Work Permit (Long-term): Timeline for Nigerians ₦219,627
Processing time for the Work Permit (Long-term) for Nigerian applicants is 6–12 weeks. Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Work Permit (Long-term) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeSource: lac.org.na, checked 8 Oct 2026 | ₦213,071 (~$158 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Other government feesSource: lac.org.na, checked 8 Oct 2026 | ₦6,556 (~$5 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦219,627 (~$163 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 5 November 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦219,627 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦213,071: Paid to the Namibia immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Other government fees — ₦6,556: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 6–12 weeks
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Work Permit (Long-term) requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦219,627 in upfront costs.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 6–12 weeks.
Expert tip
Work Permit (Long-term)
An employment permit costs N$2,600 per year of validity (plus an N$80 handling fee) and is renewable. This is the pathway for Nigerians who have secured permanent employment in Namibia. The application process is more thorough — you need a confirmed job offer, employer sponsorship, police clearance from Nigeria, medical certificate, and certified copies of your qualifications. Your employer files the application with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Processing can take 6–12 weeks, sometimes longer. Since 1 September 2026, applicants without legal status in Namibia must stay outside the country until the permit is issued, so apply from Nigeria.
Where Nigerians settle in Namibia
Once your Work Permit (Long-term) is approved, most Nigerians head to Windhoek or Swakopmund. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Windhoek: 1-bedroom rent ₦561,523/month · Lagos–Windhoek flights from ~$650 · Nigerian community: Very Small
- Swakopmund: 1-bedroom rent ₦533,414/month · Lagos–Swakopmund flights from ~$720 · Nigerian community: Very Small
Life in Windhoek
Windhoek is Namibia's capital and the only city with a meaningful expat community. A 1-bed apartment in a good area (Windhoek West, Klein Windhoek, Eros) runs about NAD 8,325/month in the centre; Numbeo's blended city average is NAD 7,107. Outer suburbs like Khomasdal or Katutura are cheaper ($200–350) but less convenient. The city is remarkably clean, safe by African standards, and compact — you can drive across it in 20 minutes. A single person needs about $1,200–1,800/month for comfortable living. Internet is reliable — Telecom Namibia and MTC offer fiber in most residential areas. The Nigerian community is very small (estimated under 500 people), so don't expect to find Nigerian restaurants or churches on every corner like in Johannesburg. The upside is no anti-Nigerian sentiment — Namibians are generally welcoming and curious about Nigeria.
0.5% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Namibia as their destination. Average Japa Score: 6.5/10. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦200K–₦500K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Work Permit (Long-term) cost for Nigerians moving to Namibia?
- Upfront costs for the Work Permit (Long-term) come to ₦219,627 (about $163). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Work Permit (Long-term) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Work Permit (Long-term) is 6–12 weeks. Apply from the Namibia High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Work Permit (Long-term) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Namibia?
- Windhoek is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Namibia. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦561,523 per month. The Nigerian community in Windhoek is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Namibia.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 5 November 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026