Ghana (GH)

Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay, with blank visa pages for entry stamps and permit stickers. Required for Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) processes, banking and employer onboarding. Keep certified copies separately.

Non-ECOWAS nationals usually need a visa (obtained in advance or e-Visa from the Ghana Immigration Service portal). ECOWAS citizens can enter visa-free but still need residence and work permit compliance for longer stays.

Employer-sponsored work permit issued by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) before employment starts. The employer applies on the expat's behalf. Violation is a deportable offence. Some sectors also require ministerial approval.

Ghana Immigration Service residence permission tied to a work, student, dependant, investment or other qualifying basis. Required for long-term stays and must match the purpose of stay. Renew before expiry.

National identity card for foreign residents, issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA). Required for SIM registration, banking, tax filings, some permit processes and many formal transactions. Apply after obtaining residence permission.

Often required for residence permits, work permits, school employment, right-of-abode and indefinite residence applications. Ghana is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention; foreign police clearances must be authenticated by the Ghanaian Embassy or High Commission in the country of origin rather than by apostille. Ghana's official language is English; non-English documents require certified English translation.

Required for dependant permits, school admissions, family applications and citizenship or right-of-abode matters. Ghana is NOT a Hague Apostille member; foreign birth certificates must be authenticated by the Ghanaian Embassy or High Commission in the country of origin. Non-English documents require certified English translation.

Required for spouse and dependant permit applications and family benefits. Ghana is NOT a Hague Apostille member; foreign marriage certificates must be authenticated by the Ghanaian Embassy or High Commission in the country of origin. Non-English documents require certified English translation.

Required for work permit applications, regulated profession registration and employer due diligence. Ghana is NOT a Hague Apostille member; foreign qualifications require Ghanaian Embassy authentication. Recognised professions (medicine, law, engineering, teaching) require additional registration with the relevant Ghanaian professional body (Ghana Medical and Dental Council, Ghana Bar Association, Ghana Institution of Engineering, etc.).

Core document for work permit applications, bank KYC, rental affordability checks and tax and social-security registration with GRA (Ghana Revenue Authority) and SSNIT (Social Security and National Insurance Trust).

Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is required for employment, business activities and most financial transactions. For non-citizens, the Ghana Card PIN can also serve as a TIN for some GRA portal interactions.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate (International Certificate of Vaccination — yellow WHO card) is required for entry from endemic countries and is strongly recommended for all visitors. Keep medical records accessible for private hospital registration and health insurance underwriting.

Required for importing dogs or cats into Ghana. Core documents include a microchip certificate, current rabies vaccination record, an official veterinary health certificate and an import permit from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Veterinary Services Directorate). Confirm current requirements before travel.