How to Get a Resident Permit in Ghana

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In this article, I will be sharing with you all that you need to know about obtaining a resident permit in Ghana. If the information provided here has not fully answered your questions you can send us an email to our official email [email protected].

Like every other country, by law, a non-resident/foreigner is supposed to obtain a resident permit in order to live in Ghana.

What is a resident permit?

A residence permit allows a non-Ghanaian citizen to reside in Ghana for a specific duration. It can be granted to a foreign national who plans to stay in Ghana for an extended period. Typically, the permit is issued for a period of one to four years initially, and a maximum of eight years in total.

Who is eligible for a resident permit in Ghana?

The requirements are dependent on the classification of permits and other factors.

The following category of people needs a resident permit in order to live peacefully in Ghana.

International students – to enable a peaceful stay throughout the length of their study.
Foreign businessman
Other foreign nationals

What are the requirements to get a resident permit in Ghana?

Requirement for students

A letter of application from the school stating course of study, duration etc.
Photocopy of the admission letter and receipts for fees paid
Letter of accreditation if in doubt of the school’s status
Two guarantors who have completed the Bond for repatriation expenses
Copy of student identity card (where applicable)
Completed application form
Two recent passport photographs (recent means taken not more than 6 months)
Passport
Letter from parent or guardian (with copy of ID document) if student is a minor

Requirements for employee

A letter from the employer, applying on the applicant’s behalf for a residence permit.
A completed application form
Details of the company – Certificate to Commence Business and Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar-General; Company Tax Certificate issued by the Internal Revenue Service;
Two recent passport photographs (recent means taken not more than 6 months)
Work permit approval letter from GIS
A letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior
The applicant’s Curriculum Vitae.
Passport

Employment contract or Appointment letter

Requirements for Residence permit with Ghana Free Zone Board

Free Zone Enterprise License
Free zones form
Free zone covering letter
Police report from home country
Medical report from a recognized hospital in Ghana.
An application letter from the company
A Bond of Security as in Form I of the Regulations
A letter of guarantee as in Form J of the Regulations
Applicant’s C.V.

Requirements for resident permit with GIPC automatic approval

A letter from the employer, applying on the applicant’s behalf for a residence permit and guaranteeing repatriation of applicant when the need arises.
A completed application form
Details of the company – Certificate to Commence Business and Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar-General; Company Tax Certificate issued by the Internal Revenue Service;
Two recent passport photographs (recent means taken not more than 6 months)
Work permit approval letter from GIS
A letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior
The applicant’s Curriculum Vitae.
Passport

For more information about the requirements to get resident permit visit the Ghana Immigration Service Official requirements page HERE — >

How much does it cost to get a resident permit in Ghana?

Resident Permit/Work Permit (ECOWAS) nationals = USD500
Resident Permit/Work Permit (other foreign nationals) = USD1000
Resident Permit (GIPC Automatic Quota, NGO, and missionaries all foreign nationals including ECOWAS) = USD300

NB: The fees here may not represent the actual current permit fees. Always confirm from the nearest GIS office.

How long does it take to get a residency permit in Ghana?

The duration of the application process depends entirely on the type of permit you want. It generally takes between 2 to 3 weeks to process an application.

Which institution in Ghana is responsible for resident permits?

The Ghana Immigration Service is the only qualified institution that can issue a valid resident permit to foreigners in Ghana.

Steps to apply for a resident permit in Ghana

Write a formal application letter addressed to the Comptroller-General.
1. The letter mush state personal details, reasons for the permit and period of stay.
Download and fill the application form HERE – https://home.gis.gov.gh/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/foriegn-national.pdf
Attach the letter to the completed application form
Add the necessary required documents
Submit to the Ghana Immigration Service
Your application will be processed and you’ll be contacted.