Eligibility Quiz
Are you currently married to a Ghanaian citizen, or were you married to one until their death or a divorce?
Application Process
To apply for an Indefinite Residence Permit in Ghana, you must submit a physical application at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) headquarters. This status is granted to foreign nationals who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the country, allowing you to live and work indefinitely without renewing permits.
Step 1: Purchase Form G
Visit the Ghana Immigration Service headquarters in Accra to purchase Form G (Application for Indefinite Residence). You cannot download this form; it must be the official serialized document purchased directly from the GIS.
Step 2: Undergo Medical Screening
You must complete a mandatory medical examination. This must be performed specifically at the GIS Clinic located at the headquarters. Reports from private hospitals or other government facilities will not be accepted.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare two complete sets of your application (the original and one photocopy).
For General Applicants:
- Form G: Completed and signed.
- Photographs: Two current passport-sized photos.
- Passport: Photocopies of your bio-data page and all pages containing previous Ghana residence permits.
- Non-Citizen Ghanacard: A photocopy of your mandatory Non-Citizen ID Card.
- Police Report: A current criminal clearance certificate from the Ghana Police Service.
- Referees: Letters of attestation from two Ghanaian referees. They must be either Notaries Public, Lawyers with a valid practicing certificate, or Senior Public Officers. Include copies of their national IDs.
- Financial Proof: Audited accounts for the last 3 years, SSNIT (Social Security and National Insurance Trust) returns for your Ghanaian employees, and Tax Clearance Certificates for both you and your company for the past 6 years.
- Property/Social Proof: Evidence of immovable property (indentures or site plans) and proof of philanthropic or social contributions to Ghana.
For Foreign Spouses of Ghanaians:
- Marriage Certificate: A copy of your official marriage certificate.
- Spouse’s Proof of Citizenship: A photocopy of your Ghanaian spouse’s passport bio-data page.
- Financial Support: Either your personal tax clearance or a letter of financial support from your spouse accompanied by their bank statements.
Step 4: Submission
Submit your dual-copy application package to the Comptroller-General of Immigration at the GIS Headquarters in Accra. At this stage, you will pay the initial application form fee.
Step 5: Vetting and Ministerial Approval
The GIS will conduct a background check and vet your documents. Once satisfied, they will forward your application with a recommendation to the Ministry of the Interior. The Minister provides the final approval for the permit.
Step 6: Final Payment and Endorsement
Once you receive notification of approval, return to the GIS headquarters to pay the permit fees. Your passport will then be endorsed with the Indefinite Residence stamp.
Fees
Fees are calculated based on your nationality. The following rates are effective as of March 2026.
| Item | Ghanaians with Foreign Passport | ECOWAS Nationals | Other Nationals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident Form | GHS 50 | GHS 65 | GHS 65 |
| Indefinite Permit (General) | N/A | GHS 3,879 | GHS 5,172 |
| Indefinite Permit (Spouse) | GHS 2,000 | GHS 2,000 | GHS 2,000 |
| Medical Examination | ~GHS 1,200 | ~GHS 1,200 | ~GHS 1,200 |
| Premium Processing | From $200 | From $200 | From $200 |
Total Estimate: For a general applicant (non-ECOWAS), expect to pay approximately GHS 6,437 plus any premium service fees.
Does not include: The cost of the Non-Citizen Ghanacard (approximately $120), costs for obtaining a Police Clearance Report, or fees for notarizing referee documents.
Processing Time
- Official Processing Window: The Ministry of the Interior typically processes the application within 4 weeks once they receive the vetted file from the GIS.
- Total Practical Timeline: The entire end-to-end process—including the initial GIS vetting, background checks, and final ministerial approval—usually takes between 3 to 6 months. It is recommended to follow up with the GIS if you have not received an update after 3 months.
- Document Validity: Your Police Clearance Report should be recent (typically issued within the last 3 to 6 months) at the time of submission.
- Status Maintenance: Note that your Indefinite Residence status is subject to a 12-month validity rule; if you remain outside of Ghana for more than 12 consecutive months, your permit is automatically cancelled.