How to Move to Ghana

Ghana has emerged as a favored destination for expatriates from around the world. Whether you’re seeking career advancement, investment opportunities, or a fulfilling family life, Ghana offers a wealth of prospects for those ready to embrace its vibrant culture, business potential, and warm hospitality. Navigating the immigration process may seem daunting, but armed with the right information, it becomes an exciting journey towards living in this captivating country.

To begin your journey to Ghana, obtaining a residence permit is essential. This permit allows foreign nationals to reside in Ghana for a specified period, typically ranging from one to eight years, depending on the circumstances. It grants authorization to engage in specific work, employment, or business activities as stated in the permit. Residence permits are available for diverse categories of foreign citizens including NGO personnel, company shareholders, students, employees, self-employed individuals, retirees, spouses, children of Ghanaians, and holders of right of abode status.

To secure a residence permit, you must have been lawfully admitted to Ghana at the time of application. The application should be made using the prescribed form to the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). It is crucial to ensure that your application is supported by the necessary documentation, including an application letter stating your personal details, purpose for the permit, and desired duration. If you’re an employee, your employer can officially submit the application on your behalf.

For spouses or children applying as dependents of a principal permit holder, marriage or birth certificates are necessary as supporting documents. If the residence application is not sponsored by an employer, two Ghanaians must support the application with copies of their valid national IDs. As part of the permit grant conditions, these guarantors must jointly execute a bond of guarantee or security, accepting liability for any deportation or repatriation expenses up to the value stated on the bond. At least one guarantor must demonstrate sufficient means to support the bond or guarantee.

The documents required for the residence permit application include:

1. Two recent passport-size photos
2. Application letter in support
3. Copies of business license, if applicable
4. GIPC Certificate or Immigrant Quota Approval Letter, if applicable
5. Tax Clearance Certificate from an existing company, if applicable
6. Applicant’s employment contract or appointment letter
7. The police report from applicant’s home country
8. Medical report from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) clinic
9. Birth certificate, if applicable
10. Marriage certificate, if applicable
11. Execution of a bond or security for two Ghanaian guarantors, if applicable.
12. Bank statement from a sponsor/guarantor (for dependents)
13. Copy of noncitizen Ghana Card

In order to work legally while you reside in Ghana, you will need a work permit in addition to your residence permit. The application for a work permit should be directed to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), with assistance from your prospective employer who will provide the necessary forms. Supporting documents such as your CV, educational and professional certificates, work contract, police report, medical report, and passport copies should accompany the application. When applying for a work permit or immigrant quota, you’ll also need supporting documents from your company such as the approved immigrant quota letter, company registration documents, tax clearance (for existing companies), and your employment letter or contract. The application must be submitted in person at the GIS headquarters, with a typical processing time of approximately four weeks.

After taking care of the requirements for residing and working in Ghana, you can now explore how to buy, rent or lease property in the country.  Whether your interests are in residential or commercial properties there are a number of great reasons to consider investing in real estate in Ghana as you plan to settle in the country. Ghana has a large deficit in the housing industry and, consequently, a high demand for housing. Real estate in Accra, Ghana’s capital city attracts high demand from foreign business and tourism tourists as well as local buyers. For instance, reports show that rental yields in Accra range between 8-12%. Indeed, this stands as one of the highest yields in Africa. Furthermore, the financing ecosystem in Ghana has continued to develop over the past ten years making it much more feasible for people to buy and access property. This also allows developers to expand their customer base. There are also flexible mortgage options available to anyone who wants to purchase property in Ghana. Some of the major mortgage providers include First National Bank, Republic Bank, Fidelity Bank and Omni Bank. It is important to use the services of experienced real estate professionals and lawyers during any real estate transaction to ensure success.

Undoubtedly, as Ghana sees rapid development in infrastructure, tourism and commerce it will become an increasingly alluring destination for expatriates seeking new opportunities. By following the immigration process, securing the required permits, and meeting the necessary criteria, you can embark on a fulfilling journey to work, invest, and live in this captivating country. From its enchanting natural beauty to its laid-back lifestyle, Ghana promises a truly enriching experience for those seeking a fresh chapter in their lives.