The Ultimate Guide to Diamond Licences in Namibia (2026 Requirements)

The complete 2026 guide to applying for Diamond Dealer, Cutter, and Tool-making licences in Namibia. Includes the full Business Plan checklist, fees, police clearance rules, and evaluation criteria for Youth & Women.

Namibia’s diamond industry is the crown jewel of its economy, but entering this sector is not for the unprepared. The Diamond Act, 1999 establishes a rigorous framework to ensure that only serious, financially capable, and technically competent investors are granted rights.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has revised its criteria to prioritize value addition (beneficiation) and local empowerment. If you plan to trade rough diamonds, open a polishing factory, or manufacture diamond tools, a simple application form is no longer enough. You need a “Comprehensive Integrated Business Plan” that addresses internships, procurement from local SMEs, and technical transfer.

If you are searching for “Diamond licence Namibia requirements,” this is the only guide you will need. We have compiled every single regulation, fee, and evaluation criterion from the official 2026 guidelines into one master resource.

1. The 4 Licence Types: Validity & Conditions

The Ministry issues four specific licences. Each comes with its own validity period and strict conditions for operationalization.

2. Who Is Eligible for Diamond Licences in Namibia? (Legal Requirements)

Before you apply, you must ensure you meet the strict legal criteria set out in Section 2 of the guidelines.

For Individuals Eligible for Diamond Licences in Namibia (Natural Persons)

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must be a Namibian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Must be registered as a tax-payer in Namibia.
• Must be of “sound mind” (mentally fit).
• Clean Record: Must NEVER have been convicted of any offence under the Diamond Act, or any offence involving dishonesty, fraud, or unlawful possession of diamonds in Namibia or elsewhere.

For Companies Eligible for Diamond Licences in Namibia (Juristic Persons)

• Must be incorporated and registered in Namibia (Pty Ltd or CC).
• Must be registered for Tax.
• If the applicant is a Partnership, every partner must be a Namibian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Directors & Shareholders: Every person holding a controlling interest must be free of bankruptcy/insolvency and must have a clean criminal record regarding fraud or diamond offences.

3. The Master Document Checklist for Diamond Licences in Namibia

Incomplete applications are rejected immediately. Ensure your application packet includes Certified Copies of the following:

• Form 1: Duly completed Diamond Licence Application Form.
• Application Fee: Proof of payment (Non-refundable).
• ID Documents: Certified Passport/ID for all individual applicants, directors, and shareholders.
• Company Docs: Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Share Certificates, and up-to-date list of Directors.
• Financial Proof:
  • 6 months of latest bank statements, OR
  • Confirmation letter from a financier, OR
  • 3 years of Audited Financial Statements.
• Technical Competence: CVs of the technical team (e.g., Diamond Polishers, Graders) proving expertise.
• Supply Agreements: Proof of where you will get your rough diamonds (e.g., Letter of Intent from a supplier).
• Tax Certificate: Original valid Good Standing Certificate from the Ministry of Finance.
• Police Clearance: Original Police Clearance Certificate (valid for 12 months) for ALL directors and shareholders.
• The Business Plan: A Comprehensive Integrated Business Plan (details below).

4. The “Integrated Business Plan” (Mandatory Sections)

This is the most critical part of your application. The Ministry has specified exactly what your business plan must cover. If you miss one of these 8 sections, you will fail the evaluation.

1. 12-Month Commencement Plan

A detailed timeline showing how you will recruit skills, secure premises, install machinery, and execute your approved security plan within the first year.

2. Technical Capability

Detailed description of your manufacturing technology, valuing, and grading equipment. You must prove you have the machinery to do the job.

3. Source of Rough Diamonds

A list of confirmed sources. You cannot say “we will find diamonds.” You need agreements or letters of intent.

4. Funding Sources

Detailed description of confirmed funding, backed by documents from a Financial Institution.

5. Marketing & Distribution

How and where will you sell your polished diamonds or tools? Identification of your target market is essential.

6. HR Development Plan

A plan outlining how you will empower your employees through training and skills transfer.

7. Internship & Bursary Plan

Crucial: You must provide a plan to offer internships to Namibians to expose them to the diamond value chain. You should also offer bursaries to Namibian students.

8. Procurement Plan

A strategy to procure goods (capital goods, services, consumables) from Namibian-owned SMEs.

5. How You Are Scored (Evaluation Criteria)

The Evaluation Committee assesses your application based on specific priorities. To rank high, focus on these areas:

• Citizenship: Is the applicant Namibian?
• Empowerment Preference: Preference is given to “Youth and Women” from previously disadvantaged groups.
• Shareholding: For companies, is there significant participation by previously disadvantaged shareholders/directors?
• Financial Resources: Do you have access to the capital required?
• Market Access: Do you have buyers ready?
• Community Benefit: Does the project offer socio-economic benefits to the surrounding community?

6. Approval, Undertaking & Renewals

The “Undertaking” (Conditional Approval)

If your application is successful, you don’t get the licence immediately. You receive a Conditional Letter of Approval.

• You must sign an “Undertaking” within 30 days acknowledging the terms.
• Failure to return this signed document results in the automatic lapse of your approval.
• The final licence is only issued after you have fully set up the premises, passed a police security inspection, and paid the annual fee.

Renewals (The 90-Day Rule)

Do not let your licence expire. You must apply for renewal at least 90 days (3 months) before the expiry date. The evaluation for renewal is just as strict as a new application, but they will also look at your past performance (e.g., did you actually train the interns you promised?).

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Licences in Namibia

How long does it take to get a Diamond Licence in Namibia?

According to the guidelines, the Ministry aims to process applications within 2 months. However, legally they have up to 6 months to grant or refuse a licence.

Can I transfer my licence to someone else?

The transfer of a licence is strictly prohibited within the first 12 months of issuance. After that, transfers require Minister approval.

What are the fees?

Dealer’s Licence: N$500 Application Fee (One-off) + N$10,000 Annual Fee.
Cutter’s Licence: N$500 Application Fee (One-off) + N$1,500 Annual Fee.
Tool-making Licence: N$500 Application Fee (One-off) + N$1,500 Annual Fee.

Where do I submit my application?

All applications must be hand-delivered to the 3rd Floor Front Office, Ministry of Mines and Energy Building, 1 Aviation Road, Windhoek.

Secure Your Diamond Licence in Namibia

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