Choose Your Namibia Business Registration Package

Anyone with a valid passport and identity documents can register a business in Namibia, including Namibian citizens and foreign nationals.

BIPA registers the following entity types:
1.) Close Corporations (CC)
2.) Private Companies (Pty Ltd)
3.) Public Companies (Ltd)
4.) Section 21 Companies (Non-Profit Associations, also known as Non-Profit Association incorporated under Section 21)
5.) External/Foreign Companies Defensive names can also be registered to protect a name (valid for 2 years, renewable once for another 2 years).

A Close Corporation is formed by a minimum of one member and a maximum of ten members. Members own and manage the affairs of the Close Corporation. Ownership is referred to as percentage interest, and the total must add up to 100%. The Close Corporation must be profit-making in its intentions. It is a legal persona separate from the members, and liability ensues in case of negligence by the members (Sections 63 and 64 of the Companies Act).

1.) Form CC8 (Application for Name Reservation) – fee N$75.00
2.) Form CC1 (Founding Statement) – in triplicate, fee N$150.00
3.) Original signed consent letter from a certified accountant/Registered Public Accountant
4.) Certified copies of IDs for members and witnesses (for Namibians) or certified notarised passport copies (for foreign nationals)
5.) Copies of Beneficial Ownership (BO) of all owners
6.) Copy of approved name Registration turnaround time for Close Corporations is 5 working days. Related links:
Close Corporation forms
CC1 Founding Statement form download

A company is a separate legal persona with its own rights, privileges, and liabilities. The owners are shareholders who appoint directors to oversee operations. The company has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes. Companies may be formed for profit or non-profit purposes and can assume the following forms:

1.) Private company (Pty Ltd) – limited to 50 shareholders
2.) Public company (Ltd) – unlimited shareholding
3.) Non-Profit Association incorporated under Section 21 (also a public company)
4.) External Companies

Turnaround time for companies is 25 days. While official BIPA processing can take up to 25 days, our expedited daily submission service typically achieves results in 7–14 working days.

Submission includes:
1.) CM5 (Application for Name Reservation) – N$75
2.) CM1 (Application for Certificate of Incorporation)
3.) CM46 (Application for Certificate to Commence Business) – N$100
4.) CM2 (Memorandum and Articles of Association) – in triplicate, 2 copies certified by Notary Public – N$150 + value of share capital
5.) Other forms: CM22 (address notice) – N$20, CM29 (directors/auditors list) – N$20, CM31 (auditor appointment) – N$20, CM47 (director statement on capital) – N$50, CM51 (additional copies) – N$10

The Memorandum and Articles must be certified by a Notary Public. Due to complexity, it is recommended to use a legal practitioner for preparation. Documents must be adjusted to fit the specific circumstances and needs of each respective company. You can buy our PTY Full registration package

Related Official links:
Company documents: https://www.bipa.na/company-documents/

A Defensive Name in Namibia protects against the registration of another entity with that name or a similar/undesirable name (Section 49(2) of the Companies Act, 2004). It is valid for 2 years and can be renewed once for another 2 years (no further renewal). It is not for trading but for protection only.

-Forms: CM5 (N$75) for application; CM8 (N$300) for actual registration; CM8A (N$160) for renewal.

It can be converted into a business entity (company or close corporation).

1.) For Close Corporations: Use Form CC8 (advisable to provide six optional names) – fee N$75.
2.) For Companies/Defensive Names: Use Form CM5 – fee N$75. BIPA approves names per Name Guidelines.

Turnaround: 1-3 working days.

Copies of Beneficial Ownership (BO) of all owners must be submitted (required for Close Corporation registration and implied for other entities).

Foreign nationals with valid passports can register. Provide:
1.) Certified passport copies, notarised by a notary public (for foreign jurisdictions).
2.) Certified copies of identification documents of members and witnesses.

The register is public. Submit a file request form at a BIPA office or email filerequest@bipa.na and pay fees. Records take 3–5 days as they are hosted off-premises. They can be inspected at the office or emailed.

Forms are available at BIPA offices or on the official BIPA website:
Close Corporation forms: https://www.bipa.na/close-corporation-forms/
Company documents: https://www.bipa.na/company-documents/

Yes — due to the relative complexity in compiling registration documents (especially for companies, where the Memorandum and Articles must be certified by a Notary Public), it is recommended to use a legal practitioner.

If you want faster business registration in Namibia, you can have a look at our Namibian business registration packages.

1.) Choose a unique name for your business
2.) Apply to reserve the chosen name of Form CC8 (advisable to provide six optional names)
3.) BIPA will consider the Names in accordance with the Name Guidelines
4.) Following the approval of the Business Name
5.) Submit Form CC1
6.) BIPA will consider your application in accordance with the law.