Cost of Living in Namibia

Labor market – vacancies, jobs

German-speaking jobs for emigrants, which can also be carried out in Namibia, are available on the Osourced portal. Native speakers in particular are in great demand. The employers come mainly from Germany and DACH. The wages are usually below the German level but above the local level in Namibia. Emigrants with German language skills benefit from a locally above-average wage with low cost of living at the same time (geo-arbitrage). Tip: Emigrants can still apply for a job in Germany. With a job offer, emigrating is much easier.

The unemployment rate is between 30 and 40 percent and the monthly per capita income is around 120 euros. An important economic sector is agriculture, in which around half of all gainfully employed people are employed – mostly in animal husbandry. In addition, fishing and tourism are playing an increasingly important role. Basically, the chances of finding a job on the Namibian job market are quite slim as a foreigner. It’s a little easier if you have expertise in the mining and tourism industries.

According to weddinginfashion, the greatest income in Namibia comes from mining. Above all, uranium and diamonds are extracted here, along with copper, gold, lead, tin and natural gas. The Rössing mine northeast of Swakopmund is the largest uranium mine in the world. There is a significant copper deposit near Tsumeb.

If you want to work here as a foreigner, you have to apply for a permit (long processing time!). First of all, you need proof of a job for which no Namibian can be found. Because all vacancies must be filled by Namibians. Anyone who still finds employment needs a work permit. The application form can be downloaded from the Namibia embassy. The application is submitted to the Namibian embassy with proof of employment (copy of the employment contract).

There is no unemployment insurance, only private insurance at your own expense. Only state employees are insured for a pension in Namibia. All other employees must take out private insurance. In individual cases there is a company pension scheme, the costs of which are borne by the employer. There is no state health insurance. You should take out private insurance.

Health care within the larger cities is almost on a European level. There are very good hospitals and in some cities there are also German-speaking doctors. In the rural areas, however, there is no comprehensive coverage.

Cost of living

You need around € 1,995.38 in Windhoek to maintain the same standard of living that you could have in Berlin with € 3,700.00 (assuming you rent in the cities).

• Consumer prices in Windhoek are 42.33% lower than in Berlin (without rent)
• Consumer prices in Windhoek are 46.07% lower than in Berlin (including rent)
• Rental prices in Windhoek are 54.61% lower than in Berlin
• Restaurant prices in Windhoek are 44.26% lower than in Berlin
• Food prices in Windhoek are 33.61% lower than in Berlin
• Local purchasing power in Windhoek is 31.87% lower than in Berlin

Average cost of living in Windhoek (from 08/2019 – 07/2020)

Average costs for local transport, ancillary costs, clothing, leisure, education in Windhoek (from 08/2019 – 07/2020)

Average rental prices / purchase and salaries of Windhoek (from 08/2019 – 07/2020)

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Emigration and life in Namibia – conclusion

For nature lovers, Namibia offers a unique flora and fauna as well as over 300 days of sunshine a year. Currently, however, this country is only something for very special skilled workers and clever self-employed, as there is an immigration stop. In the capital in particular, crime has risen sharply recently. Some advantages of the country: No nuclear power, German is the lingua franca, low population density, tax advantages (TB, no AstG).