Moving to Namibia

Namibia, located in southwest Africa, is a paradise of natural beauty. Home to two deserts, spectacular coastlines, and an array of national parks, Namibia boasts unique wonders that will leave you in awe. You’ll be enchanted by scenes such as the vast Etosha Pan, the massive Fish River Canyon, and the endless red sand dunes in Sossusvlei. It would be a mistake to imagine a purely arid, rural landscape with little else to offer.

Most expats moving to Namibia settle in Windhoek – the country's social, political, cultural, and economic hub – where most job opportunities are concentrated. You’ll notice the diverse influences brought by modern globalisation, from local media to international brands.

Namibia presents an eclectic mix of historical and cultural influences. You might be surprised by the blend of German, South African, and indigenous cultures evident in the architecture, work environments, and local customs. Namibia, a former German colony, was annexed by South Africa after World War I and remained a South African province until independence in 1990.

As a result, Windhoek, the capital city, showcases European-style buildings, while the country’s food culture celebrates beer and a classic South-African-style ‘braai’ (barbecue), as well as dishes influenced by indigenous peoples like the Ovambo and Herero.

Living in Namibia as an expat

Namibia’s economy is primarily driven by agriculture, mining (especially diamonds), and tourism. While these are key industries, opportunities also exist in healthcare, information technology, and education. Finding a job in Namibia can still be challenging, as the government prioritises hiring locals due to the high unemployment rate. Namibia's labour migration policy is designed to address skill shortages and boost economic growth, but competition remains high for available positions.

Conducting business in Namibia, including the accompanying dress code, is relatively formal, but socialising plays a major role in building strong work relationships. English is the main business language, alongside Afrikaans and German.

Accommodation in Namibia has had its challenges. A housing shortage has pushed property prices up, making it difficult for many locals to afford mortgages. However, if you earn in a foreign currency, you may find housing relatively affordable. Most properties are freestanding houses, but in Windhoek, you can also find condominiums, terraced houses, and semi-detached homes.

Public transport is available, but getting around Namibia is easiest if you have a car. The main roads are paved and well-maintained, but if you’re heading out to rural areas, you should consider a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It’s important to be cautious when driving at night, as animals often cross the roads in certain areas.

Access to healthcare in Namibia is essential, especially since the northern part of the country is a malaria risk zone. In Windhoek and larger towns, there are good medical facilities with well-trained staff, but treatment can be expensive, so having medical insurance is essential.

Namibia has both private and public hospitals, with the latter being more widespread but of lower quality than private facilities. Access to professional medical treatment is limited outside the main towns, so planning ahead is crucial.

Cost of living in Namibia

The cost of living in Namibia is fairly affordable. According to Mercer’s 2024 Cost of Living Survey, Windhoek ranks 218th out of 226 cities worldwide, indicating a comparatively low cost of living. Your biggest expenses will likely be accommodation and education, particularly if your children attend private or international schools.

Utilities such as electricity and water can also be quite pricey due to infrastructure challenges, and high import costs for items like electronics and furniture may come as a surprise. Security is another consideration – many expats choose to live in gated communities or invest in home security systems for added peace of mind.

Expat families and children

If you have children, schooling is likely a key concern. Education in Namibia is compulsory from ages 6 to 16. While both primary and secondary education at public schools is free, additional costs may arise for uniforms, books and extra-curriculars.

Most expat parents opt for private or international schools, which typically offer a higher standard of education. The language of instruction in these schools is predominantly English, but there are also Afrikaans and German schools, as well as institutions following international curricula like the International Baccalaureate. Private schools usually provide better resources and smaller class sizes. In contrast, public schools can face overcrowding and limited resources, depending on their location and funding.

Thanks to Namibia’s expansive deserts, it is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. This makes it easy to escape the city for a weekend getaway to some of Namibia’s more remote areas. Whether you prefer a low-budget camping trip or a luxury safari, Namibia offers a range of options for a memorable adventure.

Climate in Namibia

The climate in Namibia is a subtropical desert characterised by significant temperature variability, especially across different regions. Winter, from May to October, is dry and cool, with temperatures ranging between 45°F and 70°F (7°C to 21°C) in Windhoek. Summer, which is the wet season, brings temperatures between 64°F and 88°F (18°C to 31°C).

The central plateau, including Windhoek, sees notable temperature swings between day and night, especially during the winter months. Coastal areas, such as those along the Namib Desert, tend to be cooler due to the Benguela Current, while the northern regions often experience the warmest conditions.

High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke if you’re not acclimatised, and northern areas with higher rainfall may see an increase in mosquitoes, raising the risk of malaria. Dust storms are common in arid regions and may exacerbate respiratory conditions, so it’s wise to be prepared with appropriate medication and to stay informed about local health resources.

Namibian society is a diverse blend of traditions and cultures set against a stunning landscape. The standard of living is high, especially if you earn in foreign currencies, and coming to love the desert lifestyle is key to making the most of your time here.

Fast facts

Official name: Republic of Namibia

Population: Around 3 million

Capital city: Windhoek

Geography: Namibia is mostly arid desert, with some plateau areas and a rocky escarpment region near the coast.

Neighbouring countries: Namibia is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana and Zambia to the east, and Angola to the north.

Political system: Presidential republic

Major religions: Christianity

Main languages: English, Afrikaans, German, and local Oshiwambo dialects. Several other languages are recognised nationally and regionally.

Money: The currency is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is divided into 100 cents. ATMs can be found in all but the most remote areas, and you should be able to open a Namibian bank account with your passport, visa, and a minimum deposit.

Tipping: When eating out, tip 10 percent if no service charge has been included. Many tour guides and game rangers rely on tips for their income – the size of the tip is at your discretion.

Time: GMT+2

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Three round-pin plugs (types D and M) are used.

Internet domain: .na

International dialling code: +264

Emergency contacts: 10111 (or 211111 in Windhoek)

Transport and driving: Although there are some train and bus systems, public transport in Namibia is not very well developed, and you will most likely need a car to get around. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.