Introduction
A retiree, who is not a prohibited immigrant, can be granted a residence permit to live in Ghana. Retirees are typically individuals who are no longer working. However, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) does not have a specific permit for retirees, and they are granted dependent residence permits instead.
Validity of Retiree Permit
Retirees may be eligible for a residence permit that is valid for up to 4 years initially and can be renewed for up to 8 years in total. Retirees are not allowed to engage in any business, profession, or activity for reward unless they have a separate permit for that purpose.
Application Process
To apply for a retiree permit, the applicant must fill out and sign Form F and submit it to the GIS along with an application letter addressed to the Comptroller-General. The letter should include personal details, reasons for the permit, and the requested duration of the permit. Retirees must show that they have enough funds to support themselves and any dependents without relying on public funds.
This can be demonstrated through proof of ownership of land, or a steady income as shown by bank statements. The retiree must also provide two guarantors with copies of their Ghanaian passports, and one of them must write a letter of guarantee for the applicant.
The guarantors must also execute a bond for security as outlined in Form I, which means they are liable for any deportation or repatriation expenses up to the bond value in case the retiree or their dependents need to leave Ghana.
Documentary Requirements
- Application letter
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Bank statement or lease
- Letter of consent from a child’s parent (if applicable)
- Child’s birth certificate (if applicable)
- Two guarantors with copies of their Ghanaian passport, including a letter of guarantee and an execution of a bond for security
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Non-citizen ID
Renewal of Retiree Permit
Retirees can apply for the renewal of their permit if they have not violated the terms or abused the privileges of their previous permit. For example, an application for renewal may be denied if the officer finds that the retiree engaged in an activity for reward in violation of the permit’s terms. A retiree permit cannot exceed 8 years in total including previous permits.
Fees
The fee for the retiree permit varies depending on the retiree’s nationality, with ECOWAS nationals and Ghanaians with foreign passports paying a different fee than other foreign nationals. The fees are for permits valid for one year.
Your immigration consultant can go through the costs applicable to your visa, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. This also ensures that you aren’t caught out by hidden processing fees.
Processing Time
The processing time for a retiree residence permit is between 2 to 3 weeks if all the required documentation is in order.
How IBN Immigration Solutions can help you
IBN Immigration Solutions can service your immigration journey and has expert immigration partners based in Ghana. We are ready to assist you with any needs or queries you may have. We are familiar with all the requirements for applications, possible red-flags, and hold-ups with the government’s immigration department, meaning that you’ll be in safe hands.
