How To Apply For Citizenship In Ghana
What is a citizenship? Citizenship is a membership and allegiance to a sovereign state.
Though citizenship is often conflated with nationality in today’s English-speaking world, international law does not usually use the term citizenship to refer to nationality; these two notions are conceptually different dimensions of collective membership.
Requirements needed for citizenship in Ghana as a foreigner
Here are the general requirements and documents needed for a foreigner to apply for Ghanaian citizenship by naturalization:
Residency:
You must have resided in Ghana for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately before your application. Additionally, you must have lived in Ghana for an aggregate of at least five years during the seven years preceding the 12-month period.
Good Character:
You must be of good character, as attested to by at least two Ghanaians who are lawyers, notaries public, or senior public officers.
Language:
You must be able to speak and understand at least one indigenous Ghanaian language.
Contribution:
You must be a person who has made or is capable of making a substantial contribution to the progress or advancement of the country.
Assimilation:
You must have been assimilated into the Ghanaian way of life or be capable of being so.
Permanent Residence:
You must intend to reside permanently in Ghana if citizenship is granted.
Valid Residence Permit:
You will need to have a valid residence permit at the time of your application.
Document needed;
The application process typically involves submitting a set of documents to the Ministry of the Interior. While the specific list can sometimes vary, the common documents required include:
Application Form:
An official application form (Form 5 for naturalization) purchased from the Ministry of the Interior.
Application Letter:
A formal letter addressed to the Minister for the Interior, applying for naturalisation.
Passport:
A copy of the bio-data page of your current passport.
Photographs:
Four passport-sized photographs with a white background.
Residence Permit:
A copy of your current residence permit or an indefinite residence permit.
Sponsor Form:
A completed Sponsor Form (Form 14) from your Ghanaian sponsors who will attest to your character.
Proof of Income/Contribution:
Documents that show your ability to contribute to the nation, such as:
Certificate to Commence Business
Company Code
Certificate of Incorporation
Audited Accounts
Tax Clearance Certificate
Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) contributions
Proof of Property:
A copy of your land or property indenture.
Other Potential Documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide:
A police clearance report from your home country.
A consent letter from your Ghanaian spouse (if applicable).
A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable).
Special Circumstances
Spouse of a Ghanaian Citizen:
A foreigner married to a Ghanaian citizen can apply for citizenship by registration. The process is often simpler and has different residency requirements than naturalization.
Dual Citizenship:
Ghana allows dual citizenship. If you acquire Ghanaian citizenship by naturalization, you can generally retain your original citizenship. However, there are restrictions on what public offices a dual citizen can hold in Ghana (e.g., Chief Justice, Ambassador, Inspector-General of Police).
How To Apply For Citizenship In Ghana?
Meet the Eligibility Requirements:
Residency:
You must have resided in Ghana for at least 12 continuous months immediately before your application.
Prior Residency:
In the seven years leading up to that 12-month period, you must have lived in Ghana for an aggregate of at least five years.
Good Character:
You need to provide proof of good character, often with letters of attestation from reputable Ghanaian citizens (such as lawyers or senior public officers).
Language:
You must be able to speak and understand at least one indigenous Ghanaian language.
Contribution:
You should demonstrate that you have made, or are capable of making, a significant contribution to Ghana’s progress. This can be through business, social, or other professional activities.
Valid Permit:
You must have a valid residence permit at the time of your application.
Intention to Reside:
You must intend to live permanently in Ghana if citizenship is granted.
Obtain and Complete the Application Form:
The official application form for naturalization (Form 5) can be purchased from the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.
You will also need a Sponsor Form (Form 14), which your Ghanaian sponsors will complete to attest to your character.
Prepare the Required Documents:
A formal application letter addressed to the Minister for the Interior.
Copies of your current passport (bio-data page).
Four recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.
A copy of your current residence permit or indefinite residence permit.
Proof of your contribution to Ghana, such as business registration documents (Certificate to Commence Business, Company Code, Certificate of Incorporation), audited accounts, tax clearance certificates, or SSNIT contributions.
Proof of property ownership (land or property indenture), if applicable.
The completed Sponsor Form 14, signed by your sponsors.
Submit the Application:
Submit the completed forms and all supporting documents to the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.
Investigation and Review:
After submission, the Ghana Immigration Service will conduct an investigation to verify the details and claims made in your application.
Approval and Oath of Allegiance:
The Minister for the Interior, with the approval of the President, will review the investigation report.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Ghana. A certificate of naturalisation will be issued to you.
What are the fees scheduled for citizen applicants in Ghana?
Application Form (Form 5): GH₵7,758.00
Application Form (Form 3): GH₵3,000.00
Registration of Spouses: GH₵3,000.00
How to live in Ghana as a non-citizen?
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and requirements for living in Ghana as a non-citizen:
- Obtain a Residence Permit
- A residence permit is the primary document that allows you to live in Ghana for an extended period. The type of permit you apply for depends on your reason for staying in the country. Common types of residence permits include:
Work and Residence Permit:
For individuals who have secured employment in Ghana. Your employer typically applies for this on your behalf.
Student Residence Permit:
For foreigners enrolled in an educational institution in Ghana.
Dependent Residence Permit:
For a spouse, child, or other dependent of a foreign national or a Ghanaian citizen.
Indefinite Residence Status:
For those who wish to reside permanently in Ghana. This is typically granted after a foreigner has lived in the country for a certain number of years.
Investor/Shareholder Permit:
For individuals who have invested in a company in Ghana.
General Requirements for a Residence Permit:
While specific requirements vary by permit type, most applications will require:
A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Completed application form.
Passport-sized photographs.
An official letter from your employer, educational institution, or Ghanaian spouse.
Proof of financial means to sustain yourself in Ghana.
A medical report from a Ghana Immigration Service-approved clinic.
A police report from your home country.
Copies of academic and professional credentials (for work permits).
Evidence of business registration and tax compliance (for investor permits).
- Register for a Non-Citizen Ghana Card
The Non-Citizen Ghana Card is a mandatory biometric identity card for all foreigners who are “permanently resident” in Ghana or who have been in the country for a cumulative period of at least 90 days. This card is required for various transactions, including:
Opening and operating a bank account.
Applying for or renewing a residence or work permit.
Registering a vehicle.
Accessing various e-government services.
Key points about the Non-Citizen Ghana Card:
It is not a substitute for a residence permit. The card serves as a form of identification, while the residence permit grants you the legal right to reside in the country. You need both to live in Ghana legally for the long term.
Application Process:
You must purchase a scratch card from an authorised bank, complete an application form, and have your biometrics (fingerprints, iris scan, and photograph) captured at a designated registration center.
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