How To Obtain A Residence Permit In Ghana

As a foreigner, if you want to reside in Ghana legally, then you need to obtain a residence permit. This permit gives you the legal right to live and conduct business in Ghana. Now, if you want to work in Ghana, you need to obtain a work permit as well as a residence permit.

While the work permit authorizes you to accept or offer employment in Ghana, the residence permit offers the right of living and carrying out your business in Ghana. So, in this guide, we’ll show you how to get a residence permit in Ghana.

If you have got a job offer, then you need to read our guide on how to obtain a work permit. These are the two legal authorization that you need to stay and conduct any business in Ghana as a foreigner.

Documents Required for Ghana Residence Permit

• Attach two(2) recent passport pictures
• Copy of Non-Citizen ID Card
• Original Passport of employee
• Approved work permit/Automatic Quota
• Current Company Tax Clearance Certificate (for existing companies)
• Letter of support from two high-ranking Ghanaians, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Free Zones Board or Minerals Commission (where applicable)
• Police Clearance Report from home country
• Medical Report
• Offer letter/Appointment letter
• Letter from Ghanaian spouse
• Curriculum Vitae of applicants.
• Marriage Certificate (in case applicant is married to a Ghanaian)
• Proof of property ownership in Ghana (where applicable)
• Proof of economic contribution to the country (bank statements, employment records etc.)

Requirements for Dependents Residence Permit

A foreign employee who holds a Residence Permit may apply for a Dependent Residence Permit for his dependents. Dependents include spouse, children under 18 years of age and parent (s) above the age of 60 years.

To apply for a dependent residence permit the following documents are required;

1. Application letter on Company’s letterhead requesting for a residence permit
2. Two passport size photographs of applicants
3. Birth certificate (if child)
4. Marriage Certificate (If spouse)
5. Copy of Non-Citizens ID Card
6. Passport

Eligibility for Ghana Residence Permit

Expats are only eligible for an indefinite residence in Ghana, if that foreign national:

1. Has resided in Ghana for more than 10 years and can prove that they have made a substantial contribution to the Ghanaian economy; or
2. Is married to a citizen of Ghana for a minimum of five years and that foreign national:

• Resided in Ghana throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application.
• Has immediately preceding the period of the twelve months, resided in Ghana for an aggregate period of not less than two years.
• Has never been convicted of any offence and sentenced to a period of imprisonment of twelve months or more.
• Intends to reside permanently in Ghana upon the grant of the status; and
• Is in possession of a valid residence permit on the date of the application.

Cost of Ghana Residence Permit

ECOWAS Nationality

ECOWAS Citizens do not require a visa to enter Ghana, however, to live and work in Ghana, they require to have a work and residence permit. The cost for obtaining a work and residence permit as an ECOWAS Citizen is given below;

1. One year work and residence permit fee – $500
2. Medical Screening from Ghana Immigration – Ghs 900
3. Non-Citizen ID Card from National Identification Authority (NIA) – $120

Non-ECOWAS Nationality 

1. One year work and residence permit fee – $1,000
2. Medical Screening from Ghana Immigration – Ghs 900
3. Non-Citizen ID Card from National Identification Authority (NIA) – $120

For more information about the fees, visit the Ghana Immigration Service.

Processing Time for Ghana Residence Permit

How long does it take to get a residence permit in Ghana? On the normal, the duration for processing work permits is four (4) weeks after receipt of duly completed form. However, if the information provided is not correct, it might take longer.

Where to Apply for Ghana Residence Permit

A formal application must be made on behalf of the employee to the Ghana Immigration Service.

The Ghana residence permit can be obtained at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) headquarters

Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters
(off Ako Adjei overpass)
Independence Avenue, Accra-Ghana
Tel:+233(0)302-258250
Fax: +233(0)302- 258249
E-mail: [email protected]

Front Desk/Reception Telephone lines: +233 (0)302-224445, 221667 ,674125, 213401
Website: GIS Website

Final Thoughts on Obtaining Ghana Residence Permit

Once you have secured employment in Ghana, obtaining a work and residence permit is quite easy. The onus lies with your employer to provide all the necessary documents that’ll enable you to obtain a residence permit. With all the information contained on this page, getting a Ghana residence permit is made easy.