Articles | Expat Money®

Living In Namibia With Your Digital Nomad Visa

Written by Mikkel Thorup | January 31, 2023

Most digital nomads looking for destinations in Africa are likely more interested in popular destinations like Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, and Tunisia. However, Namibia is a gem in Africa that may surprise many people who may have never considered visiting or living there. As multiple countries begin to create new digital nomad visas, Africa is one region that remains behind the pack. Luckily, Namibia is one solid option in Africa that allows digital nomads to spend up to six months living there. Namibia has some of the continent’s most stunning geography and wildlife and has two UNESCO world heritage sites, including Twyfelfontein and the Namib Sand Sea. Furthermore, larger cities in Namibia are decent hubs for digital nomads who need a reliable work environment. Namibia is a wonderful hub for digital nomads who want to spend a year or two exploring Africa, and this program remains one of the only digital nomads currently available.

 

Windhoek is the country's cultural, economic, and social capital

LIVING IN NAMIBIA

Namibia is not the most popular destination in Africa. However, it is still a well-sought-after destination in Africa that many expats call home. Life in some major cities, such as Windhoek, can be very comfortable, and there are multiple attractions for digital nomads to explore if they are into natural attractions. The cost of living is also very reasonable in Namibia, so this can be a great place to work, save money and explore while in Africa. This digital nomad visa program allows you to bring family members with you.

 

Living in Windhoek

Most digital nomads will likely choose to live in Windhoek, which has a population of around 477,000. This city is the country's cultural, economic, and social capital and has a wide variety of religious sites, museums, and other attractions. The city is also near many outdoor and safari destinations and is less than 300 kilometres (186 mi) away from many coastal destinations.

 

Natural attractions

One of the country’s most famous beaches is the Namib Sand Sea, a coastal fog desert and one of the world’s oldest deserts. There are also many popular coastal towns, such as Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, and Luderitz, and the country has a coastline of over 1,500 km (932 mi).

 

Cost of Living

Living in Namibia can be very affordable for most digital nomads, and you should have no problem-saving money if you make more than $2,000 USD/month. Airbnb monthly listings in Windhoek can be as low as $250-600 USD for an apartment or single room. Most digital expats will be able to live very comfortably and save money in Namibia.

 

Internet Speed

Most areas of Namibia have high-speed broadband internet service with speeds of up to 120 Mbps. It is best to live in larger cities and to pay for more expensive internet plans.

 

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

 

Living in Namibia can be very affordable for most digital nomads

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA OVERVIEW

If you are a digital nomad visa interested in living in Africa, this is a great option for you to consider. There are a few options, and the South African digital nomad visa we covered recently is still pending.

 

Visa Length

One of the only downsides to this digital nomad visa program is that you can only spend six months in the country. However, you can renew the visa for another six months.

 

Income

To be eligible for this visa, you must prove that you make $2,000 USD/month. This amount is higher if you plan to bring your family with you. You will need an additional $1,000 USD/month for your spouse and $500 USD for each additional dependent.

Everything can be completed online; the only relatively tricky fact about applying is that you must submit extra medical information.

 

Related content: What Is A Digital Nomad Visa And How Can You Get One?

 

Equestrian Rider monument and Alte Feste in Windhoek

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Anyone can apply for this digital nomad visa if they meet the income requirements and submit the correct supporting documentation. You can complete the application online, and most documents are standard. However, there are extra medical tests that you need to perform before applying, so it is essential to factor this into your timeline.

You will need to submit the following documentation:

  • Medical certificate: You will need a certificate from your doctor showing that you do not have any significant health conditions
  • Radiological certificate: Applicants also need to complete a radiological test.
  • Medical insurance: You will need a medical insurance policy that covers any medical expenses in Namibia.
  • Proof of income and profession: You must provide information verifying that you work as a digital nomad and meet the income requirements.
  • Bank statements: This will help to show that you have consistently been earning more than $2,000 USD/month.
  • Criminal background: You must complete a criminal background check several months before applying to the program.
  • Any relevant contracts: These contracts can support your application by showing that you work in a reliable profession and will have long-term work while living in Namibia.

It costs around $62 USD to apply for this digital nomad visa, and you can also pay to extend it for another six months. It typically takes several weeks to hear back, assuming you complete everything correctly and no additional information is required.

 

Related content: Island Paradise With The Digital Nomad Visa Seychelles

 

Namib Sand Sea, Namibia

FINAL THOUGHTS

Namibia is currently a great option for digital nomads looking for a low-cost hub to explore Africa. The country is a short flight away from other popular African tourist destinations and is a great country to explore. It also has an abundance of charming natural destinations, including UNESCO heritage sites, and is a great country to explore. Digital nomads should feel comfortable living and working in some major cities and have plenty of opportunities to explore the country while living there. At the moment, digital nomads should only count on staying for up to 12 months in the country and note that there will not likely be many other options in Africa after this.