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Ghana Citizenship Documents: Dual Cert, Passport, Ghana Card

Ghana Citizenship > Ghana Citizenship Documents: Dual Cert, Passport, Ghana Card

Table of Contents

 

What Are Ghana Citizenship Documents?

Ghana citizenship documents are the official records and identity credentials used to verify a person’s Ghanaian nationality or legal registration under Ghana’s citizenship laws. These include certificates, passports, and national ID cards that serve as proof of identity, eligibility, and dual nationality. Each document has its own issuing authority and plays a critical role in citizenship registration, passport application, and public service access.

 

Why They Matter

  • They officially confirm your Ghanaian nationality or legal dual citizenship.
  • They allow you to apply for or renew your Ghanaian passport, register to vote, or access government services.
  • They are required for immigration, business registration, banking, and property transactions in Ghana.
  • For Ghanaians abroad, they validate dual nationality status and protect citizenship rights.

 

Key Documents You’ll Need

1. Dual Citizenship Certificate & ID Card

Issued under the Ghana Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591), the Dual Citizenship Certificate and Dual Citizenship ID Card are granted by the Ministry of the Interior (MOI). They confirm that a Ghanaian who has acquired another nationality remains legally recognized as Ghanaian.

2. Ghanaian Passport

The Ghanaian Passport is issued by the Passport Office under the
Ghana Immigration Service (GIS). It is your main travel and citizenship document.

  • Submit Ghana Card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship.
  • Application available online at passport.mfa.gov.gh.
  • Choose from Standard (32-page) or Expedited (48-page) services.
  • Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks after biometric capture.

3. Ghana Card (National Identity Card)

The Ghana Card is issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA) and serves as the national ID for citizens, residents, and dual nationals.

  • Acts as proof of identity, age, and citizenship.
  • Required for passports, banking, and government transactions.
  • Issued free for first-time applicants in Ghana; available abroad at Ghana embassies.
  • Apply at NIA offices or registration centers across Ghana.

4. Supporting Records

  • Birth Certificate: From the Births & Deaths Registry.
  • Police Clearance: From the Ghana Police Service (CID Headquarters, Accra).
  • Marriage Certificate: For spousal registration cases, from Registrar of Marriages.
  • Parent/Ancestry Documents: Ghanaian passport, Ghana Card, or voter ID of parents.

 

Where to Obtain Each Document

DocumentIssuing AuthorityHow / Where to Apply
Dual Citizenship Certificate & IDMinistry of the Interior (MOI)Apply in Accra or via Ghana embassies using Form 10 and required documents.
Ghanaian PassportPassport Office / GISApply online at passport.mfa.gov.gh.
Ghana CardNational Identification Authority (NIA)Apply at NIA centers nationwide or Ghana embassies abroad.
Birth CertificateBirths & Deaths Registry (BDR)Request from BDR office in district of birth or apply online via bdr.gov.gh.
Police Clearance CertificateGhana Police ServiceCriminal Investigations Department (CID), Police Headquarters, Accra.

 

Where to Submit & Responsible Authorities

  • Ministry of the Interior (MOI): Dual Citizenship, Registration, and Naturalization applications.
  • Ghana Immigration Service (GIS): Passports, residence, and nationality enforcement.
  • Ghana Missions Abroad: Handle submissions for citizens overseas.
  • Births & Deaths Registry: Vital records (birth certificates).
  • National Identification Authority (NIA): Ghana Card enrollment.

 

Downloadable Forms & PDFs

You can also host downloadable versions (PDF scans of official forms) in your website’s Downloads section so visitors can preview requirements before visiting government offices.

 
 

International Document Reference: Top 12 Countries

This section outlines the key documents you must obtain in your home country before applying for Ghanaian citizenship, registration, or dual nationality.
Each record below forms part of the verification chain Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior (MOI) and Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) use to confirm your identity, nationality, and good character. Ensure all foreign documents are apostilled or legalized and, if not in English, attach certified translations before submission.

CountryRequired Home-Country DocumentsWhere / How to ObtainWhy It’s Needed for Ghana Citizenship
United States• Certified Birth Certificate
• Valid U.S. Passport
• FBI Background Check (Identity History Summary)
• Marriage / Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of Address (Driver’s License, Utility Bill)
• Apostille from U.S. Department of State		Birth Certificate: State Vital Records Office (order via CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records).
Passport: Apply through travel.state.gov.
FBI Check: Submit fingerprints at FBI CJIS Portal.
Apostille: U.S. Dept. of State Authentications.		Establishes birth, nationality, identity, and moral character.
The FBI report and apostille confirm legal compliance and authenticity for MOI dual citizenship (Form 10) or naturalization (Form 3) filings.
United Kingdom• General Register Office (GRO) Birth Certificate
• Valid British Passport
• ACRO Police Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille from Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)		Birth Certificate: GOV.UK – GRO Orders.
Police Certificate: ACRO Criminal Records Office.
Apostille: FCDO Legalisation Office (gov.uk/get-document-legalised).		Confirms U.K. citizenship and clean police record. The FCDO apostille verifies authenticity before MOI acceptance in Ghana.
Canada• Provincial Birth Certificate
• Canadian Passport
• RCMP Criminal Record Check
• Marriage / Divorce Certificates (if relevant)
• Global Affairs Canada Authentication		Birth Cert.: Provincial Vital Statistics office (see Canada.ca Vital Statistics Directory).
Police Check: RCMP.
Authentication: Global Affairs Canada.		Establishes Canadian nationality, birth details, and criminal background.
Authenticated documents ensure admissibility under Ghana’s nationality laws.
Australia• State/Territory Birth Certificate
• Australian Passport
• National Police Certificate (AFP)
• Marriage / Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille from Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT)		Birth Cert.: State BDM office (Service NSW).
Police Check: AFP Checks.
Apostille: DFAT Authentication Service (smartraveller.gov.au).		Used to prove birth and citizenship; AFP report demonstrates good character. DFAT apostille required before Ghanaian use.
Germany• Geburtsurkunde (Birth Certificate)
• Reisepass (Passport)
• Führungszeugnis (Police Certificate)
• Marriage Certificate (Heiratsurkunde)
• Apostille from Bundesverwaltungsamt		Birth & Marriage: Local Standesamt.
Police Record: Bundesamt für Justiz.
Apostille: Bundesverwaltungsamt (BVA).		Verifies German citizenship and legal standing. Apostilled copies satisfy Ghana’s authentication requirement.
France• Acte de Naissance (Birth Certificate)
• Passeport Français
• Bulletin n°3 Casier Judiciaire
• Certificat de Mariage / Divorce (if applicable)
• Apostille via Cour d’Appel		Birth/Marriage: Service-Public.fr.
Police Record: casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr.
Apostille: Local Cour d’Appel.		Confirms birth, identity, and criminal history; required to verify eligibility and good moral character.
India• Birth Certificate (Municipal Registrar)
• Indian Passport
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)		Birth Cert.: Local Registrar via crsorgi.gov.in.
PCC: Apply through Passport Seva.
Apostille: MEA CPV Division.		Demonstrates Indian citizenship and clean police record; MEA apostille makes documents admissible in Ghana.
Japan• Koseki Tohon (Family Register Extract)
• Japanese Passport
• Police Clearance Certificate (Tokyo Metropolitan Police / Prefectural HQ)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille from MOFA		Family Register: City Office of honseki-chi.
Police Clearance: National Police Agency.
Apostille: MOFA Japan.		Confirms lineage and identity; MOFA apostille certifies authenticity for MOI filing.
China• Medical Certificate of Birth
• Notarial Birth Certificate
• Passport (PRC)
• No-Criminal Record Certificate
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Legalization by Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)		Notarial Birth/Police: Local Notary Office under PSB jurisdiction.
MFA Legalization: cs.mfa.gov.cn.		Confirms PRC nationality and clean background. MFA legalization substitutes apostille for Ghana submission.
Russia• Birth Certificate (ZAGS)
• Russian Passport
• Police Clearance Certificate (MVD)
• Marriage Certificate (ZAGS)
• Apostille from Ministry of Justice (MinJust)		Records: Local ZAGS office.
Police Cert.: MVD Russia.
Apostille: Regional Department of Ministry of Justice.		Proves Russian citizenship and integrity; apostilled for use by Ghana’s authorities.
Italy• Certificato di Nascita / Atto di Nascita
• Italian Passport
• Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille from Prefettura / Procura della Repubblica		Vital Records: Comune – Stato Civile.
Police Record: Ministry of Justice via giustizia.it.
Apostille: Local Prefecture or Court.		Establishes Italian nationality and good conduct; apostilled for Ghana’s MOI acceptance.
South Korea• Basic Certificate / Family Relation Certificate
• Korean Passport
• Criminal Record Certificate (KNP)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)		Certificates: Supreme Court e-Family Service (efamily.scourt.go.kr).
Police Record: Korean National Police Agency.
Apostille: MOFA.		Proves South Korean citizenship and clean background; required for Form 10 naturalization filings.
Brazil• Certidão de Nascimento (Birth Certificate)
• Brazilian Passport
• Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais (Federal Police)
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Apostille via Ministério das Relações Exteriores (Itamaraty)		Birth/Marriage: Local Cartório de Registro Civil.
Police Cert.: Federal Police.
Apostille: Itamaraty MRE office or online system.		Confirms Brazilian identity and character; apostille validates for MOI Ghana filing.

Tip: After collecting these home-country documents, always confirm if Ghana requires apostille or full legalization. Documents not in English must be translated by a sworn translator and certified by the issuing authority or a recognized consulate. Keep digital and printed certified copies for your MOI, GIS, and Embassy submissions.

 

Tips & Common Pitfalls

  • Ensure your names and birth dates match across all documents.
  • Use only certified copies or original documents for submission.
  • Don’t rely on agents; always verify payment receipts and forms from official offices.
  • Allow ample time for embassy forwarding if applying abroad.
  • Keep digital backups of certificates and IDs for future renewals.


 

How to Obtain a Ghana Visa — Requirements & Application Process by Country

Citizens of most countries must obtain a Ghana visa before entering the Republic of Ghana. This table summarizes the key documents, processes, and embassy contact points for applicants from the world’s 12 largest and most influential countries.

Always confirm current fees and requirements with your nearest Ghana Embassy or Consulate before travel. And make sure you read about the required vaccines (yellow fever – info)

CountryRequired DocumentsWhere to Apply / SubmitProcessing Time & Notes
United States• Completed visa application form
• Valid U.S. passport (min. 6 months validity)
• Two passport photos
• Proof of travel itinerary & accommodation
• Yellow fever vaccination card
• Proof of financial means		Apply through the Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. or the Consulate in New York.
Mail-in and in-person options available.		5–10 business days standard processing.
Expedited service available at extra cost.
Multiple-entry visas valid up to 5 years.
United Kingdom• Online visa application via Ghana High Commission London
• Passport valid 6+ months
• Two passport-size photos
• Invitation letter or hotel confirmation
• Yellow fever certificate		Submit documents and biometrics at the Ghana High Commission in London.
Postal service available within the UK.		5–7 working days average.
Business and student visas require invitation letters from Ghana-based institutions.
Canada• Completed visa form (online or PDF)
• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Two photos
• Proof of employment or enrollment
• Travel itinerary & accommodation proof
• Yellow fever vaccination record		Apply through the Ghana High Commission Ottawa or Consulate Toronto.10 business days typical.
Express options available.
Electronic tracking via embassy portal.
Australia• Visa form (downloadable PDF)
• Australian passport (6+ months validity)
• Two photos
• Travel and accommodation details
• Proof of funds
• Yellow fever card (mandatory)		Ghana High Commission, Canberra
ghanaembassy.org.au
Mail applications accepted from all states.		Standard: 7–10 business days.
Same-day service for emergencies.
Germany• Visa form via Ghana Embassy Berlin
• Passport (6+ months validity)
• Proof of residence in Germany
• Return ticket or itinerary
• Yellow fever vaccination card		Submit in person or by courier to the Ghana Embassy in Berlin.
Regional offices assist in Frankfurt & Hamburg.		7–14 working days.
Business visas require Ghanaian partner invitation.
France• Application form (in English)
• Passport and copies
• Two photos
• Travel proof, hotel booking, or Ghanaian invitation letter
• Vaccination certificate		Apply at Ghana Embassy, Paris.
Postal and in-person submissions accepted.		Normal processing: 5–8 days.
Multi-entry up to 1 year available.
India• Completed visa form
• Indian passport
• Two recent passport photos
• Business / invitation letter if applicable
• Yellow fever certificate		Apply at Ghana High Commission New Delhi or consulates in Mumbai and Chennai.7–10 working days.
Tourist and business visas issued up to 90 days stay.
Japan• Visa form (downloadable PDF)
• Passport
• 2 photos
• Proof of itinerary and accommodation
• Employment certificate or student ID
• Yellow fever card		Ghana Embassy, Tokyo.
Submission by appointment or courier.		5–7 business days.
Multiple-entry business visas up to 1 year.
China• Online or paper visa form
• PRC passport
• Two photos
• Invitation letter from Ghana (for business)
• Flight itinerary
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate		Apply at Ghana Embassy Beijing or consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong.7–10 business days.
Fast-track 48-hour option for business travelers.
Russia• Completed visa form
• Passport valid 6+ months
• Invitation letter / itinerary
• Proof of funds
• Medical and yellow fever certificates		Ghana Embassy Moscow — ghanaembassy.ru
Submission in person or via courier.		10 business days on average.
Rush visa available within 3 days.
Italy• Visa application form
• Passport & 2 photos
• Hotel or invitation proof
• Travel itinerary
• Yellow fever vaccination card		Ghana Embassy, Rome.
Consular services also available in Milan.		7–10 business days.
Multiple-entry up to 1 year.
South Korea• Completed visa form
• Passport
• 2 photos
• Proof of travel booking
• Yellow fever vaccination card
• Invitation or employment letter if applicable		Ghana Embassy Seoul — ghanaembassy.or.kr.5–7 business days.
Express processing available for diplomatic or official missions.
Brazil• Completed visa form
• Passport valid 6+ months
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of travel and accommodation
• Yellow fever certificate		Ghana Embassy, Brasília.
Consulates in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro process regional applications.		7–10 business days.
Business and multiple-entry visas issued upon request.

Ghana Citizenship Documents FAQs

You need a valid Ghanaian passport (if applicable), a birth certificate or proof of Ghanaian descent, a foreign passport (for dual applicants), four passport-sized photos, a completed application form (Form 10 or Form 3), a police clearance certificate, and an official payment receipt from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI).

The Dual Citizenship Certificate, issued by Ghana’s Ministry of the Interior, officially recognizes that a Ghanaian who acquires another nationality still retains Ghanaian citizenship. It allows lawful possession of two passports and protection under Ghana’s laws.

Both forms are available for purchase at the Citizenship Secretariat, Ministry of the Interior in Accra, or through Ghana embassies and consulates abroad.

The Ghana Card, issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA), is the official national ID for Ghanaian citizens and residents. While not mandatory to start your citizenship application, it is required for passports, banking, and future verifications.

Currently, the official forms (Form 10, Form 3, and others) must be purchased from the Ministry of the Interior or obtained through Ghana missions abroad. Scanned or hosted copies are for reference only.

An apostille is a government authentication stamp that verifies your foreign documents for international use. Ghana requires all foreign-issued documents (birth, marriage, police certificates) to be apostilled or legalized before submission to the MOI.

Non-Hague Convention countries (e.g., China, Canada before 2024) require consular legalization instead of an apostille. This process is done by the issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghanaian embassy in that country.

Yes. Any non-English document must be translated by a certified translator. The translation should include a signed affidavit from the translator and be notarized or apostilled as required.

Always provide certified copies and keep your originals. Ghanaian authorities will verify authenticity during the review process.

The Right of Abode allows certain individuals — especially persons of African descent or former Ghanaians who lost citizenship — to live and work in Ghana indefinitely without a visa or work permit.

Submit an application to the Minister for the Interior (Accra), including a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance, proof of descent or ancestry, financial means, and character references.

From the U.S., you’ll typically need a certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, FBI background check, marriage certificate (if applicable), and an apostille from the U.S. Department of State.

Yes. Applications can be submitted at any Ghanaian embassy or consulate, which will forward your file to the Ministry of the Interior in Accra for review and processing.


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