Start a business
Register your business the right way, first time.
We guide you through every registration a new Namibian business needs, from choosing a structure to opening the books.
How it works
Six steps from idea to trading.
We do the filing and the follow-up. Your part is mostly giving us information and signing where needed.
- 1
A short consultation
We discuss who will own the business, what it will do and how you plan to grow. This is where we agree the right structure.
Your part Tell us about your plans
- 2
Name reservation
We check and reserve your proposed business name with BIPA. Have a second and third choice ready, just in case.
Your part Choose a few name options
- 3
Registration documents
We prepare the founding documents, member or director details and beneficial ownership information, and file them with BIPA.
Your part Send ID copies and addresses
- 4
Tax registrations
We register the new entity with NamRA for income tax, and for VAT and PAYE where they apply.
Your part Sign the registration forms
- 5
Employer registrations
When you hire your first employee, we register you with the Social Security Commission and set up payroll.
Your part Share employee details
- 6
Bank account & books
We provide the documents your bank needs to open a business account and set up your books from day one.
Your part Choose your bank
Choosing a structure
Close corporation or private company?
Both give you a separate legal entity. The right choice depends on ownership, growth plans and reporting. Here’s a simple overview.
| Feature | Close corporation CC | Private company (Pty) Ltd |
|---|---|---|
| Owners | Members (natural persons) | Shareholders, managed by directors |
| Best suited to | Owner-managed businesses with a few owners | Businesses planning to grow, raise investment or bring in partners |
| Year-end reporting | Annual financial statements with an accounting officer’s report | Annual financial statements, usually audited |
| Bringing in investors | Possible, but less flexible | Straightforward through issuing or transferring shares |
This is a general guide, not legal or tax advice. Requirements change from time to time, so we confirm the current rules for your situation before you register.
Be ready
What to have on hand
Having these ready makes the process quicker. We’ll tell you about anything extra your business needs.
- Certified ID copies for every member, director or shareholder
- Residential and postal addresses for each person
- Three possible business names, in order of preference
- A short description of what the business will do
- The business’s registered address in Namibia
- Expected turnover, to plan VAT registration
Proudly Namibian
Ready to register your business?
Send us a few details and we’ll come back with the steps, timelines and a quote for your registration.