How To Register A Trading Company In Namibia

What is a Trading Company?

Trading companies are businesses working with different kinds of products which are sold for consumer, business, or government purposes. Trading companies buy a specialized range of products, maintain a stock or a shop, and deliver products to customers.

Where to Register a Company/Business in Namibia?

  • the Ministry of Finance (registration for VAT and Company Tax)
  • the Ministry of Labour.
  • the Ministry of Home Affairs (work permits, visas, etc.)
  • the Social Security Commission.
  • NAMFISA.
  • BIPA

How To Register A Trading Company In Namibia

General Information

Public Companies, Private Companies and NGOs require Memorandum and Articles of Association that need to be certified by a Notary Public who is a member of the legal profession. Therefore applicants applying for any of the business entities are encouraged to use the services of legal practitioners.

Forms for Close Corporations (CC8, CC1 and CC2) and Defensive Names (CM5, CM8, and CM8A) are available at all offices of the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED) country-wide and at the Namibia Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and its branches at no cost.

Procedure to register a Trading Company in Namibia
  1. Submit name application/reservation form CM5 or reserve a name online
  2. Upon approval, you may apply for a Certificate of Incorporation and Certificate to Commence Business. This requires the submission of the following documents:
  • Memorandum and article of Association in triplicate of forms CM3, CM4, CM44B and CM44C.
  • Copy of approved name on CM5
  • Notice of postal and registered address on CM22
  • List of Directors, Auditors and public Officers on CM29
  • Appointment of an Auditor on CM31
  • Application of Certificate of Registration of memorandum of External Company CM46
  • Request for submission of additional Copies on CM51.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I open a company for trading in Namibia?

A trading business can be carried out by any form of entity, i.e., by sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability partnership (LLP), company, etc. Depending upon the type of entity, incorporation is to be done. A sole proprietorship concern does not require any specific legal incorporation under any law.

Can I register a business before I start trading in Namibia?

Although you cannot simply reserve a company name for yourself without first registering your company with Companies House, if you are not quite ready to start trading yet, you could consider forming your company and leaving it in a ‘dormant’ state until you are ready to commence trading.

How long does it take to register a business in Namibia?

How long does it take to register a Trademark in Namibia? Trademark registration process takes minimum 6 month.

Can you register a company and not trade in Namibia?

A dormant company is simply a company that is ‘not trading’, so if you register your company under your chosen name and don’t start trading right away, you can leave it in its dormant state.

What is meant by registered company in Namibia?

A registered company is an organisation which is formed and registered with the appropriate statutory authority of the country as a ‘company or corporation’ in accordance with the corporate and securities law of that country.

How do I get a work visa for Namibia?

  • A signed and completed application form.
  • A passport that’s valid for at least three months beyond the projected expiration of the work permit.
  • Two passport photographs.
  • A letter from the employing company in Namibia.

What are bodies of registration in Namibia?

Registering Body means the Qualifications Authority or a body responsible for registering persons as registered training organisations under a corresponding law; Sample 1.

Does registering a company protect the name in Namibia?

Registering a company name does not automatically protect it by trade mark law. Similarly, if you register a trade mark, you may not necessarily be able to register it as a limited company name. Companies House registers companies and the Intellectual Property Office registers trade marks.

Is it easy to register a company in Namibia?

Registering your business with Companies House is easy. You can either do this directly via the Companies House web incorporation service or by filing a paper application. You could also choose to go via your accountant or you could use the professional services of a formations agent.

What happens after you register a company in Namibia?

After registration your company must within two months issue each shareholder with a Share certificate. A share certificate is evidence of each shareholder’s title to their shares. Shareholders can use their certificate as evidence if their name is deleted from the company’s internal Register of Members.

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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.
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  • 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.
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  5. Upload Required Documents

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  6. Submit Your Application

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  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.

 

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