Hiring foreign professionals is common across Ghana’s key sectors, including construction, oil and gas, mining, and healthcare. However, all foreign nationals must obtain a valid work permit before commencing employment. The process is governed by Ghana’s Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573) and related regulations.
What Is a Work Permit?
A work permit is official authorisation from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) allowing foreign nationals to work legally in Ghana. It must be obtained before starting work. Importantly, after receiving a work permit, individuals must also apply for a residence permit to remain legally in the country.
Who Needs One?
Work permits are required for foreign employees in Ghana-based companies, technical specialists on assignments, expatriates with NGOs or international organisations, company directors participating in operations, and volunteers performing structured work.
Note: Citizens of ECOWAS member countries don’t need work permits for entry but require residence permits if staying beyond 90 days.
Processing Institutions
- Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) – General companies, NGOs, and SMEs
- Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) – GIPC-registered companies with expatriate quotas
- Sector Regulators – Mining, oil and gas, and telecommunications require additional approvals
Key Documents Required
- Company: Certificate of Registration, Certificate to Commence Business, Tax Clearance, Audited Accounts
- Employee: Medical report (Ghana hospital), Police clearance (home country), Passport copy, CV, Educational certificates
- Supporting: Employment contract, Letter of support from relevant ministry, Marriage certificate (if applicable)
he Application Process
- Submission – The employing organisation prepares and submits the complete application package to GIS or the relevant regulatory authority. Thoroughness at this stage prevents unnecessary delays.
- Verification – GIS conducts comprehensive checks including document verification, security background screening, and assessment of the employer’s compliance history. This process ensures that positions are filled by qualified expatriates only when suitable Ghanaian candidates are unavailable.
- Approval – Upon approval, GIS issues the work permit, typically valid for one year from the date of issuance. Certain sectors may issue permits for shorter durations based on project timelines. Annual renewal is mandatory for continued employment.
- Residence Permit – Employee applies for residence permit to stay legally in Ghana
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or outdated documentation
- Starting work before permit approval (serious legal offence)
- Failing to justify why the role cannot be filled by a Ghanaian
- Expired tax clearance or corporate compliance issues
- Overlooking sector-specific requirements
- Documentation errors and inconsistencies
Employer Obligations
Companies must renew permits before expiry, ensure employees obtain residence permits, notify GIS of staff changes, maintain accurate foreign staff records, and provide training to Ghanaian understudies where required.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Working without a permit results in heavy fines, deportation, employer sanctions, and company blacklisting from future applications.
Conclusion
Ghana’s work permit process is manageable with proper preparation. By submitting complete documentation, following the correct channels, and avoiding common pitfalls, employers can ensure their expatriate workforce operates legally and efficiently.