Ghana guide 2026: free e-visas for Africans, living costs and investing

Ghana at a glance

World Bank data (2025) and official references. Compare all 54 countries in the Africa comparison tool.

Ghana's inflation was 5.2% in September 2026 and the policy rate 14%. The cedi traded at about GH¢11.7 per US dollar in early October 2026. Ghana completed its IMF programme in July 2026.

Visiting

• Visa: apply at evisa.immigration.gov.gh. African passport holders get free tourism and business e-visas from 25 May 2026; other visitors pay a fee.
• Health: a yellow fever certificate is required for everyone aged 9 months or older, and malaria risk is high.
• Best time: November to March (dry season); December to March is best for wildlife at Mole National Park.
• Things to do: Cape Coast and Elmina castles, Kakum canopy walkway, Mole National Park, Wli Falls, Lake Bosumtwi, the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, and the Nzulezu stilt village.
• Safety: the US rates Ghana Level 2, "Exercise increased caution", with higher warnings for some northern border areas.

Moving and working

• Work and residence permit: about US$1,000 a year for non-ECOWAS citizens and US$647 for ECOWAS citizens, plus medical screening and a Non-Citizen Ghana Card.
• Tax: you're tax resident after 183 days in a 12-month period. The top rate is 35%; non-residents pay a flat 25%.
• Rent: 2-bedroom flats in Accra commonly cost GH¢2,500–6,000 a month. Landlords often ask for one to two years upfront, despite a legal six-month limit. Popular areas include Airport Residential, Cantonments, East Legon and Osu.
• Money: mobile money is everywhere, and the 1% E-levy on transfers was abolished in 2025. Banks need a work and residence permit to open an account.

Starting a business and investing

• Register with the Office of the Registrar of Companies online.
• The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act 2026 abolished the old US$200,000 and US$500,000 minimum capital rules for most foreign investors. Trading companies now need US$500,000. Some activities remain reserved for Ghanaians.
• Corporate tax is 25% (35% for mining and petroleum), plus a temporary levy. VAT is 15%, about 20% in total with levies, from January 2026.

Land and property

Non-citizens can't own freehold land in Ghana. Leases are limited to 50 years at a time and can be renewed. Companies more than 40% foreign-owned are treated as non-citizens. Use a lawyer and check the title at the Lands Commission before paying.

Frequently asked questions

Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.