Digital Nomad Visa to boost domestic tourism
Foreign professionals working remotely
During 2021 worldwide, there were 35 million digital nomads and contributed US$787 billion to global economic value.
The Namibia Digital Nomad Visa, which was launched by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), is expected to boost domestic tourism.The Namibia Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign professionals, who are location independent and self-sufficient, to live, work and travel hassle-free in Namibia for a definite period of time. The short term work permit is valid for three to six months.
During a virtual launch yesterday, Nangula Shejavali, manager for policy reforms and business climate at NIPDB, noted that this is a huge market that can be tapped into and that Namibia should take advantage of.
“In fact, in Namibia we are already seeing digital nomads. We have seen tourism operators that are catering to this market,” she pointed out.
Statistics indicate that 49.81% of the digital nomads are female and 50.9% are male, mostly in their 30’s (47%). The statistics further revealed that US$1 875 is the average monthly budget for digital nomads.
In addition, 66% of the digital nomads prefer to stay in a single place for three to six months. Moreover, 83% of the digital nomads are self-employed, while 17% are employed by companies as remote workers.
Shejavali said around 40 countries globally currently offer digital nomad visas, of which three countries are from the African continent, namely Mauritius, Seychelles and Cabo Verde.
Seven countries are in the process of introducing digital nomad visas, which include neighbouring South Africa and Kenya.
During 2021 worldwide, there were 35 million digital nomads and contributed US$787 billion to global economic value, representing an annual spent of approximately US$22 000 by each digital nomad.
Limitations
The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board will work closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS).
Limitations to applicants states that they may not enter the Namibian labour market. Secondly, the applicant’s main place of business must be outside Namibia. Thirdly, applicant’s source of income must be from outside Namibia.
Applications are open and can be made through the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board webpage by submitting all the required documents.
NIPDB will then review the submitted information and recommend to Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security (MHAISS) ISB if all requirements are met and conduct a final review and security check.
Finally, the applicant will receive an email notification within 2 weeks along with confirmation of visa, which can be collected upon [email protected]