Ghana’s sustained economic growth makes this West African nation a viable option for businesses searching for locations to expand to. But before you take the leap, you’ll need to make sure all international employees have the necessary visas and permits to work for your company in Ghana.
Types of work visas in Ghana
Like any other country, Ghana offers a specific set of visas to nationals from other countries. Citizens of nations within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as countries with visa- free arrangements with Ghana, are able to travel to the country without an entry visa. All other nationals will need to obtain a visa from the Ghanaian embassy in their country of residence.
Types of visas include:
- Single-entry visas, which allow the holder to cross the Ghanaian border once and stay for up to 3 months.
- Multiple-entry visas, issued with a validity of 6 months, allow unlimited entries into Ghana during this period. The maximum permitted stay per visit is typically up to 60 days.
In addition to an entry visa, nationals from other countries will need a residence permit and a work permit to live and work in Ghana.
Requirements to obtain Ghana work visas
It’s up to the employer to apply for a work permit on behalf of the employee. The employee will need to provide several documents, which may include the following:
- A photocopy of a valid passport
- A CV demonstrating the employee’s qualifications to work in Ghana
- A medical certificate
- A police background check from the employee’s country of residence
In addition to these documents, the employer must provide some corporate documents, which may include the following:
- The employment contract
- A current audit code
- A tax clearance certificate
- Regulations of the company code
- Certificates of incorporation and registration
- Certificate to commence business
- Proof that the company advertised the job to local workers in Ghana
After obtaining a work permit, nationals from other countries will still need a residence permit before they can begin working in Ghana. The required documents for this permit include:
- 2 passport photos
- A valid original passport
- An approved work permit
- An employment contract
- A non-citizen ID card
- Business registration documents and tax clearances for the employer
Application process
While the list of required documents to obtain work and residence permits in Ghana may seem daunting, the application procedures are relatively straightforward.
There are 2 main types of work permits in Ghana, the In-Quota work permit and the Discretionary Quota work permit.
- For the In-Quota work permit, there are a number of steps and documents required, including applying for the quota from GIPC, obtaining an entry visa, and completing the National Identification Authority Registration (for a non-Citizens Card), attending a medical examination, and obtaining a residence permit after arriving in Ghana.
- For the Discretionary Quota work permit, applicants will need to apply for a work permit, obtain an entry visa, complete the National Identification Authority Registration (for a non-Citizens Card), attend a medical examination, and obtain the residence permit after arriving in Ghana.
Applications for work permits and residence permits should be submitted to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). Once the GIS has approved both permits, the employee may travel to Ghana and begin working.
Other important considerations
There’s a strong possibility that some employees will wish to bring family members along to Ghana. International employees who hold residence permits can apply for dependent resident permits on behalf of spouses, children, parents, and grandparents over the age of 65. In addition to the standard documents, applicants will need to provide proof of the relationship to the employee, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
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For this particular location, G-P may offer support in the processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.