Eligibility quiz
Are you, or were you ever, married to a citizen of Ghana?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Ghana indefinitely
You can live in Ghana without a set end date.
There is no regular renewal period, but you can lose the status if you spend too long outside Ghana.
Work in Ghana
You can work in Ghana for an employer or for yourself without a work permit.
Enter Ghana visa-free
You can enter Ghana without a visa.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your immigration office
Find the Ghana Immigration Service office responsible for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Ghana Immigration Service office handles Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses applications for your city?”
Get the application form
Get the application form for Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses. Ask the immigration office which form to use if you cannot find it.
Find the application formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I get the Ghana Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses application form?”
Fill in the form
Fill in the application form and sign it as directed on the form.
Get help with formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Ghana Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the immigration office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Submit your completed form and two copies of all your documents to the appropriate immigration office. Ask the office how it accepts applications.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Ghana Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses application at the immigration office in your city?”
Pay the fee
Pay the application fee. Ask the immigration office how to pay and what the current amount is.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the Ghana Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses application fee?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision and answer any requests from the immigration office. If your application is approved, you can remain in Ghana indefinitely, enter without a visa and work without a work permit.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a Ghana Indefinite Residence Status for Foreign Spouses application take?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Ghana Immigration Service does not say whether the birth certificate should be yours or your Ghanaian spouse’s. Ask your immigration office whose certificate to provide.
Spouse's passport copy
Provide copies of your Ghanaian spouse’s passport pages showing their personal details and profession.
Marriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate. If your marriage has ended, provide the divorce or death certificate that applies.
* Only if you are married or your marriage has ended.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Status can be lost
You automatically lose the status if you spend more than 12 consecutive months outside Ghana.
You can apply to have it restored, but this is treated as a new application and may come with conditions.
Separation, divorce or the death of your Ghanaian spouse does not by itself end your status.
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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