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What is Ghanaian Citizenship?

Ghanaian citizenship gives you the full rights and responsibilities of being a national of Ghana. As a citizen, you can live, work, vote, and enjoy protection under Ghanaian law.

You need to be a citizen before you can apply for a Ghanaian passport or stand for public office.

Check if You're Already a Ghanaian Citizen
  • You were born in Ghana before 6 March 1957 and one of your parents or grandparents was born in Ghana
  • One or both of your parents are Ghanaian citizens, even if you were born abroad
  • You were born in Ghana and at least one parent is a citizen of Ghana
  • You were adopted by a Ghanaian citizen

Contact the Ministry of the Interior or the Ghana Immigration Service to check your status.

Types of Ghanaian Citizenship
  • Citizenship by Birth – Born in Ghana to Ghanaian or legal resident parents
  • Citizenship by Descent – Born abroad to at least one Ghanaian parent
  • Citizenship by Registration – For spouses or people of Ghanaian origin (e.g. diaspora)
  • Citizenship by Naturalisation – Foreigners who have lived in Ghana legally for 7+ years
How to Apply

Submit an application to the Ministry of the Interior with:

  • Birth certificate
  • Proof of residence
  • Police clearance
  • References
  • Passport or national ID
  • Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)

Processing may take several months. Visit www.moig.gov.gh.

Getting a Birth Certificate

Visit your local Births and Deaths Registry with:

  • Notification of birth
  • Parents' ID or passport
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Apply online where available: www.bdr.gov.gh

Dual Citizenship

Ghanaians with foreign citizenship may apply by:

  • Contacting Ministry of the Interior
  • Providing Ghanaian origin and foreign citizenship documents
  • Receiving a Dual Citizenship Certificate and ID Card

Residence Permit

Apply at GIS. Required documents:

  • Application form, passport, photos
  • Cover letter, accommodation proof
  • Bank statement or sponsor docs
  • Police & medical reports
  • Non-citizen Ghana card

Fee: USD 300–600 | Processing: 2–4 weeks

Work Permit

Apply through GIS/Ministry of the Interior. Required documents:

  • Letter from employer
  • Company registration, employment contract
  • CV, certificates, justification letter
  • Tax & bank details
  • Medical & police reports

Cost: USD 1,000 | Validity: 1 year

Non-Citizen Ghana Card

Compulsory for foreigners staying over 90 days. Apply at NIA/GIS. Fee: USD 120

Renewal

Apply at least 1 month before expiration. Late renewal attracts penalties.

Overstaying
  • USD 100+/day fine
  • Detention or deportation
  • Future visa bans

Visa & Travel Support – CAC Ghana

1. ✈️ Visiting Abroad (Tourism or Short Visits)
  • Visitor visa guidance
  • Support with invitation letters and financial proof
  • Visa interview prep
  • Immigration risk advice

Popular Destinations: UK, USA, Canada, Schengen, UAE

2. 🎓 Studying Abroad
  • Help finding genuine schools/scholarships
  • Student visa application help (USA F-1, UK, Canada, etc.)
  • SOP advice, interview prep
  • Student rights and work guidance
3. 👨‍👩‍👧 Joining Family Abroad
  • Eligibility support for family visas
  • Document collection help
  • Legal help for complex family cases
  • Appeals and reconsideration guidance
4. 💼 Working Abroad
  • Job offer verification
  • Legal route guidance (UK, Canada, Gulf, seasonal)
  • Work permit help, safe migration tips
  • Avoiding scams and exploitation
5. 🚨 Visa Refusals & Appeals
  • Refusal letter review (e.g., UK 320, US 214b)
  • Reapplication help
  • Reporting scams
  • Appeals and administrative review support
6. 📚 Legal Education
  • Free visa information sessions
  • Immigration rule explanations
  • Visa category clarifications
  • Citizenship and dual nationality advice

📋 Sample Checklists & Step-by-Step Help

Visiting Abroad

  • Passport, photos, visa form
  • Invitation, financial proof, return ties
  • Travel bookings, insurance

Studying Abroad

  • Admission letter, tuition proof, English tests
  • Bank statements, visa fees, TB test (if required)

Joining Family

  • Proof of relationship, sponsor income, chats/calls/photos
  • Visa forms, accommodation details, translations

Working Abroad

  • Job contract, work permit, CV, medical/police clearance
  • Proof of return intent, visa forms, TB test

Bank Statement Tips

  • Use consistent mobile money or transfers
  • Avoid big unexplained deposits
  • Keep records of income (pay slips, invoices)
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