Expanding business operations into Ghana comes with exciting opportunities, but companies must also navigate the legal landscape around hiring foreign nationals. Understanding how to secure proper work authorization is critical for staying compliant and avoiding disruptions.
This guide walks through how employers can legally hire foreign talent in Ghana from understanding employer obligations to navigating the visa and work permit application process.
Employer responsibilities and obligations
Before sponsoring a foreign national for a work visa in Ghana, employers must understand their legal obligations under Ghana’s labor and immigration laws. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) oversees work permit and visa issuance, and it holds employers accountable for ensuring their hires have the right to work.
Employers must demonstrate that the role cannot easily be filled by a qualified Ghanaian, and that hiring a foreign worker will bring value to the local economy. Additionally, companies must be formally registered in Ghana and in good standing with the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
Hiring foreign workers without proper authorization can result in fines, deportation, or loss of business licenses. Taking proactive steps to meet legal standards is crucial for sustainable global hiring.
Key processes for ensuring legal work authorization
Legal work authorization in Ghana involves two main steps: obtaining a work permit and securing the appropriate work visa.
The employer typically initiates the work permit application with GIS on behalf of the foreign employee. Once approved, the employee applies for a work visa at the Ghanaian embassy or consulate in their home country. Only after receiving both can the individual legally work in Ghana.
Employers must also provide detailed job descriptions, employment contracts, and justification for hiring international talent. Regular renewals are required for continued employment.
Employers may also refer to Velocity Global’s work visa legal authorization guide for Africa for broader visa trends across the continent.
Application process for Ghana work visa
Step-by-step guide for employers
Employers looking to hire foreign nationals in Ghana must first register their company with the appropriate authorities, such as the Registrar General’s Department, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the SSNIT. After registration, a work permit application should be submitted to the Ghana Immigration Service, along with all required supporting documents. Once the application is submitted, employers should expect to wait several weeks for a decision. When the work permit is approved, it should be provided to the employee, who will then use it to apply for a work visa at a Ghanaian embassy or consulate abroad. Upon arriving in Ghana, the employee may need to complete additional steps to obtain a residence permit for long-term employment.
Required documentation for application
Typical documents include:
- Completed visa application form
- Passport with minimum six months’ validity
- Two passport-size photographs
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical certificate
- Copy of approved work permit
- Proof of company registration and tax clearance certificate
Embassies may have additional requirements depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Types of Ghana work visas
Visa categories
Ghana offers several visa categories depending on the purpose and duration of stay. For employment purposes, the most relevant types are:
- Single-entry work visa: For individuals entering Ghana once for work-related purposes
- Multiple-entry work visa: Allows multiple entries for longer assignments
- Residence permit with work authorization: Required for long-term foreign employees
Specific visas relevant to employers and employees
Employers typically sponsor applicants for the Immigrant Quota Work Permit, which allows companies to hire a limited number of foreign workers depending on their industry and size. This quota system is tightly monitored by GIS to prioritize local employment.
Some executives and specialists may qualify for a Ghana Card-based Non-Citizen ID registration alongside their work permit to streamline access to services.
Ghana work permit requirements
To qualify for a work permit, applicants must:
- Have a valid job offer from a registered employer in Ghana
- Possess skills or experience not readily available in the local labor market
- Pass a medical and background check
- Demonstrate alignment with the employer’s immigrant quota allocation
Necessary supporting documents
Employers must submit:
- Employment contract
- Business registration certificates
- Tax clearance certificate
- Description of job role and skills required
- Justification for hiring a foreign national
Employees must submit:
- Police clearance certificate
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Medical certificate
Fees for Ghana work permits
Visa application fees
Fees vary depending on visa type and applicant nationality. As of 2025, work permit application fees generally range between US$80–250, while visa application fees range from US$60–150 depending on the number of entries.
Additional costs to consider
Employers may also incur:
- Immigration processing service charges
- Legal or consultancy fees (if using a third-party advisor)
- Translation or notarization costs for foreign documents
Remember to verify current fees directly with the Ghana Immigration Service or local embassies.
Tips for a successful application
To ensure smooth processing of work authorization:
- Start applications early to accommodate possible delays
- Ensure all documents are up to date and notarized where required
- Work with local legal experts familiar with immigration compliance
- Follow GIS’s latest policy updates to avoid unintentional errors
Using accurate documentation and responding promptly to requests can significantly speed up the process.
Utilizing support from EOR providers
An Employer of Record (EOR) acts as the legal employer on behalf of a company hiring in a foreign country. The EOR manages compliance with local labor laws, processes payroll, handles tax withholdings, and sponsors visas and work permits when needed.
By working with an EOR, businesses can avoid the cost and complexity of establishing a local entity. This model helps ensure that foreign hires are onboarded quickly and remain compliant with local employment regulations. It also reduces legal risk and administrative overhead.
How Velocity Global can help
Hiring across borders comes with regulatory hurdles, but the right partner makes global expansion seamless. Velocity Global’s Employer of Record solution helps companies legally hire, pay, and support international talent—without needing to set up a local entity.
We streamline compliance with Ghana’s labor and immigration laws, manage visa processing, and ensure smooth onboarding when hiring foreign talent in Ghana.
Learn more about Velocity Global and explore our full suite of services for international workforce expansion.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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Topic:
Immigration + Relocation
