Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Ghana

Foreign nationals who wish to visit Ghana generally need to acquire a visa before entering the country, except for circumstances allowing for visa-free entry. Ghana issues several different types of visas for different purposes.

Ghana Visas vary depending on their validity and number of entries:

  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year

Ghana Visa on Arrival

The foreigners can apply for Ghana Visa on Arrival for business or tourism purposes. The validity of the Visa on Arrival is 30 days. If special requirements are met, citizens of countries without a diplomatic or consular mission of Ghana traveling on short notice can obtain a visa upon arrival. You will apply for Ghana Visa on Arrival at Kotoka International Airport.

Nationals of the below-mentioned countries are eligible for Ghana Visa on Arrival:

Algeria

Chad

Equatorial Guinea

Madagascar

Sao Tome and Principe

Tanzania

Angola

Comoros

Eritrea

Malawi

Seychelles

Tunisia

Botswana

Congo

Ethiopia

Mauritania

Somalia

Uganda

Burundi

The Democratic Republic of Congo

Gabon

Mozambique

South Africa

Zambia

Cameroon

Djibouti

Lesotho

Namibia

South Sudan

 

The Central African Republic

Egypt

Libya

Rwanda

Sudan

 

 

Required Documents for Ghana Visa on Arrival

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Passport

  • Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Return Ticket or Proof of Onward Travel

4. Proof of Sufficient Funds

5. For Tourist:

  • Proof of Accommodation
    • Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning the applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address detail

6. For Business:

  • Invitation Letter
    • By Company/Partner/Organization in Ghana

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Ghana Visa on Arrival Fee

Ghana Visa on Arrival fee is 150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

Ghana Tourist Visa

Ghana Tourist visa is issued to people who plan to travel to Ghana on holidays for sightseeing, social and tourism activities. You can realize your planned trip to Ghana by obtaining Ghana Tourist Visa.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Tourist Visa
 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Reference

  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

7. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of roundtrip ticket

8. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

9. Invitation Letter (if any)

  • From resident in Ghana

10. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

11. Proof of Financial Means

  • Payslips, bank statements, cash, traveler's cheques, vouchers

12. For Minors:

  • Copy of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Tourist visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Tourist Visa Fee
  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days – 55-110 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days – 80-155 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months – 120-275 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year – 180-330 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality and country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Tourist visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Business Visa

Ghana Business visa is issued to people who plan to visit Ghana to attend a conference or training, to conduct business with Ghana-based organization, to carry out business negotiations, to establish or manage new or existing business/organization, or to invest.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Business Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 coloured, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colours matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Letter of Recommendation/Guarantee

  • From an employer, sponsor, or business associates in the applicant’s home country

7. Invitation Letter

  • From a host or sponsor in Ghana

8. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of flight ticket

9. Two References

  • Name, contact, address of your business associates and their companies as your references in Ghana.
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

10. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

11. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

12. Proof of Financial Means

  • Statements of bank or credit card for the last 3 months

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Business Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Business visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Business Visa Fee
  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days – 55-110 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days – 80-155 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months – 120-275 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year – 180-330 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality and country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Business Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Business visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Study Visa

Ghana Study visa will be issued to foreign nationals who want to study in Ghana. This visa applies to those who are admitted to the college or state in Ghana.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Study Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 coloured, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colours matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of Flight ticket reservation

7. Reference

  • The name, address, and contact of the educational institution in Ghana

8. Acceptance/Admission Letter

  • From the University/College/Educational Institution in Ghana

9. Invitation Letter

  • From Educational Institution in Ghana
  • Indicating the purpose of visit and financial means whilst in Ghana

10. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

11. Criminal Record

  • Criminal check record from Ministry of Interior

12. For Minors:

  • Copy of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Study Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Study visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Study Visa Fee
  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days – 55-110 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days – 80-155 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months – 120-275 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year – 180-330 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Study Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Study visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Volunteer Visa

Ghana Volunteer visa is issued to people who want to realize their volunteer activities in Ghana.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Volunteer Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 coloured, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colours matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of Flight ticket reservation

7. Support Letter

  • From organization in the applicant’s home country

8. From Host in Ghana:

  • Copy of passport ID Card of the host, if Ghanaian
  • Copy of passport and proof of residence in Ghana for non-Ghanaian hosts.

9. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Volunteer Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Volunteer visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Volunteer Visa Fee
  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days – 55-110 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days – 80-155 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months – 120-275 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year – 180-330 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Volunteer Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Volunteer visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Employment Visa

Ghana Employment visa applies for those who want to work within the legal frame of employment in Ghana.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Employment Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 coloured, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colours matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Employment Contract

  • Between the applicant and employer in Ghana

7. Two References

  • One of them should be the company/organization you will be work for whilst in Ghana
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Invitation Letter

  • From employer/company in Ghana

9. Proof of Accommodation

  • Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning the applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

10. Flight Ticket Reservation

  • Copy of flight ticket

11. Additionally You may Present Proof of Grant of Employment in Ghana

12. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Employment Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Employment visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Employment Visa Fee
  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days – 55-110 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days – 80-155 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months – 120-275 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year – 180-330 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Employment Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Employment visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Diplomatic Visa

Ghana Diplomatic visa is issued to holders of diplomatic and service passports. Ghana Diplomatic visa allows you to participate in meetings, consultations, negotiations and other events held in Ghana by intergovernmental organizations.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Diplomatic Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Note Verbale

  • From respective organizations, ministry or embassies
  • Stating the purpose of the visit

7. Note or Letter from the Applicant’s Contacts in Ghana (if possible)

8. Proof of Accommodation

  • Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning the applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Diplomatic Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Diplomatic visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Diplomatic Visa Fee

Ghana Diplomatic visa fee is free of charge.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Diplomatic Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Diplomatic visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Journalist Visa

Ghana Journalist visa is obtained to media personnels who wish to visit Ghana for journalism, press-related activities. They must apply for press accreditation then they can submit the required documents.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Journalist Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Letter from Sponsor

  • Indicating the details of activities

7. Copy of Press Accreditation Approved from Ghana

8. List of Equipment to be Used

9. Letter from Present Employer

  • Confirming the applicant’s status

10. Proof of Accommodation

  • Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning the applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

11. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Journalist Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Journalist visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Journalist Visa Fee
  • Single entry visa, valid for up to 30 days – 55-110 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 90 days – 80-155 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 6 months – 120-275 USD
  • Multiple entry visa, valid for up to 1 year – 180-330 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Journalist Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Journalist visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Ghana Emergency Entry Visa

Ghana Emergency Entry visa granted on an emergency basis.  It is issued where Ghana has no mission/consulate or where Ghana has a representative but the entry into Ghana is being sought on an emergency assignment from the country where the person is coming. Any person is eligible for Emergency Entry visa except prohibited immigrant.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Emergency Entry Visa

 

1. Application Letter Requesting for Emergency Visa

  • Including:
    • Place of Embarkation
    • Purpose of Visit
    • Date of Arrival
    • Duration of stay
    • Place of lodging
    • Residential address whilst in Ghana

2. Passport

  • The Passport information of the visitor and the Signatory

3. Company Documents:

  • Certificate to Commence Business
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Company’s Code
  • Company’s current Tax Clearance Certificate

4. Bank Statements for Personal Letters are Required

 

Processing Time for Ghana Emergency Entry Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Emergency Entry visa is 3-5 working days.

 

Ghana Emergency Entry Visa Fee

Ghana Emergency Entry visa fee is 150 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Emergency Entry Visa?

Emergency Entry Visa is issued upon arrival. An individual can obtain a visa upon arrival by applying to the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). The request must be lodged by the host individual or agency in Ghana on behalf of the foreign national who is visiting the country.

Ghana Transit Visa

Ghana Transit Visa will be granted to travelers whose itinerary includes a stop-over in the territory of Ghana. Foreigners in direct airside transit are exempt from visa requirements. The visitor should have a valid visa for the next destination and should be eligible to enter the country where she/he transiting to. The validity of the Ghana Transit visa is 48 hours.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Transit Visa

 

1.  Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Four Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

6. Confirmed Flight Ticket

  • Flight ticket for the next destination

7. Valid Visa for the Next Destination (If needed)

8. Vaccination Certificate

  • Copy of Yellow Fever certificate

9. For Minors:

  • Copy of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Transit Visa

The average processing time for a Ghana Transit visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Ghana Transit Visa Fee
  • Single Transit Visa – 25 USD-75 USD
  • Multiple Transit Visa – 75 USD-105 USD

The fee may vary depending on your nationality or country of submission.

Note: You can pay an additional fee in case of urgent situations.

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Transit Visa?

You will apply for a Ghana Transit visa in Ghana visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location

Ghana Resident Permit

Ghana Resident permit will allow foreigners to live in Ghana for a specified period of time. A resident permit may be given to foreigners who plan to stay in Ghana for a substantial period of time. It may usually be given between one and four years in the first entrance and no more than eight years in total. One of the requirements for issuing a residence permit is that the applicant must have been legally admitted to Ghana at the time of making the request. When issued, it is also subject to the condition that the person to whom it is granted is not engaged in any business, trade, or occupation, except as may be stated in the Permit.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Resident Permit

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Two Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. The Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV)

5. Letter from the Employer

  • Applying on the applicant’s behalf for a residence permit.

6. 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;

7. Work Permit Approval Letter from Ghana Immigration Service

8. Letter of Approval from the Ministry of Interior

9. Police Report from Home Country

10. Medical Report from a Recognized Hospital in Ghana

11. Application Letter from the Company

12. A Bond of Security

13. A Letter of Guarantee

14. Employment Contract/Appointment letter

15. For Residence Permits with Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB) Approval:

  • Free Zone Enterprise License
  • Free Zones Form
  • Free Zone Covering Letter

16. Gas/Oil Exploration:

  • Support Letter
    • From Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) / Energy Commission Details of the company:
    • Certificates of Commencement of Business
    • Incorporation
    • Registration and Company Regulations GIPC approval in the form of an introductory letter specifying the number of quotas granted, and the position of the applicant in the company
  • Quota Approval
    • Granted by the Ministry of Interior for the period that the company in question is permitted to carry out mining
    • Or work permit by the Ministry of Interior for the period that the company is permitted to carry out mineral exploration

17. Non-Governmental Organization:

  • Support Letter
    • From the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare
  • Certificates of Incorporation/Registration/Commence Business
  • Application Letter
    • From the Non-Governmental Organization
  • Letter from the Sector Ministry Accepting the Applicant’s Qualifications
  • Work Permit from the Ministry of Interior
  • Copy of the agreement between the Government and NGO

*Additional documents may be required.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Residence Permit

The average processing time for a Ghana Residence permit is 3 months.

 

Ghana Resident Permit Fee

Ghanaians with Foreign Passport – 150 USD

ECOWAS Nationals – 300 USD

Other Nationals – 500 USD

 

Where to Apply for Ghana Resident Permit?

You will apply for Ghana Resident Permit in Ghana Immigration Service.

Ghana Work Permit

Ghana Work Permit is an approval granted by the Ghana Immigration Service for the employment of foreign nationals specifying the number and description of persons authorized to be employed. A Ghana work permit is valid for 1 year and in some cases 6 months. The work permit specifies the name of the employer and a declaration stating that the holder is only allowed to engage in a specific job, company, or skilled occupation as stated in the work permit.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Work Permit

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Two Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

5. Professional and Educational Certificate

  • From University/Education Institution

6. The Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume

7. Application Letter

  • From Applicant or organization engaging the applicant

8. Marriage Certificate

  • In case the applicant is married to a Ghanaian

9. Company Registration/Objects of Company that Intends to Employ the Applicant

10. Certificate of Commencement of Business

11. If Working for a Government Establishment:

  • Letter of support from the appropriate establishment

12. Audited Accounts of Company

13. Tax Clearance Certificate

       Renewal of Work Permit

  • Companies:
    • Current tax clearance certificate of the company
    • Audited account of the company
    • VAT registration certificate
    • GIPC certificate for companies owned by a foreigner/Ghanaian Foreign Venture
  • Professionals:
    • Letter of support from their respective professional bodies: e.g. Doctors: clearance or registration from Dental and Medical Council. Nurses: clearance/registration from Nurses and Midwives Council.

*Additional documents may be required.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Work Permit

The average processing time for a Ghana Work Permit is 1-3 months.

 

Ghana Work Permit Fee

Ghanaians with Foreign Passport – 150 USD

ECOWAS Nationals – 500 USD

Other Nationals – 1000 USD

 

Where to apply for Ghana Work Permit?

You will apply for Ghana Work Permit at the Ghana Immigration Service.

Ghana Student Permit

Ghana Student permit allows the student to stay in Ghana and continue his/her studies for a longer period.

 

Required Documents for Ghana Student Permit

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed and signed

2. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
  • It also must have at least two blank pages.

3. Two Photos

  • The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
  • It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
  • You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
  • Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

  • If your country of residence and citizenship are different

5. Copy of Student Identity Card (Where applicable)

6. Letter of Application

  • From the educational institution stating the course of study, duration, etc.

7. Copy of the Admission Letter and Receipts for Fees Paid

8. Letter of Accreditation if in Doubt of the School’s Status

9. Two Guarantors who have Completed the Bond for Repatriation Expenses

10. For Minors:

  • Copy of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents may be required.

 

Processing Time for Ghana Student Permit

The average processing time for a Ghana Student Permit is 3 months.

 

Ghana Student Permit Fee

Ghanaians with Foreign Passport – 18 USD (GH¢100.00)

ECOWAS Nationals – 26 USD (GH¢150.00)

Other Nationals – 35 USD (GH¢200.00)        

     

Where to Apply for Ghana Student Permit?

You will apply for Ghana Student Permit in Ghana Immigration Service.

FAQ

Who can’t travel to Ghana?

  • An individual with an unsound mind.
  • An individual declared to be medically unsound by medical staff.
  • An individual considered to be a safety risk.
  • An individual against whom the deportation order is in effect.
  • An individual who has been convicted in a foreign country

Do ECOWAS nationals need a visa for Ghana?

ECOWAS nationals do not need a visa for Ghana.

What can I present to the embassy as a reference?

The reference could be from:

  • Addresses of Business Associates
  • Address of Hotel/Lodge
  • Educational Institution in Ghana

For how long can a resident permit granted?

An individual applying for a residence permit to remain in Ghana for a substantial period of time may be granted this permit for a period not exceeding 4 years if the applicant applies for the first time. However, if the applicant is not the first applicant, such authorisation may be given for a term not exceeding eight years.

What are the types of Ghana work permit?

  • GIPC-Ghana Investment Promotion Centre
  • IQC- Ministry of Interior Quota Immigration work permit
  • Free zones work permit

Can I get residence permit in line with a work permit?

Yes, you can. You need to apply to the Immigration Office.

In which cases should an applicant apply for Ghana Visa on Arrival?

Ghana Visa on Arrival will be issued at the airport for people who do not have a Ghana embassy/consulate in their home country or it’s of distance.