Naturalisation as a Ghanaian citizen
section 14, Citizenship Act 2000, Act 591 · Official name: Naturalisation as a Ghanaian Citizen - Ministry of the Interior
Foreign nationals who have lived in Ghana long-term can apply to the Ministry of the Interior to naturalise. The Citizenship Act 2000 requires residence in Ghana throughout the 12 months before applying, and at least five years in aggregate in the seven years before that; good character attested by two Ghanaians; no prison sentence; the ability to speak and understand an indigenous Ghanaian language; a substantial contribution (or capacity to contribute) to national life; assimilation into the Ghanaian way of life; an intention to live permanently in Ghana; and a valid residence permit. The Ministry gives a processing time of six months from receipt of completed forms.
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 of Ghana.
Eligibility
ResidenceApplicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow you lived in Ghana for the 12 months before applying and for at least five years in the seven years before that, with a valid residence permit.
- Residence must cover the 12 months immediately before applying
- At least five years in aggregate during the seven years before that period
Official wording
Resided in Ghana throughout the 12 months immediately before applying, and for at least five years in aggregate during the seven years before that 12-month period. Holds a valid residence permit on the date of application.
CharacterApplicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need written good-character statements from two Ghanaians and no prison sentence for an offence recognised in Ghanaian law.
- Two Ghanaians must attest in writing
- Attesters: notaries public, lawyers or senior public officers
- No prison sentence in Ghana or elsewhere
Official wording
Good character, attested in writing by two Ghanaians who are notaries public, lawyers or senior public officers, and never sentenced to imprisonment in Ghana or elsewhere for an offence recognised in Ghanaian law.
Language and integrationApplicant
Sign in to check this route against your profileAble to speak and understand an indigenous Ghanaian language, assimilated (or easily assimilated) into the Ghanaian way of life, and intending to reside permanently in Ghana.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Steps to apply
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- 1 more requirement
- 6 documents
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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