Guidance

Living in Ghana

Information for British citizens moving to or living in Ghana, including guidance on residency, employment, healthcare and driving.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 14 May 2014
• Last updated: 27 March 2024 — See all updates

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Ghana. Read about how our High Commission in Accra can help.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Ghanaian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.

To stay up to date:

• sign-up to receive travel advice email alerts
• follow the British High Commission Ghana on Facebook and Twitter

Before you go

See our travel advice for Ghana for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies. Also, see our Overseas Business Risk: Ghana guide.

Visas and residency

You will need a visa to visit Ghana. You can get a visa from the Ghanaian Embassy in London or the nearest Ghanaian embassy/high commission. Visas are usually valid for 60 or 90 days from date of entry. You should check that the number of days given at the port of entry covers your intended period of stay or visa obtained.

You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

Check the entry requirements for Ghana in our travel advice.

For general information about visas and permits, visit the Ghana Immigration Service website.

Ghana Card - dual nationals

Every Ghanaian citizen, living within the country and abroad, has the right to be in the National Identification System and is entitled to be issued with a national ID card, making things easier when conducting with public sector institutions, civil society organizations and private sector businesses.

You may apply for an ID card at a registration centre or online.

First time applicants: what is required

• applicant must appear in-person
• must have an original copy of their birth certificate or a valid Ghanaian passport
• an email address
• original copy of their naturalisation certificate (if applicable)

Registering at the Registration Centre:

A registration official will fill your personal information on an application form. You will then hand over your form to an operator who will enter your personal details into a mobile registration workstation computer. Your photograph will be taken, and your signature will be taken using an electronic signature pad.

After these steps you will be issued a collection slip/receipt. You need this to collect your ID card when it is ready.

All applicants will be expected to provide the following (if they have them):

• personal information
• residential address
• birth certificate
• passport
• voter ID card
• driving licence
• SSNIT registration number

For online registration:

You will be required to present a copy of the completed application form at any of the National Identification Authority (NIA)’s regional or district offices and go through an interview process to confirm your eligibility for a Ghana Card.

If you do not possess any of the mandatory registration documents, you will be required to come along with the person(s) vouching for you during the interview process.

With the exception of a valid passport, a birth certificate and a naturalisation document, all government-issued ID cards and documents DO NOT form part of the mandatory documents required to confirm the eligibility of an applicant to register for the Ghana Card.

Electronic versions of mandatory and supporting documents are NOT acceptable. Only hardcopies of original documents are accepted during the interview process.

Any person(s) vouching for the applicant must be 18 years or older, a holder of a Ghana Card, and must fall within the category of persons permitted by law to vouch for an applicant.

Please see FAQs here.

For more information, please see the National Identification website.

Non-citizen Ghana Card

All foreign nationals who are permanently resident in Ghana are required to have the non-citizen card. For more information including how to register and apply, visit the National Identification Authority website.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Ghana.

Check the Ghana travel advice for passport validity requirements.

Healthcare in Ghana

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Ghana and the UK.

Medical facilities are poor outside urban areas in Ghana and emergency facilities are extremely limited. For serious medical treatment, medical evacuation will be necessary. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. There are private medical facilities, which provide good healthcare but may be expensive.

If you cannot register for healthcare, you must ensure you have private healthcare cover for Ghana. See our list of medical facilities in Ghana.

NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication, you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Ghana. Certain medicines may not be available in Ghana (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Ghana to find out about any alternative medication.

Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines

Local laws and customs

Please read through the travel advice for local laws and customs .

Safety and Security

Please read though the travel advice page about safety and security.

Working in Ghana

If you are planning to move to Ghana and work, you will need a business visa. Whenever a foreigner wants to work in Ghana, the employment contract has to be declared to the local authorities to be granted an authorisation. This agreement is needed before entering Ghana. You can apply to have this period renewed and extended if required at the Ghana Immigration Service’s offices. Visit the Ghana Immigration Service for more information.

Visa requirements are subject to change at any time. You should check with the nearest Ghanaian high commission/embassy and its consulates for up-to-date information. All travellers are also required to produce evidence of yellow fever vaccination at the port of entry.

Doing Business in Ghana

If you are looking to do business and invest in Ghana, visit the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and Ghana Export Promotion Authority to learn about sector specific investment opportunities. You will find general information on investing in Ghana and guidance on registering a business. Additional information on cost of doing business and laws and regulations governing doing business in Ghana can also be found here.

The Trade team at the British High Commission in Accra can advise on and support your business and investment plans. For assistance, email [email protected].

Studying in Ghana

If you plan to study in Ghana, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.

Visit the Ghana High Commission’s website to stay up to date and to make an online application.

Contact the relevant higher education provider in Ghana to check what fees you have to pay.

Education

For people travelling to Ghana with their children, there are a number of private international schools available which follow the Cambridge and IB curriculums.

Legal Procedures in Ghana

The judiciary system in Ghana is an effective one but it can be a very lengthy process. It is important to note that court cases can drag on for years so in some cases, it is better to opt for an out of court litigation. For further information, please read about the Ghana legal and judicial system.

The British High Commission can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers.

Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Ghana so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

You should get professional advice on paying tax in Ghana. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Ghana.

Read guidance on:

• tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
• tax on your UK income if you live abroad
• tax if you get a pension and live abroad
• paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

Pensions

Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in Ghana, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre  for further information.

SSNIT Contribution

British nationals who are moving to Ghana permanently can register with the Pension Fund in Ghana and make their contributions. This is quite helpful for those who intend to work and retire in Ghana. More information on SSNIT can be found here.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Money and banking

Currency

The Ghanaian Cedi is the unit of currency of Ghana. The currency code for the Cedis is GHS and the currency symbol is GH₵. Ghana Cedi notes include ₵200.00, ₵100.00, ₵50.00, ₵20.00, ₵10.00, ₵5.00, ₵2.00 and ₵1.00 notes along with ₵2.00, ₵1.00 ₵0.50, ₵0.20, ₵0.10, ₵0.05 pesewa coins.

Exchanging Money

It is common to exchange money at banks. Previously, bank rates were not favourable as those found at forex bureaus; however, this has changed in recent years. Exchanging money at the airport and in most major hotels is also possible. Travellers who decide to change money at the airport should compare the rate in the city first as it is usually better. It is advisable not to exchange cash with an individual on the street (black market) as there is a high probability that the money could be counterfeit.

Traveller’s cheques are not always accepted at forex bureaus.

Banking in Ghana

To ensure easy access to cash at all times, it is advisable to exchange money and set up a bank account upon arrival in Ghana. Most banks in Ghana offer services to both citizens and foreigners, for current/checking and savings accounts, letters of credit and loans. There are quite a few international banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, as well as commercial banks operating in Ghana.

It is quite easy to open a bank account in Ghana. Processes are usually quite straightforward; however, requirements differ per banking institution. The process usually consists of filling out forms and submitting required documentation.

Most banks in Ghana provide services such as internet and telephone banking.

ATMs and Credit Cards

ATMs are widely available in Ghana. The Visa card is the most commonly accepted. Visa debit cards can be used at ATMs with ease. Maximum withdrawal amounts vary by bank. Withdrawing money from foreign accounts via ATM in Ghana usually results in favourable exchange rates. Visa credit cards are commonly used, making it easy to withdraw local currency at any ATM. All major banks have an ATM that is compatible with Visa. A number of ATMs also accept MasterCard.

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad.

Buying land or property in Ghana can be challenging. It is important to make sure that the property you wish to acquire is not already registered and owned by another entity.

Please find further information on land acquisition.

Driving in Ghana

Read the guidance on driving abroad.

Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Ghana by visiting the Ghana DVLA website.

If you are asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA).

See guidance for travelling by road in Ghana.

If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Driving licence rules in Ghana if you live there

You can drive in Ghana using an International Driving Permit or a local driving licence. A UK driving licence is not valid. If you are applying for a local driving licence from the Ghana DVLA, you must keep your UK driving licence or International Driving Permit with you at all times when driving. An International Driving Permit is usually valid for a year, and it cannot be renewed in Ghana.

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Ghana, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Voting

You cannot vote in Ghana if you are not a Ghanaian citizen.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

• check if you are able to vote
• register as an overseas voter

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in Ghana, you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate. See register a birth abroad for more information.

If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to get a passport for your child.

Deaths

If someone dies in Ghana read our guidance on:

• what to do if someone dies abroad
• bereavement guidance for Ghana
• English-speaking funeral directors in Ghana

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad

Pets

Find out more information on applying online to export cats or dogs to Ghana.

Emergencies

Dial the Ghanaian emergency number 112, or dial:

• 18555 or 191 for police
• 192 for fire service
• 193 for ambulance

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Ghana, read the information for victims of rape and sexual assault in Ghana. See also guidance on victim of rape and sexual assault abroad.

If you are the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Accra.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.

Applying for a Ghanaian police clearance certificate from the UK

You can apply in-person, or appoint a representative (a friend or relative) to apply on your behalf, at the CID Headquarters in Accra by contacting the Ghana Police. Certificates are only available to people who have lived in Ghana for 3 months or more.

Residents (if you have lived in Ghana for 3 months or more) will need to provide the following:

• passport
• a completed an application form (fingerprint check)
• the applicable fees

Non-residents (if you lived in Ghana for 3 months or more, and no longer live in Ghana) will need to provide:

• a completed application form (nominal vetting)
• 2 passport-size photographs with a white background (if you apply through a representative, you only need 1 photo)
• the data page of your passport
• your parents’ full names
• your current address and telephone number
• the name of the last school you attended
• your fingerprints are requested, to be taken by a competent police officer or security authority
• the applicable fees

Returning to the UK

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Published 14 May 2014
Last updated 27 March 2024 + show all updates

1. 27 March 2024

   Links to list of English-speaking lawyers have been updated.

2. 9 May 2023

   New chapters added; -Before you go -Visas and residency -Passports and travel -Local Laws and Customs -Safety and security -Working in Ghana -Studying in Ghana -Legal Procedures in Ghana -Land acquisition -Roads and weather -Tax -Benefits -Pensions -Money and banking -Accommodation and buying property -Voting -Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership -Pets -Emergencies -Applying for a police clearance certificate from the UK

3. 22 March 2021

   Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.

4. 14 May 2014

   First published.