Quick answer
For 2025, the official domestic-worker minimum is N$12.00 per hour. The N$16.27 per hour figure is still relevant as the old 2024 domestic-workers wage order reference, but it is no longer the current 2025 minimum.
Fast employer checklist
- Pay at least the current hourly minimum.
- Register and contribute to SSC where applicable.
- Check if PAYE is nil or payable under NamRA rates.
- Keep hours, overtime, and leave clearly written.
1. Minimum wage
The current 2025 domestic worker minimum is not the old N$16.27
This is the biggest point of confusion online. Many employers still search for the old N$16.27 domestic worker rate from 2024. That figure matters when reviewing older contracts, but the 2024 national minimum wage order expressly replaced the old domestic-worker wage order and introduced a phased domestic-worker schedule from 2025 onward.
| Period | Hourly rate | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 31 December 2024 | N$16.27 / hour | Legacy domestic workers wage-order rate. Useful for old contracts and arrears checks, but not the 2025 benchmark. |
| From 1 January 2025 | N$12.00 / hour | Current domestic-worker minimum under the 2024 national minimum wage order. |
| From 1 January 2026 | N$15.00 / hour | Already scheduled in the same 2024 wage order. |
| From 1 January 2027 | N$18.00 / hour | Domestic workers align with the general hourly minimum. |
If you prefer a monthly payroll figure, a common employer shortcut is to convert 45 ordinary hours per week into about 195 hours per month using the 52-week/12-month method.
2. SSC contributions
SSF / SSC contribution rates for domestic workers
Namibia's Social Security Commission currently lists a total MSD contribution rate of 1.8%. In practice, employers usually split that as 0.9% employer and 0.9% employee, with a minimum contributable wage floor and a monthly contribution cap.
Employer budgeting tip
Once a monthly wage goes above the N$11,000 contribution ceiling, the SSC deduction stops increasing. That means the maximum monthly SSC cost is usually N$99 for the employee and N$99 for the employer.
| Item | Rate / limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employee contribution | 0.9% | Deduct from the employee’s monthly contributable wages. |
| Employer contribution | 0.9% | Paid by the household employer on top of wages. |
| Total monthly rate | 1.8% | The SSC site currently lists the MSD contribution rate at 1.8% in total. |
| Minimum contributable wage | N$500 | If earnings are below this, contributions are still calculated on N$500. |
| Maximum contributable wage | N$11,000 | Maximum monthly contribution is N$99 each for employer and employee. |
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Open the free contract generator3. NamRA PAYE
PAYE thresholds: many household salaries still fall into the zero-tax band
NamRA says a person earning more than N$100,000 per year should register as a taxpayer. The current salaried-individual tax table also starts with no tax payable up to N$100,000. For domestic workers, that means PAYE is often nil if the worker is below roughly N$8,333.33 per month and has no extra taxable benefits or other income sources.
| Annual taxable income | Current tax treatment |
|---|---|
| Up to N$100,000 / year | No tax payable |
| N$100,001 to N$150,000 | 18% of the amount above N$100,000 |
| N$150,001 to N$350,000 | N$9,000 + 25% of the amount above N$150,000 |
| N$350,001 to N$550,000 | N$59,000 + 28% of the amount above N$350,000 |
| N$550,001 to N$850,000 | N$115,000 + 30% of the amount above N$550,000 |
| N$850,001 to N$1,550,000 | N$205,000 + 32% of the amount above N$850,000 |
| Above N$1,550,000 | N$429,000 + 37% of the amount above N$1,550,000 |
4. Working hours and leave
The core legal rules employers should write into the contract
Ordinary hours
Max 45 hours per week
Usually no more than 9 hours a day if the worker works 5 days or fewer a week, or 8 hours a day if they work more than 5 days.
Overtime cap
Max 10 hours per week
And no more than 3 overtime hours in a single day unless a lawful approval changes the limit.
Overtime pay
At least 1.5x
Each overtime hour must be paid at not less than one and one-half times the hourly basic wage.
Sunday work
Usually 2x pay
Domestic service may be performed on Sundays, but Sunday work is normally paid at double unless time off is substituted by agreement.
Public holidays
Daily pay plus hourly pay if worked
If the holiday falls on an ordinary work day, the worker is entitled to paid time off or premium pay if they work.
Annual leave
4 consecutive weeks paid leave
That is typically 20 working days on a 5-day week or 24 working days on a 6-day week.
Sick leave
30 or 36 working days
During a 36-month sick-leave cycle: 30 days for a 5-day worker or 36 days for a 6-day worker.
Maternity leave
At least 12 weeks
Available after six months of continuous service, subject to the Labour Act conditions.
5. Worked example
Example: minimum-wage monthly payroll in 2025
Assume a domestic worker works the full ordinary limit of 45 hours per week. Using the common payroll conversion of 45 × 52 ÷ 12 = 195 hours per month:
Important notes
- This example excludes overtime, Sunday work, transport, food, or accommodation allowances.
- If you pay above the minimum wage, redo the SSC and PAYE lines using the actual monthly remuneration.
- A written contract should show the basic wage separately from allowances and premium pay.
6. FAQ
Namibia domestic worker salary FAQs
What is the minimum salary for a domestic worker in Namibia in 2025?
For 2025, the official hourly minimum for domestic workers is N$12.00 per hour. The old N$16.27 hourly rate is a legacy 2024 reference point, not the current 2025 minimum.
Do I need to deduct SSC from my domestic worker’s salary?
Yes. The usual split is 0.9% from the employee and 0.9% from the employer, subject to the SSC minimum and maximum contributable wage limits.
Does a domestic worker in Namibia pay PAYE?
Often not. If the worker’s taxable income stays at or below N$100,000 per year and there are no extra taxable benefits or other income sources, there is generally no PAYE due under the current NamRA rate table.
How many hours can a domestic worker work legally in Namibia?
Ordinary hours are capped at 45 per week. Overtime should be agreed, stays capped, and must be paid at premium rates.
Compliance plan
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