A residence permit is a document or card required in some countries, which allows a foreign national to reside in a country for a fixed or indefinite length of time. In Ghana, it is a sticker that is placed on one of the pages of a foreign national’s passport.
Who is qualified to obtain a residence permit?
A Residence Permit is usually obtained after the grant of a work permit. A formal application must be made on behalf of the employee to the Ghana Immigration Service. However, an individual who is married to a Ghanaian may be issued a residence permit without applying for a work permit. In the rest of this article, we will discuss the requirements and processes involved in obtaining a residence permit for an individual who is married to a Ghanaian.
Who is responsible for the issue of residence permits?
Ghana Immigration Service is the government agency that is responsible for the issue of all immigration permits to foreign nationals. They do this under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior.
See also: How To Obtain Student Residence Permit In Ghana
What are the requirements to obtain a residence permit?
The following are the requirements to obtain a residence permit for an individual who is married to a Ghanaian.
- Application letter requesting for the grant of residence permit from the Ghanaian Spouse
- Attach two (2) recent passport pictures (recent means taken not more than 6 months)
- Copy of Non-Citizen ID Card
- Original Passport of application
- Two Guarantors with copies of their Ghanaian passport
- All parties will sign a bond at the immigration office
- A letter of guarantee from one of the two guarantors
- Non-Citizen ID Card
- Marriage Certificate
- Bank Statement of Ghanaian spouse
Can one obtain a residence permit right after getting married to a Ghanaian?
The couple must be married for at least a year. This reduces the chances of immigration declining the application. This is because some foreign nationals may want to get married to a Ghanaian with the sole motive of acquiring a residence permit.
How long does it take to acquire a residence permit?
The process of acquiring a residence permit takes up to two weeks. This is attainable if the documents submitted to the Immigration Service are all accurate.
How long is the permit valid?
First-time applicants can only apply for a one-year permit. The renewal must be done one month before the residence permit expires.
After the residence has been issued and it’s due for renewal, an applicant can apply for Two (2) to Five (5) years maximum.
Can an individual who is on a residence permit work in Ghana?
Individuals on residence permits are not allowed to work in the country. A residence permit only allows an individual to live in the country legally. Individuals who may want to work in the country must also apply for a work permit.
What is the cost of obtaining a residence permit?
The following is the cost involved in obtaining a residence permit in Ghana.
- Official permit fee/Renewal Fee
- Residence permit – ₵194
- Work and residence permit fee – $194
- Medical screening $250 and $150 for renewal
- Non-Citizen ID card
- New application- $120
- Renewal (one year) – $60
Conclusion
It is important for foreign nationals to know that it is illegal for foreigners to live and/or work in Ghana without a permit. It is important for such individuals to apply with the Ghana Immigration Service to acquire a valid permit to reside in Ghana.
