Windhoek: what to see and whether to move there

What the city lives on and who it suits

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, with about 490,000 people according to the 2023 census. The city sits on a highland plateau at about 1,650 metres, surrounded by hills and desert landscapes. The German colonial past shows in the architecture: the Lutheran Christ Church, the old fort and streets with German names. The economy rests on government, diamond and uranium mining, trade and tourism.

Windhoek suits remote workers and retirees who value sun, space and a calm pace, property investors seeking residence and safari lovers. It suits less those looking for a big city, advanced healthcare and low street crime.

History

In the late 19th century Windhoek became the centre of the German colony of South West Africa, after which South Africa ruled the country for decades. Namibia gained independence on 21 March 1990 and has since been considered one of Africa's most stable democracies. The German language, bakeries and breweries are still visible in the city, and the independence museum tells the story of the struggle for freedom.

Districts

• Centre - the business district, malls, government buildings and Independence Avenue.
• Klein Windhoek and Ludwigsdorf - green districts with villas and embassies, popular with foreigners.
• Olympia and Eros - quiet residential areas with walled houses, closer to the centre.
• Katutura - a large north-western district with markets and lively street culture, rarely chosen by foreigners to live in.

Money and prices

The currency is the Namibian dollar, pegged one to one to the South African rand, which is also accepted in shops. Life is noticeably cheaper than in Europe: groceries, restaurants and renting a house with a garden are more affordable, while imported goods and cars cost more. Houses for foreigners usually have security, an electric fence and an alarm system.

Taxes

Income tax is progressive, from 0% to 37%. VAT is 15%, and dividends paid to non-residents carry 10% or 20% withholding. More on the page about taxes in Namibia.

Practicalities

• Entry. Since April 2025 Namibia has required visas from citizens of several countries that previously entered freely, including European Union countries, the US and the UK. Check the rules for your passport before travelling.
• Climate. Semi-arid, with about 300 sunny days a year; summer days are hot, and winter nights can be near zero. Rains fall from November to April.
• Transport. A car-dependent city; public transport means taxis. The international airport is 45 kilometres away.
• Safety. Street robbery and theft from cars occur, so foreigners avoid walking at night and choose housing with security.
• Language. English is official; Afrikaans, German and local languages are widely spoken.

Moving and legal status

Namibia issues a digital nomad visa for income from $2,000 a month, and residence can be obtained by buying property worth $365,000 or more. There are also options through work, business and retirement. More on the pages about Namibian residence by investment and the digital nomad visa.

Nature and trips

Namibia is one of Africa's best countries for independent travel: good roads, few people and vast spaces. From Windhoek it is about five hours to Etosha National Park with giraffes, elephants and lions, about five hours to the red dunes of Sossusvlei and about four hours to coastal Swakopmund.

Work, business and family

The main employers are the state, mining companies, banks, tourism and construction. A foreigner can register a private company with the business and intellectual property authority and own it outright, but working in it requires a work visa. In recent years interest has grown in green energy and hydrogen production on the coast.

Windhoek's private hospitals are among the best in the region, but complex cases are treated in South Africa. The city has an international school and a German school, and many expatriate families live nearby in Klein Windhoek.

Is Windhoek worth considering for life

Pros: sun and space, inexpensive living, English, a stable democracy, residence through property and wildlife nearby. Cons: street crime, limited healthcare and schools, long distances and new visa requirements. Windhoek suits remote work, retirement and nature lovers. Write in the chat and we will plan your path to residence.