Namibia’s legal system blends Roman-Dutch common law with statute, much like South Africa’s, so a power of attorney is a recognisable instrument but the drafting conventions are specific. Get the wording from a lawyer in Windhoek.
Quick facts
Land is the area needing care. Namibia distinguishes commercial freehold land from communal land administered by traditional authorities, and what a power of attorney can achieve depends entirely on which is involved.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Consular act | Confirm with the section | Not published |
| U.S. notarisation | $5–$25 per signature | Where used |
| Apostille | $3–$25 per document | Often sufficient |
| Lawyer’s fees in Namibia | Agreed with the firm | Drafting and completion |
| Deeds registry | Charged in Namibia | For freehold transactions |
Because an apostille is often enough, a Namibian power of attorney can sometimes be completed without any consular step at all. Ask the lawyer there which route they want.
How to apply
- Instruct a lawyer in Windhoek to draft the instrument.
- Establish whether the land is commercial freehold or communal.
- Ask whether an apostille suffices or a consular act is wanted.
- Collect the identity details of everyone named.
- Execute the document as instructed and send it tracked.
- Register it at the deeds registry where the transaction requires it.
Required documents
- Namibian passport or identity document.
- The draft prepared in Namibia.
- Full details of the person receiving the authority.
- Title or case references.
- Evidence of relationship for inheritance matters.
- Payment as instructed.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington where a consular act is required, or through the apostille route where it is not.
Additional notes
You may not need the embassy at all
Where an apostille satisfies the receiving office, the consular step drops out entirely. Ask before assuming you need it.
Commercial or communal
The two forms of land tenure behave completely differently. Establish which applies first.
Be specific
Name the property with its title reference and state the acts authorised.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further instrument through the same route, with notice to whoever holds the original.