It’s no secret that there is a growing contingent of Zimbabweans who are working remotely for regional and international companies. The jobs Zimbos are filling out for foreign firms are as developers, graphic designers, UX/UI designers and a whole lot more. There are also Zimbabweans who are working remotely for local firms in various capacities because the pandemic necessitated it and then working from home became the norm. In saying that, working from home can get a little monotonous. So… if you have the money and want a little exposure, Namibia has launched a Digital Nomad Visa.
It’s available online!
According to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), anyone can potentially get the 6-month Nomad Visa if they provide the following:
- Proof of income of US$2,000 per month for the applicant, US$1,000 for a spouse and US$500 for each child per month.
- 6-month bank statement
- Letter from your employer
- Police clearance
- Medical Insurance, X-Ray and Medical certificates
Anyone approved for the Digital Nomad Visa can work, study and travel in Namibia for 6 months.
According to the NIPDB, you will also have to pay a N$1,100 (approx US$62) fee if your application is approved. If you get that far you will be issued your Digital Visa upon entry to Namibia.
The Namibia nomad Visa isn’t for everyone but for those who can, why the hell not?
This is definitely a program for those who can afford to live on the “north side of Samora”, but overall Namibia is cheaper than Zimbabwe in a number of categories.
Internet, for example, is more expensive in Harare than in Windhoek by some distance for Unlimited fixed broadband, an astounding 158.74% difference according to Numbeo
Namibia also ranked in the top 100 of the Speedtest Global Index for Q3, 2022 for mobile internet with an average download speed of 19.86Mbps. While also being above Zimbabwe in the fixed broadband category.
As for accommodation, it is a split with Windhoek being 19% more expensive for a one-bedroom city centre apartment per month. But Harare is marginally more expensive when it comes to single-bedroom accommodation outside of the city centre.
This is a shrewd program by Namibia
Namibia has followed in the footsteps of countries like Georgia, Malaysia, The Czech Republic and many others with the launch of the nomad visa. There is definitely a market in the world for experiences and with working requirements becoming more liberalised, Namibia, like many others, will be able to make some money from nomads looking to break up the monotony of working remotely in their home country.
