Table of Contents
What is Dual Citizenship in Ghana?
Dual citizenship means being a citizen of Ghana and another country at the same time. Ghana recognizes dual nationality under the Citizenship Act. In practice, this lets a Ghanaian who acquires another nationality remain Ghanaian, and allows eligible descendants of Ghanaian parents to hold Ghanaian citizenship alongside a foreign one. If you acquire another citizenship, you should notify the Minister for the Interior using the prescribed form (Form 10).
Who Qualifies & Which Countries Allow It?
Generally, Ghanaians by birth or descent who acquire a foreign nationality can register as dual citizens. Many countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia) permit dual nationality, so Ghanaian-Americans, Ghanaian-Britons, etc., can hold both citizenships legally. Some countries restrict or do not allow dual nationality. If your other country prohibits it, follow that country’s rules, see the section below for guidance.
| Country | Allows Dual Citizenship? | Key Rules (short) | What to Do (brief) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | No law forbids it; U.S. accepts dual nationality. | Always enter/exit the U.S. with your U.S. passport. |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Full recognition of dual/multiple citizenship. | No restrictions; just keep passports valid. |
| Canada | Yes | Allows multiple nationalities without issue. | Carry both passports; notify Canada of changes if needed. |
| Australia | Yes | Permits dual/multiple citizenship since 2002. | No renunciation required; travel with AU passport. |
| Germany | Limited | Traditionally restricted; reforms (2024+) allow more duals. | Check eligibility—often allowed for EU, refugees, children. |
| France | Yes | Dual nationality permitted without restriction. | Keep French passport valid for EU/Schengen travel. |
| Italy | Yes | Permits dual nationality broadly. | Can hold Italian + foreign citizenship without issue. |
| Russia | Yes (must declare) | Dual citizenship allowed but must be reported to authorities. | Notify Russian migration services within 60 days. |
| India | No | Dual citizenship not recognized; offers OCI status instead. | Apply for an OCI card if eligible. |
| China | No | Dual nationality banned; must renounce others if naturalizing. | Expect to choose; China treats dual citizens as Chinese only. |
| Japan | No (with narrow exceptions) | Children may hold dual until 22, then must choose one. | Declare choice of nationality before deadline. |
| Brazil | Yes | Recognizes dual nationality broadly. | Use Brazilian passport when entering/exiting Brazil. |
| South Korea | Conditional | Allows dual in special cases (talent, birth abroad, etc.). | Confirm category; may need to pledge not to use foreign citizenship in Korea. |
| Saudi Arabia | No | Does not recognize dual citizenship; risk of losing Saudi nationality. | Must choose one nationality if discovered. |
| Turkey | Yes | Permits dual nationality; common among Turkish diaspora. | Register foreign nationality with local authorities. |
| Nigeria | Yes | Dual nationality recognized, especially for Nigerians by birth. Some offices restricted. | Okay for most by birth; verify eligibility if naturalizing. |
| South Africa | Yes (must apply) | Allows dual, but South Africans must apply to retain citizenship before acquiring another. | File for “retention of citizenship” before taking a new nationality. |
* These policies change. Always confirm with each country’s government (embassy/consulate pages are best). For travel, use the passport of the country you’re entering/exiting when required.
Required Documents & Eligibility
- Application letter addressed to the Minister for the Interior.
- Form 10 (Dual Citizenship application) purchased from the Ministry of Interior or a Ghana mission abroad.
- Passports: Clear copies of the bio-data pages of both your Ghanaian passport and your other passport.
- Four (4) passport photos of the applicant.
- Foreign Naturalization Certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of Ghanaian nationality by descent (if born abroad): Ghanaian parent’s passport/birth certificate and your birth certificate.
- For minors born outside Ghana: child’s birth certificate and Ghanaian parent’s passport copy.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Get the form & prepare documents: Obtain Form 10 from the Ministry of Interior or your nearest Ghana embassy/consulate. Complete it and gather all required documents.
- Submit your application: In Ghana, submit to the Ministry of Interior/Ghana Immigration Service in Accra. Abroad, submit through your nearest Ghana mission.
- Government review: Authorities assess eligibility and completeness.
- Oath (if required): Some applicants may be invited to take an Oath of Allegiance.
- Receive certificate & ID: Once approved, you receive a Dual Citizenship Certificate and ID card. You can then use or renew your Ghanaian passport alongside your other passport.
Timeline & Estimated Cost
Processing time: Often quoted as about one month after submitting a complete application, though in practice it can take longer depending on the mission and volume. Apply well ahead of travel.
Fees (subject to change): There is a purchase fee for Form 10 and a separate fee payable after processing. Check official schedules below.
Rights & Limitations of Dual Citizens
Dual Ghanaian citizens generally enjoy the same rights as other citizens: live and work in Ghana, own property, vote, access services, and hold a Ghanaian passport. However, certain high public offices (e.g., President, select national security and judicial leadership roles, and other sensitive posts) are restricted and not open to dual nationals. Outside of these exceptions, dual citizens have full citizen rights in Ghana.
Travel & Renewal Tips
- Use the right passport at the right border: Use your Ghanaian passport to enter/exit Ghana; use your other passport for the other country.
- Carry your certificate: The dual citizenship certificate/ID can help if asked to prove status.
- Renewals: Renew your Ghanaian passport at GIS or a Ghana mission. Keep both passports valid to avoid travel disruptions.
Where to Apply
- In Ghana: Ministry of the Interior (Citizenship Unit) and Ghana Immigration Service, Accra.
- Abroad: Ghana embassies and consulates (e.g., Embassy Washington, High Commission London, Consulate New York, etc.).
- Forms: Form 10 is purchased from the Ministry or Ghana missions abroad.
If Your Other Country Doesn’t Allow Dual Nationality
Ghana allows dual nationality, but you must obey your other country’s rules. If they prohibit dual citizenship, they may require you to choose. For travel to Ghana, always use your Ghanaian passport. If you enter on your foreign passport only, Ghana will treat you as a visitor and you may need a visa. When in doubt, consult your other country’s immigration rules and a qualified attorney.
Comparison: Ghanaian Citizen vs Ghanaian Dual Citizen
| Right or Privilege | Citizen (Ghana only) | Dual Citizen (Ghana + Other) |
|---|---|---|
| Hold Ghanaian passport | Yes | Yes |
| Hold foreign passport | No | Yes (if allowed by other country) |
| Vote in Ghana | Yes | Yes |
| Enter Ghana visa-free using Ghanaian passport | Yes | Yes |
| Use foreign passport to enter Ghana without visa | No | No (treated as foreign visitor on foreign passport) |
| Eligibility for high public offices | Yes (if otherwise qualified) | Restricted (certain roles not open to dual nationals) |
| Own property/land in Ghana | Yes | Yes |
Dual Citizenship (Ghana) FAQs
How long does the Ghana citizenship process take?
The process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the category and background checks. Apply well in advance.
What documents are required for Ghana citizenship?
Typically:
Application letter addressed to the Minister for the Interior
Form 10 (Dual Citizenship application)
Copies of your Ghanaian and foreign passports
Four passport photos
Foreign Naturalization Certificate (if applicable)
Proof of Ghanaian descent (parent’s passport/birth certificate plus your birth certificate)
For minors: child’s birth certificate and Ghanaian parent’s passport copy
Is dual citizenship with Ghana recognized worldwide?
Yes, Ghana recognizes dual citizenship. Many countries (including the U.S., U.K., and Canada) allow it as well.
What if my second country other than Ghana doesn’t allow dual citizenship?
Ghana permits dual nationality, but your other country’s laws still apply. If they prohibit it, you may be required to renounce one citizenship. Always confirm with your other country’s immigration authority before applying.
Does the U.K., Canada, and the U.S. allow dual citizenship?
Yes. The United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States all permit dual citizenship. Citizens of these countries can hold a Ghanaian passport alongside their original nationality, provided they follow the necessary application steps.