How to Get Citizenship in Namibia

What is Citizenship?

A person may be a citizen of Namibia at birth either through operation of Article 4(2) (jus sanguinis, i.e. descent from a Namibian citizen) or a restricted form of jus soli (Article 4(1), birth in Namibia to a citizen parent or to a parent who is ordinarily and legally resident in the country).

How to Get Citizenship in Namibia

A person may be a citizen of Namibia at birth either through operation of Article 4(2) (jus sanguinis, i.e. descent from a Namibian citizen) or a restricted form of jus soli (Article 4(1), birth in Namibia to a citizen parent or to a parent who is ordinarily and legally resident in the country).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Namibia allow dual citizenship?

Namibian citizens who are citizens only by birth or descent may hold dual citizenship if the laws of the other country allow such dual citizenship. Namibian Constitution Article 42).

Is Namibia a good place to live?

While no country in the world can claim to be free of crime, Namibia ranks as one of the safest and most politically stable nations in Africa. This may have something to do with its relatively small population size, or the good governance the country has enjoyed over the past years.

Can foreigners buy property in Namibia?

How difficult is the property purchase process in Namibia? Except for agricultural land, there are no restrictions on nonresident foreigners and legal aliens owning property in Namibia. Most property ownerships are freehold.

How long can I stay in Namibia?

Length of Stay: Tourists can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Namibia if they can produce a return ticket and their passport is valid for at least another 6 months. The visa is issued at arrival.

Can I buy land in Namibia?

Namibia’s agricultural land is mainly divided into communal and commercial farm lands, offering excellent investment opportunities for foreigners. With the government enacting land ownership laws, a foreign investor must obtain the consent of the Minister of Lands and Resettlement prior to directly purchasing a land.

How long can you stay in Namibia without a visa?

The Government of Namibia allows citizens of specific countries and territories to travel to Namibia for tourism, visiting friends and relatives as well as official purposes for three months with an ordinary, diplomatic and service passports without having to obtain a visa.

How safe is Namibia?

Namibia is a peaceful country, relatively safe to travel to and it is not involved in any wars. After the Angolan civil war in 2002, there is no more violence in Namibia. It does, however, have a relatively high crime rate with muggings near ATMs, pickpockets roaming around and even robberies happening more and more.

What is the currency in Namibia?

The Namibian Dollar is the official currency of Namibia. After the country gained its independence in 1990, the Dollar was introduced in 1993 to replace the South African Rand. The Rand is still legal tender, since the Namibia Dollar is pegged to the Rand.

What language do they speak in Namibia?

As mentioned above, English is the official language of Namibia. However, the language is spoken by less than 1% of the population of the country as their native language. 4% to 5% of the population, mainly the Angolan community, speak Portuguese. Among the whites of Namibia, 60% speak the Afrikaans languages.

Is Namibia safer than South Africa?

Namibia is safer than South Africa (roads, crime, etc), but I say that with caution as you should use your head in any country. Windhoek is generally friendly, but obviously don’t flash your touristness about.

Is South Africa a citizenship?

The following persons are South African citizens by birth: Persons born in South Africa before October 6, 1995. Persons born in or out of wedlock on or after October 6, 1995 if one of his or her parents is either a South African citizen or a permanent resident.

Does South Africa allow dual citizenship?

South Africans are permitted to acquire multiple citizenships, under certain conditions. Those who are under the age of 18 years are exempt and are not required to apply for dual citizenship, as long as they acquire the foreign citizenship before their 18th birthday.

Can you go on holiday to Namibia?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Namibia, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Namibia’s current entry restrictions and requirements.

How strong is the Namibian passport?

The Namibian passport currently ranks on the 67th place according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index. It provides visa-free access to 77 countries. This gives it an overall medium-low mobility score.

Can someone have 4 citizenships in Namibia?

Yes. The circumstances are rare, but it’s perfectly possible. If your parents hold multiple citizenships in countries that both allow citizenship by descent and do not disallow multiple citizenships, you could have a large number of citizenships are birth.

How old must I be to apply for citizenship in Namibia?

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for naturalization — unless you’re applying based on any period of wartime military service, in which case you may be any age. Our guide to becoming a naturalized citizen has more details about eligibility and exemptions.

What should I bring to my citizenship interview 2026 in Namibia?

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  • Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card;
  • Appointment notice; and.
  • A second form of identification (driver’s license, passport, or state identification card). Your second form of identification must have your photograph on it.

 


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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.