How to Obtain a Ghana Work and Residence Permit in 2023

ghana-residence-permit-firmus_advisory

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;

  1. Application letter on the company’s letterhead
  2. 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).
  3. Valid (TCC) Tax Clearance Certificate (for existing companies)
  4. Letter of employment / Contract
  5. Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Certificate (If registered)
  6. Letter of support from Ministry, Department or Agency (if required)
  7. Bio data page of the passport of the applicant
  8. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  9. Police Clearance Certificate from employee’s country of origin or current residence
  10. Educational and Professional Certificates
  11. Passport & Passport Copy of the employer (the person who signs the application letter or the person authorized to sign on behalf of the employer).
  12. Medical Report – To be done at the Ghana Immigration Service, Accra
  13. 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;

  1. Attach two(2) recent passport pictures (recent means taken not more than 6 months) 
  2. Copy of Non-Citizen ID Card(front and Back copy)
  3. Original Passport of the employee
  4. Approved work permit/Automatic Quota
  5. Current Company Tax Clearance Certificate (for existing companies)
  6. Letter of support from Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Free Zones Board or Minerals Commission (where applicable)
  7. Police Clearance Report from home country
  8. Medical Report from Ghana Immigration Service Clinic
  9. Non-Citizen ID Card
  10. Business Registration Documents
  11. Offer letter/Appointment letter/ Contract of employment
  12. 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;

  1. Application letter on Company’s letterhead requesting the residence permit
  2. Two passport-size photographs of the applicant
  3. Birth certificate (if child)
  4. Marriage Certificate (If spouse)
  5. Copy of Non-Citizens ID Card
  6. Passport
  7. 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 

  1. One year work and residence permit fee – $1,000
  2. Medical Screening from Ghana Immigration – $250
  3. Non-Citizen ID Card from National Identification Authority (NIA) – $120

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 – $250 for first-time screening and $150 for renewal.
  3. Non-Citizen ID Card from National Identification Authority (NIA) – $120

In 2023 COVID Test is no longer be 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
  • 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)

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.

I hope you enjoyed the read; please leave a comment, review or share.

Was this article useful? Get more information on the requirements and other useful resources on the subject here http://firmusnew.local/compliance-passport/

Talk to Us

Quick and efficient service delivery. Talk to us first.

Share:

71 Comments

  • ALI M

    February 27, 2018 - 9:51 am

    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

  • keljano huta

    April 22, 2018 - 8:45 pm

    my name is keljano huta. so you know when the permit of residence ends

  • keljano huta

    April 22, 2018 - 8:45 pm

    my name is keljano huta. so you know when the permit of residence ends

  • Chibuike

    May 19, 2018 - 1:54 am

    I am a nigerian. want a resident permit for me. my wife and two sons

    • firmusadmin

      May 31, 2018 - 6:50 am

      Drop us an email at [email protected] and let get some detailed information about you, then we can advice you appropriately.

    • Frank nnam

      August 17, 2018 - 12:34 am

      Hi Chibike. Have you finally got the permit? plzx send me mail at [email protected]

    • Samuel

      May 16, 2019 - 10:56 am

      I know of someone who did it for me. U can call him on 0238520108

  • emesen

    June 15, 2018 - 10:39 pm

    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.

  • Dr Ashutosh Daga

    July 6, 2018 - 10:03 am

    I am Indian. I need work permit of Ghana. I am a doctor.

  • Thompson emmanuel

    August 13, 2018 - 10:46 pm

    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.

  • Thompson emmanuel

    August 13, 2018 - 10:50 pm

    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

  • Frank Eboh

    September 1, 2018 - 10:29 am

    Does a Nigerian need a work and resident permit to work and live in Ghana? Please i need your answer.

  • oye dele

    September 14, 2018 - 4:07 am

    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

  • kunwer Raj Singh

    September 16, 2018 - 9:56 am

    I m from India , Looking for settle down in Ghana , Please advise me , I have wife and daughter and working offshore

  • Egbuchilam mary

    September 24, 2018 - 7:31 pm

    i am a nigerian need a resident permit for me mu husband and two kids

  • cathy young

    September 25, 2018 - 9:51 pm

    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

  • Robin Demey

    October 7, 2018 - 10:55 pm

    I am a Liberian. Please how can are get a resident permit here in Ghana. I am a Bible student.

  • Uko Solomon Inyang

    October 11, 2018 - 4:02 am

    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.

    • Mathew

      May 7, 2021 - 4:24 pm

      Am a Nigerian I need a resident permit please someone should guide me through

      • Firmus Advisory

        June 8, 2021 - 8:09 pm

        We will be able to help you. Kindly drop your email here and one of our compliance officers will revert.

      • Real

        October 9, 2021 - 8:29 am

        Please I need to a resident permit.

  • travis parr gray

    November 27, 2018 - 4:40 am

    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.

  • Hussaini

    November 30, 2018 - 11:28 am

    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.

  • Chidinma odogwu

    December 26, 2018 - 5:30 pm

    Am chidinma odogwu frm Nigeria.i need a work permit frm Ghana.thank you

  • Samuel B.

    January 7, 2019 - 2:06 am

    Hi,

    I would like to propose the link exchange deal with your website firmusadvisory.com, for mutual benefit in getting more traffic and improve search engine’s ranking, absolutely no money involve.

    We will link to you from our Music and Entertainment authority site – https://www.loudthings.org/, from its homepage’s sidebar. In return you will agree to do the same to link back to one of our of our Music & Entertainment Site, from your firmusadvisory.com’s homepage too (sidebar, footer, or anywhere on your homepage), with our brand name Guitar Junky.

    If you are interested, kindly reply to this email.

    Thank you,
    Samuel

  • Abegha

    February 5, 2019 - 5:28 pm

    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

  • Rose Otenewaa Addo

    February 19, 2019 - 10:32 pm

    I am a Ghanaian married to a Nigerian, how can my husband become a citizen of Ghana. Please help me out. Thank you

  • Emmanuel

    February 20, 2019 - 12:12 pm

    Please am a Nigerian I want to get a resident permit am single no kids how to I get it

  • Okon, Paul Bassey.

    February 21, 2019 - 1:35 pm

    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]

  • ISABELLE FELICITE

    March 10, 2019 - 3:27 pm

    Greetings.
    I am French, I want to start a small business in Ghana. Could you help me please?

  • Mohammed Sani

    April 10, 2019 - 9:37 pm

    Interested in Ghanian ?? residence permit.

  • Josseph

    April 13, 2019 - 10:12 am

    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.

  • EDWARD KOFI KANKAM

    May 4, 2019 - 11:21 am

    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

  • Dayo Muyiwa

    June 14, 2019 - 10:24 pm

    Am a Nigerian I want to relocate to Ghana, what are the things I need to know.

  • ROLAND

    June 17, 2019 - 8:24 am

    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 ?

  • hadas

    July 23, 2019 - 4:28 am

    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

  • BEAUTY CHARLES BIOBELE

    July 30, 2019 - 9:59 am

    Am a Nigerian I want a resident permit. How much does it cost

  • wilson wilson

    July 31, 2019 - 7:10 pm

    am a nigeria i need a resiodent for myself piease i need , it urgent

  • Abiodun Emmanuel Awoyemi

    August 13, 2019 - 11:26 am

    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

  • Sogonie Koivogui

    August 22, 2019 - 5:29 am

    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

  • Iyke

    August 29, 2019 - 10:19 am

    What is the cost of resident and work permit renewal for ECOWAS citizens

  • Odera

    August 31, 2019 - 11:28 pm

    Please I am a Nigerian, do i need to get a resident permit without have any employment?

  • Kristina L Sanderson - Mensah

    September 5, 2019 - 1:14 pm

    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?

  • Uche

    September 21, 2019 - 8:46 am

    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.

  • Asher

    September 30, 2019 - 5:15 am

    I’m a Nigerian, I need a work and resident permit for myself

  • Kenneth roberson

    October 21, 2019 - 7:43 am

    Im American and Where do I apply for ghana residents permit ??

  • Mouhamed Abdoul Wahid

    November 20, 2019 - 8:06 am

    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.

  • SAMBA YADENZI MARIUS

    November 22, 2019 - 8:49 pm

    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

  • Isaac Sarpong

    November 29, 2019 - 3:34 pm

    I am a Ghanaian and have already registered my business. Want to know if I still need a business operation permit.

  • Eugene Chidimma

    December 31, 2019 - 11:36 am

    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.

  • How to Open a Bank account in Ghana | Firmus Advisory

    February 24, 2020 - 11:20 am

    […] Most banks in Ghana offer corporate and personal account services for both citizens and expatriates. To open a bank account in Ghana, one first needs a work and residence permit. […]

  • Kusimo Samuel Olugbenga

    June 27, 2020 - 4:45 pm

    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.

    • Firmus Advisory

      June 29, 2020 - 7:34 am

      Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.

  • Kusimo Samuel Olugbenga

    June 27, 2020 - 4:45 pm

    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.

    • Kusimo Samuel Olugbenga

      June 27, 2020 - 5:01 pm

      In addtion, I am Nigerian, if possible permanent residence permit in Ghana. Thank you.

      • Firmus Advisory

        June 29, 2020 - 7:35 am

        Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.

    • Firmus Advisory

      June 29, 2020 - 7:35 am

      Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.

  • Kasali olaide

    June 29, 2020 - 12:55 pm

    I was told that work permit and authorization card for ghana is 180 dollars

    • Firmus Advisory

      June 29, 2020 - 12:56 pm

      Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you.

      • Precious Firi

        January 13, 2022 - 3:38 am

        Please I’m a Nigerian… I want to live and do business Ghana. Please can you guide me?

  • Simon

    August 15, 2020 - 4:22 pm

    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?

    • Firmus Advisory

      August 17, 2020 - 7:50 am

      Thank you for your query, kindly use the live chat on our website a compliance rep will attend to you. Thank you

  • Suzzy

    October 15, 2020 - 5:08 pm

    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

    • Firmus Advisory

      October 16, 2020 - 12:08 pm

      Thank you for your query our compliance team will attend to you. Thank you

    • Erica Etalor

      October 3, 2021 - 5:03 pm

      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?

  • Joseph

    December 22, 2020 - 7:43 am

    That was helpful

  • AMIWERO DANIEL

    July 18, 2021 - 6:16 am

    I AM A NIGERIAN.CAN THE RESIDENT AND WORK PERMIT BE DONE WHILE STILL IN NIGERIA?Comment…

  • Judith

    July 31, 2021 - 7:36 pm

    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

  • Clinton Arungwa

    August 13, 2021 - 11:27 am

    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.

  • Maureen Kidd

    November 22, 2021 - 8:58 am

    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.

  • Rowan McKenzie

    October 10, 2022 - 1:02 pm

    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!

Leave A Comment

At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio digni goikussimos ducimus qui to bonfo blanditiis praese. Ntium voluum deleniti atque.

Melbourne, Australia
(Sat - Thursday)
(10am - 05 pm)
Melbourne, Australia
(Sat - Thursday)
(10am - 05 pm)

Do you need a residential permit to work in Ghana?

Get yours in days without all the hassle.

100% money-back Guarantee.

Call Us:
+233 242 352 424