Moving to Ghana

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for Ghana is a crucial first step, and its specifics largely depend on your nationality. For instance, citizens from certain regions, like the European Union, may have different entry requirements or visa application procedures compared to non-EU citizens or those from other continents.

Typical routes for obtaining a long-term stay in Ghana include:

• Work Permits: If you're moving for employment, your employer will usually sponsor your work permit application. This often requires specific documentation from both you and the sponsoring company.
• Family Reunification: If you are joining a spouse, parent, or child who is a Ghanaian citizen or legal resident, you may apply for a family-based residence permit.
• Study Permits: For those enrolling in educational institutions in Ghana, a student visa and subsequent residence permit will be required.
• Residence Permits: For individuals not falling into the above categories but intending to reside in Ghana, there may be options for general residence permits, often requiring proof of financial self-sufficiency or other qualifying criteria.

It is absolutely essential to verify the most current requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation directly with the official Ghanaian immigration authorities or the Ghanaian embassy/high commission in your current country of residence. Regulations can change, and official sources will always provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Ghana can be an exciting part of your relocation journey. The process often involves a mix of online searches, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

• How to Find Housing: Online property portals, real estate agencies specializing in expatriate rentals, and even social media groups dedicated to expats in Ghana are good starting points. Visiting Ghana for a reconnaissance trip before your full move can be invaluable for viewing properties firsthand.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a suitable property, you'll typically negotiate the rent and terms with the landlord or their agent. A tenancy agreement will then be drafted, outlining the terms of the lease, rent amount, duration, and responsibilities of both parties. It's advisable to have a local expert review the agreement before signing.
• Deposits: Renting in Ghana usually requires an advance payment, often covering several months of rent upfront, in addition to a security deposit. The amount of advance payment can vary significantly, so be prepared for this. The security deposit is generally refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to the property being returned in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many new arrivals opt for temporary accommodation, such as serviced apartments or short-term rentals, upon arrival. This allows them time to settle in, explore different neighborhoods, and find a long-term rental that truly meets their needs without feeling rushed.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Ghana is influenced by several key factors, making each move unique. Understanding these elements will help you prepare your budget:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you choose to ship, the higher the cost. Decluttering and only bringing essentials can significantly reduce your shipping expenses.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and Ghana is a primary cost driver for transportation.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes incur higher costs due to increased demand for shipping and logistics services.
• Access and Logistics: The accessibility of your current home and your new home in Ghana (e.g., stairs, narrow roads, need for special equipment) can affect labor and transport costs.
• Extra Services: Additional services such as professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, and comprehensive insurance will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-structured timeline and smart packing strategy are essential for a smooth relocation to Ghana. Here’s a checklist-style guide for 4-8 weeks out:

8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This is the best time to reduce your volume.
• Research & Quotes: Begin researching international movers and request free quotes. Compare services and ensure they cover your destination.
• Visa & Documents: Confirm your visa and residence permit requirements. Start gathering all necessary personal and professional documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, etc.). Get copies notarized or apostilled if required.

6 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Book Your Mover: Finalize your moving company and confirm your moving dates.
• Inventory: Create a detailed inventory of items you plan to ship.
• Utilities & Services: Start notifying current utility providers (electricity, water, internet, gas) of your move-out date. Research and plan for setting up utilities in Ghana.

4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Medical & Dental: Schedule final check-ups for all family members. Obtain prescription refills and copies of medical records.
• Financial Affairs: Notify your bank of your move. Research banking options in Ghana.
• Notifications: Inform schools, clubs, and other organizations of your departure.
• Packing Essentials: Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.

2 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Change of Address: Update your address for mail forwarding.
• Prepare Travel Documents: Ensure passports, tickets, and any essential travel documents are easily accessible.
• Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, basic clothing, chargers, important documents).

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Confirm: Reconfirm arrangements with your moving company.
• Clean Out: Dispose of perishables and hazardous materials.
• Final Packing: Finish all packing, leaving only immediate necessities.

Ready to make your move to Ghana a reality? Request a free quote on relocation123.com today!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Ghana: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Ghana involves navigating customs procedures for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth import process for your household goods and other items.

If you're relocating as a new resident

As a non-citizen importing unaccompanied baggage for personal use, you will generally find that normal used household goods are exempt from import duty and tax. However, if you bring multiple identical items (e.g., several televisions) or items deemed to be in commercial quantities or 'luxury items' like gym equipment, these may be subject to duties and taxes. Be aware that customs no longer grants duty exemptions to non-diplomats and non-citizens importing personal belongings.

What you'll need

• Original Passport
• Passenger Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (PUBD) completed at the airport customs hall upon arrival
• Non-citizen card
• Boarding pass
• Airline ticket
• Covid-19 test result from Kotoka
• Packing list
• Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (BL)
• Copy of passport data page
• Invoice (for new items)

Good to know

• Import duty and taxes will be applied to any new items.
• A commercial item, whether used or new (e.g., a printer), included among personal effects will be dutiable.
• All non-diplomatic shipments are subject to customs levies, calculated by customs officials at approximately 5% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the shipment.
• You are required to pay any customs duties and levies charged before your shipment can be released. Delays in payment may lead to additional storage and handling charges.

Returning residents

If you are a Ghanaian citizen returning to Ghana, your used personal household goods are generally exempt from import duty and tax. To qualify for this exemption, you must have been away from Ghana for over one year. Similar to new residents, multiples of the same appliance, items in commercial quantities, or luxury items may be subject to duties and taxes.

What you'll need

• Original Passport
• Passenger Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration (PUBD) completed at the airport customs hall upon arrival
• Ghana card/citizen card
• Boarding pass
• Airline ticket
• Covid-19 test result from Kotoka
• Packing list
• Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (BL)

Good to know

• You must have been away from Ghana for over one year to qualify for duty exemption.
• Import duty and taxes will be applied to new items.
• A commercial item, used or new, included among personal effects will be dutiable.
• All non-diplomatic shipments are subject to customs levies, approximately 5% of the CIF value.
• Payment of duties and levies is required before your shipment can be released.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments may be imported without customs duties, taxes, or levies, provided that an exemption has been officially granted by the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, there are now levies charged on diplomatic shipments, specifically a GHS Disinfection fee.

What you'll need

• Exemption certificate
• Bill of Entry (BOE)
• Packing list
• Stamped Bill of Lading (BL)
• Copy of bio-data page of passport

Good to know

• Only the Mission or the exempt organization can apply for this exemption, and the process can take some time.
• It is crucial to wait for the destination agent's "green light" before dispatching diplomatic shipments to avoid potential airport or port penalties.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing motor vehicles and equipment is permitted. A penalty is charged for vehicles over 10 years old. Duty is calculated as a percentage of the CIF value and varies according to the engine capacity. All vehicles are also subject to VAT and other taxes. Right-hand drive vehicles are allowed, but a steering wheel removal fee is applied at the port before release.

What you'll need

• Invoice (if new)
• Full title/ownership documentation
• Bill of Lading (BL) which must specify the make, model, year, colour, engine number, chassis or VIN number, and the engine's cubic capacity.

Pets

If you intend to import a pet to Ghana, it is recommended to contact a local agent for detailed information and specific requirements.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain goods are restricted, meaning their import is controlled and may require special permits or licenses. These include rough or uncut diamonds, imitation money, goods imported contrary to customs laws, items regulated by any law, gambling machines, plants, plant products, plant diseases or pests, soil, manure, grass, and other materials likely to harbour dangerous diseases or pests of plants, explosives, arms and ammunition, handcuffs, machines for duplicating keys, nets and traps for animals, airmail printing paper, reel-fed rotary ticket printing press, spirits, and weapons for discharge of noxious liquids and mercury.

Prohibited goods, which cannot be imported under any circumstances, include animals and carcasses infected with disease, beads of inflammable celluloid, raw coffee, coins not up to standard, contaminated food, knuckle dusters, defamatory, scandalous or demoralising literature, base or counterfeit money, obscene articles, dangerous weapons, and goods prohibited by any law in Ghana. Additionally, the importation of all used refrigerators and freezers (and refrigerants) is prohibited.

Alcohol & tobacco

A one-month supply of food, beverages, alcohol, and pantry items for one family is generally accepted as a reasonable quantity for duty exemption. However, the application of import duties, especially on alcohol, is at the discretion of the customs officer, and duty is typically paid on alcohol.

Frequently asked questions

Are used household goods always duty-free?
Generally, normal used household goods are exempt from import duty and tax. However, multiples of the same appliance, items in commercial quantities, or 'luxury items' may be dutiable.

Will I pay tax on new items?
Yes, import duty and taxes will be applied to all new items. It is important to clearly indicate if items are new or used on your packing list and provide a commercial invoice for all new items.

What are customs levies?
All non-diplomatic shipments are subject to customs levies, which are calculated by customs officials based on the CIF value of the shipment. These are approximately 5% of the CIF value and must be paid before release.

Are there any specific restrictions on electronic appliances?
All electronic appliances should be detailed on the packing list, including brand, model, serial number, and working condition. The importation of all used refrigerators and freezers (and refrigerants) is prohibited. There would be Ghana Standard Authority inspection and charge a fee for registration for other electronic appliances.

What happens if my declarations are inaccurate?
Inaccurate declarations may lead to customs penalties and amendments to your clearing declaration, potentially causing delays and extra charges for storage, handling, and demurrage.

Can I import a used mattress?
No, used or second-hand mattresses are prohibited from import into Ghana.

For personalized assistance with your move to Ghana, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →