How to Register a Charity in Namibia

Posted on March 26, 2025March 26, 2025 by Andrew Muyeghu

How to Register a Charity in Namibia

Whether you’re setting up a foundation, a nonprofit organization, or a charity, this guide will walk you through how to register a charity in Namibia step by step. Starting a charity in Namibia is a noble initiative that requires proper legal registration to operate transparently and in compliance with national regulations.

Step 1: Choose the Right Legal Structure When Starting a charity in Namibia

Before registering, decide on the best legal structure for your charity. In Namibia, charities typically register as:

Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs): These organizations serve a public benefit purpose and do not distribute profits to members.
Trusts: A formal structure where trustees manage charitable funds and activities.
Section 21 Companies: A form of nonprofit company registered under the Companies Act for charitable purposes.

Each structure has different legal and operational implications, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your objectives.

Step 2: Reserve Your Charity’s Name

To officially register your charity, you must first reserve a unique name with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority of Namibia (BIPA).

Check Name Availability: Search for available names through the BIPA website.
Submit a Name Reservation Request: This can be done online or in person.
Receive Name Reservation Certificate: Once approved, you will receive a certificate of name reservation, which is required for the next steps.

pexels-photo-8061642 How to Register a Charity in Namibia — Charity in Namibia

Step 3: Draft the Charity’s Constitution or Trust Deed

Your charity must have a constitution (if registering as an NPO) or a trust deed (if registering as a trust). This document outlines:

The charity’s mission and objectives
The governance structure (board of directors or trustees)
Operational procedures and decision-making processes
Financial management and reporting requirements

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

When registering a charity in Namibia, you must submit the following documents:

Certified Copies of Directors’ or Trustees’ IDs
Name Reservation Certificate from BIPA
Charity Constitution or Trust Deed
Minutes of the First Meeting of the Organization
Physical Address Confirmation for the Charity

Depending on your charity’s structure, additional documents may be required.

Step 5: Submit the Registration Application

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application:

Where to Submit: Applications are submitted to BIPA for nonprofit organizations and the Master of the High Court for trusts.
Processing Time: Registration can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of your application.
Registration Fees: Fees vary based on the structure of the charity.

Step 6: Register with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NAMRA)

Although charities are tax-exempt, they still need to register with NAMRA to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

Apply for Tax Exemption: Submit an application to be recognized as a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) to qualify for tax exemptions.
VAT Registration (if applicable): If your charity generates taxable income above the VAT threshold, you may need to register for VAT with NAMRA.

Step 7: Obtain Necessary Permits and Approvals

pexels-photo-955390-1 How to Register a Charity in Namibia — Obtain Necessary Permits and Approvals

Depending on your charity’s activities, you may need additional permits and approvals:

Fundraising and Donations: If your charity will collect public donations, you may need to comply with fundraising regulations.
Special Licenses: Certain charities, such as orphanages or health-related organizations, require special permits from relevant government ministries.

Step 8: Open a Bank Account for Your Charity

Once registered, you should open a dedicated bank account for your charity. Banks will typically require:

A copy of the registration certificate
The charity constitution or trust deed
Identification documents of the authorized signatories

Step 9: Register with Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To ensure credibility, consider registering with organizations such as:

The Nonprofit Organizations Directorate (for compliance monitoring)
The Namibia Charities Register (to gain visibility and recognition)
International Donor and Grant Agencies (to qualify for funding opportunities)

Final Thoughts on How to Register a Charity in Namibia

pexels-photo-6646886-edited How to Register a Charity in Namibia — Final Thoughts on How to Register a Charity in Namibia

Registering a charity in Namibia involves several legal and administrative steps to ensure compliance with national regulations. By choosing the right structure, reserving a name, preparing key documents, and registering with BIPA and NAMRA, your charity can operate legally and make a lasting impact.

If you need expert assistance in registering your charity, consult with a business registration consultant to streamline the process and ensure compliance.

For professional registration services, visit:
Business Registration Services in Namibia
Investing in Namibia – Business Registration