Visa Types

Ghana Permanent Residency Criteria

How you can immigrate to Ghana, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Ghana.

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Key Points for Ghana PR Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Ghana?

Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Ghana.

Ghana Visa application is made online or offline?

You can complete the application form online, and then submit it offline to the Ghana embassy or consulate by bringing or sending the completed visa application form along with the original documentation.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, biometrics are required for obtaining a Ghana visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?

No, an interview is not required for Indian nationals to obtain Ghana visa.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?

You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Ghana?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

For Indefinite residence permit (spouse of Ghanaians):
For Ghanaians with foreign passport: GHS 1500
For ECOWAS members: GHS 1500
For other Nationals: GHS 1500
For Indefinite residence permit:
For ECOWAS members: GHS 3000
For Other Nationals: GHS 4000

 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • Figure out the specific visa category that suits your reason for visiting Ghana.
  • Common visa options for Indian citizens include those for tourism, business, or family visits.

  • Fill out an online visa application form for each applicant.
  • Make sure to upload the applicant's photo before finishing the main section of the form.
  • Only use PDF, jpeg, jpg, or png formats for images.

  • Keep track of your visa reference number as it will be necessary for all official communications.

  • The processing begins after you submit all required supporting documents and provide evidence of payment at the Consular Section of the Ghana High Commission in New Delhi.

  • Anticipate at least four automatic notifications to your provided contact during the online visa application process.
  • The first notification confirms the successful completion of the online application.
  • The second acknowledgment is sent upon receiving your passport and supporting documents at the Ghana High Commission.
  • The third notification communicates the visa application status (approved or declined) and provides details about the collection date.

  • You'll get an email about your visa decision at the Visa Application Centre. If email is not convenient, you can choose to get updates via SMS on your phone—check if it's available.
  • You can also track your visa online using the Reference Number and your last name from the invoice.

  • Once a decision on your visa application is made, you can retrieve your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you by courier for an extra fee.
  • To collect it in person, bring the issued receipt and a form of government identification. If allowed, a representative can collect it on your behalf with a signed authorization letter, the receipt, and their government identification.
  • Verify the Visa Application Centre's opening hours for document collection options.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

When applying for Permanent Residency Visa in Ghana, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:

  1. Proof of Continuous Residency:
    • Documentation demonstrating that the applicant has resided in Ghana throughout the period of twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application.
  2. Aggregated Residency Proof:
    • Evidence of residency in Ghana for an aggregated period of not less than five years during the seven years immediately preceding the twelve-month period.
  3. Character Reference Letters:
    • Two written attestations of good character from Ghanaians who are notaries public, lawyers, senior public officers, or individuals approved by the Minister. These letters should confirm the applicant's good character.
  4. Criminal Record Check:
    • A criminal record check to confirm that the applicant has not been convicted of any criminal offense resulting in a sentence of twelve months or more.
  5. Contribution to Ghana's Development:
    • Documentation or evidence proving that the applicant has made or is capable of making a substantial contribution to the development of Ghana. This may include records of community service, business contributions, or other relevant achievements.
  6. Valid Residence Permit:
    • A valid residence permit with a minimum validity of six (6) months at the time of application.
  7. Application Form:
    • Completed and signed application forms for permanent residence.
  8. Passport:
    • A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  9. Passport-size Photographs:
    • Recent passport-sized photographs meeting the specifications outlined by the Ghana Immigration Service.
  10. Educational and Professional Certificates:
    • Copies of educational and professional certificates to support the applicant's qualifications and contributions.
  11. Financial Statements:
    • Financial statements or evidence of financial stability to demonstrate the applicant's ability to support themselves.
  12. Cover Letter:
    • A cover letter outlining the purpose of the application, the basis for eligibility, and any additional information the applicant wishes to provide.
  13. Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
    • If the applicant is married to a Ghanaian citizen, a copy of the marriage certificate may be required.
  14. Medical Examination Report:
    • A medical examination report issued by an approved medical facility.
  15. Payment Receipt:
    • Proof of payment for the permanent residence application fee.

Note: Please note that this checklist is a general guide, and the specific requirements may vary. It's essential to consult the latest guidelines from the Ghana Immigration Service or the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information on permanent residence applications.

Investor/Entrepreneur Residency:

  1. Investment Documentation:
    • Evidence of the investment made in Ghana.
    • Business registration documents.
    • Financial statements of the business.
  2. Business Plan:
    • A comprehensive business plan outlining the contribution to the country's development.
  3. Tax Documents:
    • Up-to-date tax documentation related to the business.
  4. Visa Documentation:
    • Investor or business visa.
  5. Proof of Contribution:
    • Documentation demonstrating the positive impact on Ghana's development.

Marriage to a Ghanaian Citizen:

  1. Marriage Certificate:
    • Officially certified copy of the marriage certificate.
  2. Spouse's Documentation:
    • Ghanaian spouse's identification documents.
  3. Proof of Relationship:
    • Photographs, joint accounts, or other evidence of a genuine marital relationship.
  4. Application Forms:
    • Completed and signed application forms for residence permits.

Work and Employment Residency:

  1. Work Permit:
    • Valid work permit obtained through employment in Ghana.
  2. Employment Contract:
    • Copy of the signed employment contract.
  3. Company Documentation:
    • Documentation related to the employing company, such as registration details.
  4. Tax Documents:
    • Up-to-date tax documentation.
  5. Visa Documentation:
    • Relevant work visa.

Retirement:

  1. Financial Documentation:
    • Proof of financial stability to support retirement in Ghana.
  2. Retirement Plan:
    • Outline of the retiree's plans and intentions in Ghana.
  3. Visa Documentation:
    • Relevant retirement or long-term stay visa.

Investment and Real Estate:

  1. Real Estate Investment Documentation:
    • Title deeds or investment certificates.
  2. Business Investment Documentation:
    • Documentation related to business ventures.
  3. Financial Statements:
    • Proof of financial capacity for the investment.
  4. Visa Documentation:
    • Relevant investment or business visa.

Special Programs or Policies:

  1. Program-Specific Documents:
    • Documents outlined by the specific program or policy.
  2. Application Forms:
    • Completed and signed application forms.
  3. Criteria Fulfillment Documentation:
    • Documents proving eligibility based on the criteria of the special program or policy.

Note: Please note that this checklist is speculative, and actual document requirements may vary if specific permanent residency programs are introduced. It's crucial to consult with the Ghana Immigration Service or relevant authorities for the latest and accurate information.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.

Ghana Online Visa Application Form

  • Fill out one online visa application per person and make sure to upload the applicant's photograph before completing the main section.
  • Use only PDF, jpeg, jpg, or png file types.
  • Remember your visa reference number for all official communications.
  • Processing starts after submitting all required documents and payment evidence at the Ghana Embassy and Cosulate.
  • Note that completing the form does not guarantee visa issuance.
 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

The process for applying for a Permanent Residency in Ghana typically involves the following steps:

  1. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service Centre (GIS):
    • Locate the nearest Ghana Immigration Service Centre. You can find their contact information on their official website or by contacting them directly.
  2. Collect the Application Form:
    • Obtain the application form for permanent residency from the GIS. This form will require you to provide necessary information about yourself.
  3. Review Required Documents:
    • Check the "Required Documents" section on the GIS website or contact the GIS office to ensure you have all the necessary documents. Common documents may include passport, visa, proof of residence, and other relevant certificates.
  4. Fees Payment:
    • Refer to the "Fees" section on the GIS website to understand the application fees. Pay the applicable fees at designated payment points and obtain a proof of payment receipt.
  5. Complete Application Form:
    • Fill out the application form with accurate and complete information. Attach the required documents to the application form.
  6. Photocopies of Documents:
    • Make photocopies of all necessary documents, as indicated in the instructions. Attach these photocopies to your application.
  7. Submit Application:
    • Take the completed application form, original documents, and photocopies to the GIS office. Submit your application to the immigration officer along with the proof of payment receipt.
  8. Payment Verification:
    • The immigration officer will verify your payment and ensure that all required documents are submitted.
  9. Processing Time:
    • The processing time for permanent residency applications is typically 2-4 weeks. Be patient during this period.
  10. Follow Up:
    • You may follow up with the GIS office to inquire about the status of your application if needed.
  11. Assessment Committee:
    • Once the immigration officer verifies your application, it will be forwarded to the assessment committee for further verification.
  12. Await Approval:
    • Wait for the approval of your permanent residency application. Once approved, you will be informed of the next steps.

Note: It's important to note that immigration processes may be subject to change, and it's advisable to check the official Ghana Immigration Service website or contact their offices directly for the most up-to-date information and guidance.

Office Locations & Contacts:

Location: Accra
Address: Headquarters Ghana Immigration service
Government office in Accra, Ghana.
John Kasavubu Rd, Accra, Ghana.
HRC5+83 Accra, Ghana
Contact number: +233 30 222 4445

Eligibility for Permanent Residency in Ghana:To qualify for permanent residency in Ghana, you need to have lived in the country for over 10 years and shown a significant contribution to its economy. Alternatively, if you've been married to a Ghanaian citizen for at least five years:

  1. You must have been living in Ghana for the entire 12 months leading up to your application.
  2. During these 12 months, you should have resided in Ghana for a total of at least two years.
  3. You should have a clean record without any convictions resulting in a sentence of twelve months or more.
  4. You must have the intention to permanently reside in Ghana once the residency status is granted.
  5. At the time of application, you should possess a valid residence permit.

  1. Investor/Entrepreneur Residency:
    • Foreign nationals who invest in Ghana and contribute significantly to the country's development may have opportunities to reside in the country. This typically involves obtaining an investor or business visa and, over time, fulfilling certain criteria to qualify for long-term residency.
  2. Marriage to a Ghanaian Citizen:
    • Foreign nationals who are married to Ghanaian citizens may be eligible to apply for residence permits. This pathway may eventually lead to long-term residency.
  3. Work and Employment:
    • Individuals employed in Ghana can obtain work permits, and some of these permits may allow for longer-term residence. Over time, with a continuous legal presence in the country, individuals may explore pathways to residency.
  4. Retirement:
    • While Ghana doesn't have a formal retirement visa program, retirees may choose to live in Ghana on a long-term basis by obtaining the appropriate visa. Retirees often need to demonstrate financial stability and fulfill certain requirements.
  5. Investment and Real Estate:
    • Some countries offer residency or citizenship through real estate investment. While Ghana doesn't have a direct program for this, investing in property or business ventures may contribute to an individual's eligibility for residency.
  6. Special Programs or Policies:
    • Governments can introduce special programs or policies to attract foreign talent or investors, and such initiatives may include opportunities for long-term residency. It's essential to stay updated on any changes or new programs that may be introduced.

Note: Please note that this checklist is speculative, and actual document requirements may vary if specific permanent residency programs are introduced. It's crucial to consult with the Ghana Immigration Service or relevant authorities for the latest and accurate information.