in a digitalised world, where professionals are reliant on technology and not on location.
NIPDB says Namibia offers breathtaking landscapes, reliable internet connectivity, plenty of wildlife, excellent road infrastructure, political stability and a conducive investment climate; in addition to easily accessible foreign embassies and international consultants.
