Eligibility Quiz
Does the principal person you are joining hold a valid Ghana Residence Permit or a Ghanaian passport?
Application Process
The application for a Residence Permit (Dependant) is a manual, paper-based process. You must submit your physical application file in person at the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Headquarters in Accra or your nearest regional immigration office. This permit allows you to live in Ghana based on your relationship with a "principal" (a spouse, parent, or relative who holds a valid work/residence permit or is a Ghanaian citizen), but it does not allow you to work or start a business.
Step 1: Obtain your Non-Citizen ID Card
Before you can apply for your residence permit, you must register for a Non-Citizen ID Card (often called a Ghana Card). This is a mandatory identification document for all foreign nationals. You can register at a National Identification Authority (NIA) office or at designated banks such as Cal Bank or Access Bank. You will need this card to complete your immigration filing.
Step 2: Prepare your Documentation
Gather the following documents for your application file:
- Application Letter: A formal request for the permit. If your spouse or parent is employed in Ghana, this letter should ideally be on their employer’s official letterhead.
- Passport: Your original passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining, plus a copy of your bio-data page.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of Relationship: An original and copy of your Marriage Certificate (for spouses) or Birth Certificate (for children or parents).
- Financial Support: A copy of the principal’s bank statement or an indenture (legal contract) proving they can financially support you.
- Guarantors: You must provide details for two guarantors, including copies of their Ghanaian passports or National ID cards.
- Statutory Declaration: If you are a guardian applying for a child, you need an affidavit from the High Court.
Step 3: Submit and Pay
Take your completed file to the Ghana Immigration Service office. You will be required to sign a Bond Form (a legal guarantee of good conduct) at the office during submission. You must pay the applicable fees at the time of submission based on your nationality.
Step 4: Vetting and Endorsement
The GIS will conduct background and compliance checks. Once approved, an officer will endorse (stamp) the residence permit directly into your passport. You must return to the office to collect your passport once the process is complete.
Fees
Fees are determined by your nationality and were updated on March 2, 2026. Costs are calculated in Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) for the permit and US Dollars (USD) for the ID card.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Residence Permit (Non-ECOWAS Nationals) | GHS 388 |
| Residence Permit (ECOWAS Nationals) | GHS 259 |
| Residence Permit (Ghanaians with Foreign Passports) | GHS 194 |
| Non-Citizen ID Card (First Time) | $120 |
| Non-Citizen ID Card (Renewal) | $60 |
| Premium Processing (Optional Express Service) | $200 |
| Overstay Penalty (if applicable) | GHS 300 per month |
Total Estimate: For a first-time applicant from a non-ECOWAS country (e.g., USA, UK, India), the total cost is approximately GHS 388 + $120.
Note: This does not include costs for photocopies, the basic medical report if requested by the office, or transportation to the GIS headquarters.
Processing Time
- Non-Citizen ID Card: Usually issued the same day or within a few days of registration.
- Standard Permit Processing: Typically takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date of submission at the GIS office.
- Total End-to-End Timeline: You should allow 3 to 4 weeks to complete both the ID card registration and the residence permit endorsement.
- Document Validity: The Residence Permit is typically issued for one year. You must apply for a renewal at least 30 days before your current permit expires to avoid overstay penalties.