Starting a business in Namibia: the compliance basics
To start a business in Namibia: register the company with BIPA, register for tax with NamRA (corporate income tax 30% non-mining (reducing toward 28%); VAT 15% once over N$500,000), comply with the Labour Act 11 of 2007 if you hire, and meet a data-protection law that is still being finalised for personal data.
First compliance steps
- 1 Register the company with BIPA.
- 2 Register for tax with NamRA.
- 3 Register as an employer (the Social Security Commission) and use written contracts if you hire.
- 4 Register for VAT once turnover passes N$500,000.
- 5 Put a basic a data-protection law that is still being finalised framework in place.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to start a business in Namibia?
Register with BIPA, register for tax with NamRA, and meet labour (Labour Act 11 of 2007) and data-protection rules. Confirm specifics with NamRA.
More on Namibia
- Register a company — Namibia
- Company tax — Namibia
- VAT / sales tax — Namibia
- Hiring staff — Namibia
- Data protection — Namibia
- Tax clearance — Namibia
- Empowerment / B-BBEE — Namibia
- Licences & permits — Namibia
- Payroll & employee tax — Namibia
- Importing & customs — Namibia
- Annual returns — Namibia
- Full Namibia compliance guide
Start a business elsewhere in SADC
Want this handled, or tracked for you?
Use the free tools, or let NanoLeap take it off your plate.
Reviewed June 2026 from official sources. General information only — confirm with NamRA or a registered professional.