08-05-2026 13:34:12 (GMT +02:00) Pretoria / Cape Town, South Africa

Namibia courts affluent global retirees, high net worth investors as Africa’s golden visas gain ground
04. Mar. 2004 The Independent

Uganda, too, is keen on attracting foreign investment and is in the process of planning a citizenship-by-investment program to enhance FDI and provide opportunities for economic growth
Until recently, foreigners seeking Namibian residency through the country’s residency-for-investment scheme famously had to purchase real estate at President’s Links Estate.

Thanks to increased demand, units in that estate will now set buyers back around US$365,000, The luxury estate, on the Bay of Whales, advertises attractions that are now being touted by similar schemes across Africa: access to a pristine coastal area famous for its high-quality seafood and stunning vistas as well as eco-friendly modern homes, villas, and world-class amenities.
A new, special concession for retirees aged over 60, however, has seen Namibia’s entry point for foreigners lowered to US$300,000.
The new offering for retirees is part of a broader Residence by Investment program the government is using to turbocharge economic growth.
In its latest update, investment consultancy Henley & Partners highlights the “Namibian government is actively seeking foreign investment to boost the country’s economic growth and diversify the economy.”
“It provides many opportunities for international investors seeking a foothold and growth on the African continent, including tax incentives, financing, and a one-stop bureau service for international companies.”
Namibia’s foray into the golden visa market points to a larger trend across Africa.
Other nations on the continent are beginning to recognize the value of attracting foreign investment through retirement and residency programs.
Although Africa’s residence by investment market is relatively new, few states are joining the fray.
Foreign investors in the Mauritius Residence by Investment Program must purchase luxury real estate valued at a minimum of US$375,000 from six eligible real estate projects.
Mauritius offers six real estate projects: Integrated Resort, Real Estate, Property Development, Invest Hotel, Smart City, and Ground +2 Apartment. Each project provides specific benefits and requirements that focus on promoting sustainable development and attracting



 

investment.
Mauritius’ neighbour in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles, offers permanent residence (a “golden visa”) and citizenship to high-net-worth investors, depending on the investment amount.
Interested investors need to fork out at least US$1 million to be eligible for Seychelles’ citizenship by investment program.
South Africa’s residence by investment scheme, the Financial Independent Permit (permanent residence), grants wealthy individuals the ability to work, study, or manage their own business in the country, Apart from requiring a minimum net worth of US$820,000 the permit typically takes eight months to process �` though the country has in recent years experienced significant delays with the processing of regular work permits.
In Egypt, investors can obtain a passport by investing a minimum of US$250,000, with the option to invest US$500,000 or more.
The Egyptian program officially commenced on March 14, 2020, and in April 2021, the Egyptian government established a dedicated department to review and process investors’ applications.
Kenya is also at an advanced stage of introducing citizenship by investment. In 2021, the country’s Investment Authority (KenInvest) disclosed that the move had faced little opposition.
Uganda, too, is keen on attracting foreign investment and is in the process of planning a citizenship-by-investment program to enhance FDI and provide opportunities for economic growth in the country, while neighbouring Rwanda now offers a special economic zone program that grants investors tax holidays, exemptions, and other benefits in exchange for investments in specific priority sectors.
In June 2021, the government of Zanzibar announced that investors who bought real estate in the country can now obtain a residence permit, which will eventually pave the way for citizenship investment.
In 2022, the Ethiopian government announced its plan to issue 5-year visas for foreign managers and shareholders and 3-year visas for executives and directors. These visas cost US$1,000 for the 5-year visa and US$750 for the 3-year visa. V.5213

More related News

 
Critical Skills Visa
02. Oct. 2025 SA Migration
  More than 380k South Africans blocked from IDs lawyers challenge home affairs
26. Aug. 2025 News 24

One of the highlighted topics: Critical Skills Visa.

- Key Insight: Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast track to working in South Afr...
- This matter relates to critical skills visa and its broader implications.
- Individuals are advised to seek professional guidance.

Is your profession on the Critical Skills List? This visa is your fast trac V.6139
Click here for full article


 

One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, became a victim of identity theft in 2012 when fraudulent transactions occurred, using her personal details.

-The Pretoria High Court found that the department of home affairs had violated constitutional rights without due process.
-Only half of Lawyers for Human Rights` test group has been unblocked, while 385 000 identities remain blocked nationwide.
-LHR appeals extension, urges affected people to seek help now.

Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) are intensifying pressure on the department of home affairs over the national ID-blocking crisis, accusing the state of acting too slowly to unblock qualifying individuals despite a landmark court ruling.

In January last year, the Pretoria High Court found that the department`s practice of blocking IDs without due process was unlawful and unconstitutional. One of the applicants, Phindile Mazibuko, a Swati citizen and South African permanent resident since 1998, fell victim to identity theft in 2012 when fraudsters used her personal details.

 V.6133
Click here for full article


Airport Immigration Alert
25. Aug. 2025 SA Migration
  Airport Immigration Alert
25. Aug. 2025 SA Migration

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6128
Click here for full article


 

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6129
Click here for full article


A New Zealand mother and her 6-year-old son released from US immigration custody after being detained for weeks
25. Aug. 2025 CNN
  High Court upholds corporate visa refusal: Implications for businesses
25. Aug. 2025 Biz Community

A Washington state mother and her 6-year-old son have been released after spending more than three weeks in US immigration detention due to a brief trip to Canada and a small paperwork mistake, her attorney told CNN on Saturday.

Sarah Shaw, a New Zealand citizen who has lived legally in the US since she arrived in 2021, was detained at the Blaine, Washington, Customs and Border Protection checkpoint when returning home after dropping her two oldest children off at the Vancouver airport for a flight to visit their grandparents in New Zealand. Shaw, 33, chose the flight out of Vancouver because it was direct and she didn`t want her children to have to navigate a layover alone, her attorney Minda Thorward, told CNN.

 V.6130
Click here for full article


 

On 22 July 2025, the Gauteng High Court dismissed Sitrusrand Boerdery`s review of the Department of Employment and Labour`s refusal to issue a Working Conditions and Salary Benchmarking Certificate, an essential precondition for obtaining corporate visas under the Immigration Act.

Acting Judge Kekana AJ held that the Department`s decision was lawful, rational and procedurally fair. This judgment illustrates how businesses can - and must - structure their corporate visa applications to meet statutory requirements, and how legal practitioners should prepare robust review challenges when administrative authorities decline to recommend foreign-work permits.

 V.6131
Click here for full article


US faces 9.4bn dollars tourism loss from new 250dollars visa fee targeting African countries
25. Aug. 2025 businessinsider
  Airport Immigration Alert
21. Aug. 2025 SA Migration

The United States could forfeit an estimated 9.4 billion dollars in visitor spending over the next three years following the introduction of a new 250 dollars `visa integrity fee,` according to industry groups, who warn the policy risks undermining tourism and costing thousands of jobs.
The United States’ decision to introduce a 250 dollars `visa integrity fee` on international visitors has triggered sharp criticism from the global tourism industry, with officials warning that the measure could deter millions of travellers and cost the U.S. economy billions.
The 250dollar `visa integrity fee,` part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed on July 4, 2025, will take effect later this year. According to immigration law firm Envoy Global, it applies to all nonimmigrant visa holders which include students, tourists, temporary workers, and business visitors particularly from African countries. V.6132
Click here for full article


 

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has doubled its staff at Airports in South Africa , including immigration officers.

What does this mean for travelers? V.6127
Click here for full article


ARRESTED & UNDOCUMENTED: WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
20. Aug. 2025 SA Migration
  E-Hailing & Scooter Drivers in South Africa â€` Why Being LEGAL is CRUCIAL!
20. Aug. 2025 SA Migration

1. Right to Legal Representation•You have the right to consult with a legal representative.•Contact an immigration practitioner, legal aid clinic, or attorney urgently.•Do not sign any documents without understanding them fully. 2. Section 34 of the Immigration Act•You must be brought to court with 48 hours to confirm arrest but you can remain locked up very long as courts figure out what to do with you •If you`re found to be illegally in South Africa, you may be detained for up to 30 days (extendable by a magistrate) pending deportation.•BUT this cannot happen arbitrarily. You must be informed of your rights, and Home Affairs must follow due process.- becomes a nightmare , you could lose your job , business , place to stay V.6121
Click here for full article


 

Driving for Bolt, Uber, Mr D, or Checkers Sixty60?If you`re undocumented, you`re risking more than just your income.The Risks if You`re Not Legal: - Vehicle impoundment - Heavy fines - Arrest & deportation - Permanent bans from working in SA V.6122
Click here for full article



Search
South Africa Immigration Company