Ghana•Africa2-4 weeks
Free
Duration of the principal applicant's residence permit
No
Not Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
The Dependent Residence Permit is a regulatory provision designed to maintain family unity for foreign nationals who have been granted legal residence in Ghana. Established under the Immigration Act and administered by the Ghana Immigration Service, this permit fills the gap for expatriates—such as employees, investors, or students—who need to bring their immediate family members to live with them during their stay. It ensures that the dependents of principal permit holders are legally recognized and authorized to reside in the country for the duration of the primary applicant's status.
This permit is specifically for the legally married spouses and minor children of foreign nationals who hold a valid Ghanaian residence permit. The ideal applicant is a family member who intends to reside with the principal permit holder in Ghana. It is distinctive because it is strictly dependent on the status of the primary applicant; it does not grant the holder the right to work, and applicants must provide rigorous proof of a genuine family relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, to qualify for this status.
Must be a legally recognized dependent (spouse or minor child) of a principal permit holder (e.g., work permit holder).
The principal applicant must hold a valid Residence Permit or a pending application receipt.
Must provide proof of a genuine family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
The principal applicant must demonstrate the financial capacity to support the dependent.
The dependent must reside with the principal applicant in Ghana.
Must obtain a Non-Citizen ID card for stays exceeding 90 days.
Education
none or higher
Application letter from the principal applicant or their employer requesting the permit.
Copy of the principal applicant's valid Residence Permit or receipt.
Proof of relationship (Marriage Certificate for spouses, Birth Certificate for children).
Valid passport of the dependent.
Recent passport-sized photographs of the dependent.
Copy of the principal applicant's passport bio-data page.
Letter of support/guarantee from the principal applicant.
Medical examination report (if required by GIS).
Copy of the dependent's Non-Citizen ID card.
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