Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a Ghanaian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Ghana
You can live in Ghana until the expiry date on your permission, for the purpose stated in it.
Initial permission is normally for up to four years, though many permits are issued for one year.
Travel in and out
You can leave and return to Ghana multiple times while your permission is valid, without getting a Ghana visa for each trip.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your immigration office
Find the immigration office that serves the place where you live in Ghana.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Ghana immigration office serves your city for a Residence Permit (Dependant) application?”
Download the application form
Download the residence-permit application form, Form E, from the Ghana Immigration Service forms page.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign the residence-permit application form.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Ghana Residence Permit (Dependant) application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the immigration office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Take your completed form and supporting documents to the immigration office serving the place where you live. Ask the office how to pay, and pay the fee when you submit your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Ghana Residence Permit (Dependant) application at the immigration office serving your city?”
Sign the bond
Sign the bond form at your closest immigration office.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I sign the bond for a Ghana Residence Permit (Dependant) at the immigration office near your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the immigration office to decide your application. Follow its instructions and respond if it asks for more information or documents.
See processing informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Ghana Residence Permit (Dependant) application take?”
Collect your permit
Once your application is approved, follow the immigration office's instructions to collect your permit. It lets you stay in Ghana.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect an approved Ghana Residence Permit (Dependant) from the immigration office serving your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Copy of marriage certificate
Provide a copy of your marriage certificate. GIS lists this route for spouses who have been married for more than four years to a Ghanaian citizen who has acquired a foreign passport; it does not list unmarried partners.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permission conditions and renewal
Follow your permission’s conditions; work, business, trade or professional practice requires permission to work in it or separate work authorisation.
Before it expires, leave Ghana or get further permission; staying after expiry can lead to a penalty.
Paying a penalty does not renew your permission.
Permission can end
Your permission expires unless extended; it can be cancelled with notice for fraud, hiding facts, other illegal practices or breaking its conditions.
Cancellation also affects a spouse whose permission came from yours and dependants who are not Ghanaian citizens.
After cancellation, you must leave Ghana and may be removed and barred from returning temporarily or permanently.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Ghana immigration services
Facebook group for people living in Ghana interested in Ghanaian visas
Join on FacebookExpatriates in Ghana (Ghana Life)
English Facebook group for people living in Ghana interested in Ghanaian local life
Join on FacebookExpatriates in Ghana (Ghana Expats)
English Facebook group for people living in Ghana interested in Ghanaian local life
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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