Getting a Work and Residence Permit in any country is not that easy -at least there will be quite a lot of paperwork- but it is not impossible. The truth is, no immigration officials will just hand you a Residence or Work Permit. You need to follow the necessary and right procedures to be approved. The situation is no different in Ghana.
A work permit is an approval granted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for the employment of foreign nationals specifying the number and description of persons authorized to be employed. A Ghana work permit is usually valid for 1 year and in some special cases 6 months. The work permit specifies the name of the employer and a statement indicating that the holder is only permitted to engage in the particular employment, business or professional occupation specified in the work permit.
Established by Immigration Service Act, 2016, Act 908, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) serves as the principal source for all immigration services including visa entry, residence and employment of foreign nationals in Ghana, in accordance with the Immigration law.
READ ALSO: AN EASY WAY TO GET A VISA ON ARRIVAL TO GHANA
Section 4(1)(e) of the Immigration Service Act, 2016(Act 908) provides that for the purpose of achieving the object, the service shall through the Comptroller-General or the duly authorised representative of the Comptroller-General issue visas for entry into the country and permits for residence or work in the country.
Section 24 of the Immigration Act 2000 (Act 573) provides that ” a person shall not employ any foreign national in Ghana except in accordance with a permit granted by Immigrant Quota Committee”
Foreign nationals wishing to work in Ghana may register their business in Ghana and afterwards, apply to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Interior through the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). Work permits may be renewed subject to satisfying the conditions for renewal. The duration for processing work permits is within 2 to 3 weeks and the official fee for a 1-year work permit in Ghana is $1,000.
Requirements for a work permit in Ghana
To apply for a work permit, the following documentation needs to be provided;
- Application letter on the company’s letterhead
- Business Registration Documents – certificate of incorporation, certificate of commencement of business, company regulations, form 3&4 (for companies in the old system) or Certificate if incorporation, form 4 and Constitution (for companies in the new system).
- Valid (TCC) Tax Clearance Certificate (for existing companies)
- Letter of employment / Contract
- Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Certificate (If registered)
- Letter of support from Ministry, Department or Agency (if required)
- Bio data page of the passport of the applicant
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume
- Police Clearance Certificate from employee’s country of origin or current residence
- Educational and Professional Certificates
- Passport & Passport Copy of the employer (the person who signs the application letter or the person authorized to sign on behalf of the employer).
- Medical Report – To be done at the Ghana Immigration Service, Accra
- Non-Citizen ID card – To be done at the NIA Office in Accra or any office in Ghana assigned to issue non-citizen cards such as Cal Bank office or Access Bank office
The work permit is the first stage in the work authorization process and therefore does not entitle a prospective employee to engage in work activities in Ghana. To commence work activities, the applicant is required to apply and obtain a residence permit with their company.
Completing Work Permit Application Forms
Work permit application forms are obtainable free of charge at the GIS office. The form requires three classes of information; Company, Employee and Employment contract details. Relevant and accurate information must be provided in all sections to enable the GIS to effectively assess and the application on its own merits and take appropriate decision.
The application forms should be signed by an authorized representative of the employer. The person who signs the application must attach relevant documents as proof that he is an officer of the company (passport, a copy of residence permit etc).
Residence Permit Application Process in Ghana
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.
The following must accompany the application;
- Attach two(2) recent passport pictures (recent means taken not more than 6 months)
- Copy of Non-Citizen ID Card(front and Back copy)
- Original Passport of the employee
- Approved work permit/Automatic Quota
- Current Company Tax Clearance Certificate (for existing companies)
- Letter of support from Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Free Zones Board or Minerals Commission (where applicable)
- Police Clearance Report from home country
- Medical Report from Ghana Immigration Service Clinic
- Non-Citizen ID Card
- Business Registration Documents
- Offer letter/Appointment letter/ Contract of employment
- Company’s audited accounts of the previous year.
The law provides that a person who has been granted a work permit may one month before the expiration of that permit, apply to the Immigration Quota Committee in the prescribed manner for the renewal of the permit and the application for renewal shall be treated as a fresh application.
Dependent’s residence permit
A foreign employee who holds a Residence Permit may apply for a Dependent Residence
Permit for his dependents. Dependents include spouses, 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;
- Application letter on Company’s letterhead requesting the residence permit
- Two passport-size photographs of the applicant
- Birth certificate (if child)
- Marriage Certificate (If spouse)
- Copy of Non-Citizens ID Card
- Passport
- Birth certificate for the principal if applying for parent(s) or any documents that proofs so.
What is the cost of work and residence permits in Ghana?
The cost for obtaining a work and residence permit is given below;
Non-ECOWAS Nationality
- One year work and residence permit fee – $1,000
- Medical Screening from Ghana Immigration – $250 for first-time screening and $150 for renewal.
- Non-Citizen ID Card from National Identification Authority (NIA) – $120 for first time card $60 for renewal card.
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;
- One year work and residence permit fee – $647
- Medical Screening from Ghana Immigration – $250 for first-time screening and $150 for renewal.
- Non-Citizen ID Card from National Identification Authority (NIA) – $120 for first time card and $60 for renewal card.
In 2023 COVID Test is no longer required.
NOTE; Citizens from ECOWAS member states are classified as ECOWAS nationals whilst Non-ECOWAS nationals are citizens from states that are not members of ECOWAS. Below is a list of ECOWAS states;
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cape Verde
- Cote d’Ivoire
- The Gambia
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Liberia
- Mali
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Sector Specific requirements for Work/Residence Permits in Ghana – GIPC, GFZB etc.
Additionally, companies may be required to register with other statutory agencies and comply with sector-specific requirements/controls depending on the company’s ownership structure and/or the sector of operation in order to obtain relevant automatic quotas or work permits. These Agencies include;
- Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)
- Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB)
- Petroleum Commission
- Minerals Commission
Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)
Companies with foreign ownership, whether jointly or wholly foreign-owned, must register with the GIPC and then apply for automatic immigrant quotas based on their equity investment.
Application requirements for holders of GIPC quota;
- Letter of application for a residence permit from the company
- Business Registration Documents – certificate of incorporation, certificate of commencement of business, company regulations, form 3&4 (for companies in the old system) or Certificate if incorporation, form 4 and Constitution (for companies in the new system).
- Completed residence permit form
- 2 passport size pictures
- GIPC quota approval letter
- Resume
- The police report from the country of origin
- The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Headquarters conducts the medical screening.
- Employment contract
- Tax clearance certificate from the company
- Copy of non-citizen ID card
Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA)
The GFZB is the regulator for all businesses that meet a 70% minimum export capacity of all production in Ghana. Holders of free zone licenses must direct the work permit application to the GIS through GFZB. The application must be accompanied by all documents for obtaining a standard work permit application above. However, the GFZB controls the entire process, forwarding the application to GIS on behalf of applicants and providing approvals upon obtaining them.
Application requirements for holders of GFZB license;
- Letter of application for a residence permit from the company
- Business Registration Documents – certificate of incorporation, certificate of commencement of business, company regulations, form 3&4 (for companies in the old system) or Certificate if incorporation, form 4 and Constitution (for companies in the new system).
- Completed residence permit form
- 2 passport size pictures
- Copy of Company’s free zones license
- Resume
- The police report from the country of origin
- Medical report from a recognised hospital in Ghana
- Employment contract
- Copy of non-citizen ID card
- Covid Test
Petroleum Commission
Petroleum companies, as well as companies offering services to the petroleum sector, may apply for work permits for their expatriate personnel through the Petroleum Commission (PC) of Ghana. The company must provide, among others, a justification for employing a foreign national. The Petroleum Commission will typically ascertain whether the prospective employee possesses the technical skill set required for the industry as well as the unavailability of such skill set in Ghana. Upon satisfying itself, the PC will receive all GIS requirements for obtaining a work permit and process the application on behalf of the company. The Ghana Immigration Service will forward the approvals to the companies upon receiving them.
Minerals Commission
The Minerals Commission is the regulator of the mining sector. In practice, companies registered under the Commission require a letter of support from the Minerals Commission in applying for work permits for its expatriate employees. Upon obtaining the letter of support from the Mineral Commission, the application must be accompanied by all documents for obtaining a standard work permit application above.
Conclusion
Obtaining a work and residence permit is fairly easy, once you have secured employment in Ghana. Your employer must avail of the necessary company documentation to enable you to obtain the permit. Companies can initiate the work permit application processes without the physical presence of the applicant in Ghana, and the immigration authorities can issue the residence permit upon the arrival of the employee.
After knowing all this, you still may need an expert to assist you. We are here to guide you and make your applications easy. Get in touch with us.
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70 thoughts on “How to Obtain a Ghana Work and Residence Permit in 2024”
Good morning sir
Actually I am here since last 4month .but I am also submitted.. our passport copy and 2photos &fee 1500$the fee resident permit give to agent through my local partner…but yet now he didn’t give…visa… So sir can u help me… what is the next procedure of getting visa..pls…my humbly request you..pls help me sir
my name is keljano huta. so you know when the permit of residence ends
my name is keljano huta. so you know when the permit of residence ends
I am a nigerian. want a resident permit for me. my wife and two sons
Drop us an email at [email protected] and let get some detailed information about you, then we can advice you appropriately.
Hi Chibike. Have you finally got the permit? plzx send me mail at [email protected]
I know of someone who did it for me. U can call him on 0238520108
i,am a Nigeria i need a Ghana resident permit am actually working in Lagos Nigeria but i want to resident in Ghana pls can anyone guide me true. Thanks.
I am Indian. I need work permit of Ghana. I am a doctor.
Can i start the process of work or resident permit while am still in nigeria, even when have not travel to ghana or to even secur a job there.
Can i start the process of work permit or resident permit while am still in nigeria, even when have not travel to ghana or to even secur a job there is it possibke and hiw much will cost me. Pls reply
Does a Nigerian need a work and resident permit to work and live in Ghana? Please i need your answer.
Hi, I was a nigerian student here , just graduated two months ago and my resident permit has also expired , I am now working with a recording studio here in Accra , please how do I go about getting myself a residence permit
I don’t have a non citizen card
I m from India , Looking for settle down in Ghana , Please advise me , I have wife and daughter and working offshore
i am a nigerian need a resident permit for me mu husband and two kids
hi there my partner is in ghana there from usa after many years in army was in karbull there when meet him on line and we decided to adopt young girl there from ophange many years ago when he retired from the army and had ticket to fly out from air port would not let him out as didnt have proper papers to bring annless out be cause of his boss told lie in what he needed to fly lot but was totaly lie so hads lost lot money of two air ticket and passports lost as had to stay in ghana till this young girl is 18 years age very hard going for ford and young girl have sent cothes over the years etc but not money to scaming country what dose it cost for permit for ford to work there get decent job there thanks from his partner
I am a Liberian. Please how can are get a resident permit here in Ghana. I am a Bible student.
let me know how i can obtain work permit or residence permit in Ghana. I am a Nigerian currently living in Australia. i will like to work and do business in Ghana.
looking forward to here from you.
Am a Nigerian I need a resident permit please someone should guide me through
We will be able to help you. Kindly drop your email here and one of our compliance officers will revert.
Please I need to a resident permit.
I am a United States Citizen and a professional land surveyor a while back I applied for a position with Bestton Engineering Services. I just received an offer letter which says it is from the company. The letter says I need to procure the work permit. I am currently working for KBR in Iraq as head surveyor for a contract with the United States Military. I would love to work in Ghana but not sure if the offer is legitimate. Does a company in Ghana have to request for the permit and can i get a permit without being in Ghana.
H am Nigerian i want to work permit and residence permit and i want to know cost of each one, i will be glad if you feedback to me.
Am chidinma odogwu frm Nigeria.i need a work permit frm Ghana.thank you
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Am a Nigerian and I have my Ghanaian marriage certificate from the ministry what will be the requirement for me since am a Nigerian married to a Ghanaian and how long does the dependent resident permit last before renewal
I am a Ghanaian married to a Nigerian, how can my husband become a citizen of Ghana. Please help me out. Thank you
Please am a Nigerian I want to get a resident permit am single no kids how to I get it
Good day,
Am a nigerian, I schooled in ghana but completed last year. My school is University of Mines and technology Umat , Tarkwa. But i don’t have a residence permit and wish to do it. Please help on how to achieve that. Thanks God bless. my email is [email protected]
Greetings.
I am French, I want to start a small business in Ghana. Could you help me please?
Interested in Ghanian ?? residence permit.
Can one obtain only a Residence Permit? I don’t need to work and do not want a Work Permit in Ghana or anywhere else am retired.
Goodafternoon SIR/MAD. We are Ghanaian bij birth and nationlitie in Netherland ,i just want to ASK residence in GHANA. if posible.
Thank You for my REQUEST.
Yours Sincerlery Edward
Am a Nigerian I want to relocate to Ghana, what are the things I need to know.
Hey ,
I’m togolese . I’m living in Accra since 2 years. I went to create an account in the bank today and they are asking a resident permit . How could i do please . Could you advise me for what type resident permit should i do ?
hello im american married to a Ghanian with a daughter im looking to move me and my daughter to ghana wanted to register a business and also apply for a residence permit for my daughter and i
Am a Nigerian I want a resident permit. How much does it cost
am a nigeria i need a resiodent for myself piease i need , it urgent
I just secured admission to study in Ghana for two years, please, do I need residence permit? Should I need one. How do I get it?/
Thank you
Dear Mme, Sir,
I daughter is in school in Accra, she is a Guinean, her school will give her documents for her resident permit.
How does her resident permit coast for 1 year?
Many thanks
What is the cost of resident and work permit renewal for ECOWAS citizens
Please I am a Nigerian, do i need to get a resident permit without have any employment?
I am a US Citizen but married to a Ghanaian, I want to return to Ghana to permanently live and work, what do I do and how much will it cost?
I am NIGERIAN working in the petroleum sector. I want a resident permit for my family and I. Please advice on how to go ahead.
I’m a Nigerian, I need a work and resident permit for myself
Im American and Where do I apply for ghana residents permit ??
Hi. I am a Togolese Nationality . Please I need only a residence permit I want to know if is possible to apply that only because I have a case in Ghana so I need money to pay to the lawyer but according to the bank’s also the MTN Mobile money I need to get a residence permit that is why I need a residence permit only thank you.
I am Central African working as nursing generalist with high quality medical officer. I have a nice respectful family with 4 children can I grant for immigration with my families in Ghana
Marius SAMBA YADENZI
I am a Ghanaian and have already registered my business. Want to know if I still need a business operation permit.
Comment…pls I want to live and work in Ghana. am from Nigeria. I need d work and residence permit. pls can you guide me on how to go about it. thanks.
Good day sir, I will to like to move my family down to Ghana, I want to live and work in Ghana, my self, my wife and my two kids . what do I need to do.
Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.
Good day sir, I will like to move my family down to Ghana, I want to live and work in Ghana, my self, my wife and my two kids . what do I need to do.
In addtion, I am Nigerian, if possible permanent residence permit in Ghana. Thank you.
Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.
Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.
I was told that work permit and authorization card for ghana is 180 dollars
Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.
Please I’m a Nigerian… I want to live and do business Ghana. Please can you guide me?
Please i need your help. I was supposed to renew my dependent residence permit but the Immigration officer who was to help claim it lost the receipt and has been posted to northern region. He has refused to do something pls how can i retrieve my passport?
Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you
Am a Nigeria married with kids,two girls and a boy with my husband we want to work and residence there what are the qualifications
Thank you for your query our compliance team will attend to you. Thank you
Hello! I am a Nigerian, who live and work in Nigeria. I had like to relocate to Ghana permanently. How can I get a residents permit?
That was helpful
I AM A NIGERIAN.CAN THE RESIDENT AND WORK PERMIT BE DONE WHILE STILL IN NIGERIA?Comment…
Please I’m a Nigerian, schooled here in Ghana , married to a Nigerian but had my first child here in Ghana and I wish to have a resident permit with my husband please how do I go about it without my passport cos it was misplaced
i,am a Nigeria i need a Ghana resident permit for my family am actually working in Portharcourt Nigeria but i want to resident in Ghana pls can anyone guide me true. Thanks.
My name is Maureen Kidd my pedants name is coffei, I was born in Jamaica but I now live in England, The Government of Ghana made a speech a while ago informing the media Black Caribbean and other countries can get the appropriate information to come and live in Ghana. I am praying you can help me to find and follow the right information please.
FIRMUS Advisory is a solid professional firm that delivers! I am a Canadian who recently engaged the firm to manage my work permit and residence permit. The process was seamless and effective. I highly recommend the firm for its professionalism and appreciation of my time. Job well done!