The Ghana government through the Ministry of the Interior on the advice of the Ghana Immigration Service board formulates immigration policies. The Ghana Immigration Service has been established as the agency of the government of Ghana to advise on and to ensure the effective implementation of all laws and regulations pertaining to immigration and related issues.



The Director of Immigration being the head of the service acts as the chief adviser to the service board and the Minister of Interior. The day-to-day administration is the responsibility of the Director. The Ghana Immigration Service is mandated to regulate and monitor the entry, residence, employment and exit of all foreigners. Movement of Ghanaians in and out of the country is equally monitored. This site is designed to provide basic information about the visa and work permit application process in Ghana. It is not intended to be a full explanation of Ghana government’s Immigration policy and is provided only as a general guide which does not constitute a legal advice.


The Ghana Immigration Service is the government agency responsible for the enforcement of all statutory and regulatory enactment relating to immigration
Apart from regulating and monitoring the movements and activities of foreigners in the country, the Service also serves as a front line agency, which ensures that the vision of Ghana becoming the gateway to Africa is achieved

This is done by

• Examination of travelers entering or leaving Ghana.

• Examination of application forms of foreign nationals applying for extension or variation of existing permits.

• Examination of applications for visas, entry permits and permits for entering prohibited areas, and authorization of such visas and permits in appropriate cases. 

 • Issuance of permits to foreign nationals.

• Control of foreign nationals in Ghana , their employment and movements; ensuring that foreign nationals comply with the Immigration laws and regulations.

• Facilitation of the economic development of Ghana by ensuring that unnecessary restrictions are not placed in the way of foreign nationals wishing to enter or remain as investors.

• Provision of advice about the Immigration laws and regulations, to people wishing to enter, remain in or leave Ghana .

• Investigation of breaches of the Immigration laws and regulation.

• Registration at Regional and District Immigration offices of all foreign visitors for statistical purposes.

• Conduct of court prosecution of foreign nationals in Ghana without permits.

• Processing of passport applications in the Districts and the Regions.

• Liaising with other agencies with responsibilities for security, the combating of crime and other issues relating to the public good.

• Provision of information to other agencies with a legitimate interest in people entering, remaining in or leaving Ghana .

• Ensuring compliance with the provisions of the GIPC, Social Security and Income Tax Laws.

• Issuance of Permanent Residence Status and Indefinite Stay Status to deserving applicants.

• Facilitating the implementation of Dual Citizenship Act 2000, Act 591 of 2000.