Indefinite Residence Status (general) and Right of Abode
Official name: Indefinite Residence Status; Right of Abode (Ghana Immigration Service)
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) grants indefinite residence to foreign nationals who want to live in Ghana permanently. Holders can stay indefinitely, enter without a visa, and work as employees or self-employed without a work permit. The general application is sponsor- and business-heavy: it asks for company documents, audited accounts, tax clearance for six years and evidence of contribution to Ghana. A separate Right of Abode is granted by the Minister, with the President's approval, to former Ghanaians who lost citizenship by taking another nationality and to people of African descent in the diaspora. GIS lists the indefinite resident permit at $18,000 for non-ECOWAS nationals and GH¢10,000 for ECOWAS nationals (fees effective 15 May 2025).
Life in Ghana
Finance
3
Currency
Ghanaian Cedi
GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
Cost of living
42
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15%
35% applies to chargeable income above GHS 600,000 per year (GHS 50,000 per month).
Living
1
Happiness
#113 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Long-term foreign residents and investors in Ghana; former Ghanaians; people of African descent in the diaspora. Foreign spouses of Ghanaians have their own indefinite residence route (see GH.SPOUSE_OF_GHANAIAN_INDEFINITE).
Eligibility
Indefinite residence - generalForeign national
Sign in to check this route against your profile- Open to foreign nationals who wish to live in Ghana permanently.
- The application is supported by a sponsor letter, attestation by two Ghanaians (notaries public, lawyers with a practising certificate or senior public officers), company documents and tax records, and evidence of property or social contributions where applicable.
- GIS does not state a minimum residence period on the page.
Right of Abode - former GhanaiansFormer Ghanaian
Sign in to check this route against your profileA Ghanaian by birth, adoption, registration or naturalisation who lost Ghanaian citizenship by acquiring a foreign nationality. Requires a renunciation certificate, birth certificate and autobiography.
Right of Abode - African diasporaPerson of African descent
Sign in to check this route against your profileA person of African descent in the diaspora, with evidence of contribution to Ghana's economic development (e.g. share value, bank statements, audited accounts, employment of Ghanaians). Granted by the Minister with the President's approval.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 8 documents
- 3 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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