Planning to relocate to Ghana? Understanding immigration lawyer costs is crucial for budgeting your move. This guide breaks down legal fees, government charges, and hidden expenses you need to know in 2026.
If you are still deciding which pathway fits your situation, start here:
Ghana Citizenship Starts Here
If you are pursuing a citizenship route (not just permits), also review:
Ghana citizenship overview
How to get Ghanaian citizenship
Required documents checklist
What You Will Pay: The Three-Part Cost Structure
Ghana immigration costs typically fall into three categories:
| Cost Category | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Lawyer or consultant fees | Professional services for preparing, reviewing, and filing your application, plus follow-up and problem solving. |
| Government statutory fees | Non-negotiable charges paid to Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and or the Ministry of the Interior for permits and citizenship services. |
| Third-party expenses | Medical screening, Non-Citizen Ghana Card fees, police clearance, certified translations, courier services, notarization, and travel. |
The third category often causes budget surprises, so plan ahead.
Ghana Immigration Lawyer Fees: Official Rate Guidelines
The General Legal Council (GLC) publishes official fee guidance through the Ghana Bar Association. These benchmarks help you evaluate whether a quote is reasonable.
Initial Consultation Fees
| Client Type | Senior Counsel (10+ years) | Counsel (5-9 years) | Junior Counsel (Under 5 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghanaian clients | Up to GH¢1,000 | Up to GH¢750 | Up to GH¢500 |
| International clients | US$500 to US$1,000 | US$375 to US$750 | US$250 to US$500 |
Hourly Billing Rates
| Client Type | Hourly Range |
|---|---|
| Ghanaian clients | GH¢300 to GH¢2,000 per hour depending on lawyer seniority |
| International clients | US$250 to US$1,000 per hour depending on seniority |
Retainer Arrangements
Minimum retainer fees start at GH¢4,000 per month. Retainers typically include consultation benefits and up to 20 percent discount on other legal services.
Fee Structure Options
Ghana lawyers offer multiple billing models:
| Billing Model | When It Makes Sense |
|---|---|
| Fixed fee | One price for a defined scope. Most common for straightforward permits and clean documentation. |
| Hourly fees | Best when complexity is uncertain or when follow-up and back-and-forth is expected. |
| Fixed fee plus success fee | Sometimes used for time-sensitive or dispute-heavy matters where extra effort is required under tight deadlines. |
| Retainer | Best for ongoing compliance and advisory support, especially for companies managing multiple employees. |
Government Immigration Fees: What You Must Pay
Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Statutory Fees
These fees are set by law under L.I. 2481 (2023):
| Fee Type | Other Nationals | ECOWAS Nationals | Ghanaians With Foreign Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work and Residence Permit (Companies) | US$1,000 | US$647 | US$194 |
| Dependent Residence Permit | GH¢388 | GH¢259 | GH¢194 |
| Indefinite Residence Permit | GH¢5,172 | GH¢3,879 | Not listed in this category |
| Spouse of Ghanaian (Indefinite Residence) | GH¢2,000 | GH¢2,000 | GH¢2,000 |
| Right of Abode | GH¢3,879 | Not listed in this category | GH¢1,940 |
If you are exploring Right of Abode specifically, see:
Right of Abode in Ghana guide
If you are considering dual nationality, see:
Dual Citizenship Ghana
Ministry of the Interior Citizenship Fees
IMPORTANT: Citizenship fees require verification. Official sources show:
Naturalization
| Category | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| ECOWAS citizens | GH¢15,000 |
| Africans and Diaspora | GH¢25,000 |
| Non-Africans | Cedi equivalent of US$25,000 |
Note: Secondary sources cite significantly lower fees (around GH¢7,758 as of October 2025). Verify directly with the Ministry before proceeding.
Registration
| Category | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| ECOWAS | GH¢5,000 |
| Africans and Diaspora | GH¢10,000 |
| Non-Africans | Cedi equivalent of US$10,000 |
Dual Citizenship
| Item | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| Application form | GH¢500 |
| Processing | Cedi equivalent of US$100 |
If you want a step-by-step naturalization pathway and timeline, see:
Ghana naturalization guide
Hidden Costs: Third-Party Expenses That Add Up
Non-Citizen Ghana Card (Mandatory)
The National Identification Authority (NIA) charges:
| Non-Citizen Ghana Card Item | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| First registration | Cedi equivalent of US$120 |
| Annual renewal | Cedi equivalent of US$78 |
| Replacement | Cedi equivalent of US$78 |
Medical Screening
GIS requires medical screening for most permit applications. While not officially published, common fees are:
- Initial screening: approximately GH¢1,100
- Renewals: approximately GH¢600
Police Clearance
Ghana Police Service fees:
| Police Vetting Type | Published Fee |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Vetting (Resident) | GH¢115 |
| Nominal Vetting (Non-Resident) | GH¢1,380 |
Additional Expenses
Budget for:
- Certified translations (if documents not in English)
- Document legalization or apostille
- Courier services
- Notarization fees
- Travel to GIS offices for biometrics
Sample Budget: What Does It Really Cost?
Work Permit Example (Non-ECOWAS National)
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| GIS statutory fee | US$1,000 (approximately GH¢10,998) |
| Non-Citizen Ghana Card | US$120 (approximately GH¢1,320) |
| Medical screening | GH¢1,100 |
| Police clearance | GH¢1,380 |
| Lawyer fees (estimated) | GH¢6,000 to GH¢12,000 |
| Total estimated cost | GH¢20,798 to GH¢26,798 (US$1,890 to US$2,437) |
Student Residence Permit
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| GIS statutory fee | GH¢259 |
| Ghana Card | GH¢1,320 |
| Medical screening | GH¢1,100 |
| Lawyer fees | GH¢3,000 to GH¢6,000 |
| Total | GH¢5,679 to GH¢8,679 (US$516 to US$789) |
What Drives Costs Up?
Fees increase when:
- Complexity rises – Mixed statuses, prior overstays, missing documents
- Time pressure exists – Urgent travel dates require intensive follow-up
- Applications expire – Monthly penalties apply for late renewals
- Documentation is incomplete – Each correction round adds costs
- Senior counsel is required – Complex cases need experienced lawyers
How to Reduce Immigration Costs
- Get organized early – Complete document sets upfront save money
- Choose the right fee structure – Fixed fees work for simple cases; hourly for complex ones
- Track renewal dates – Avoid expensive late penalties
- Verify lawyer credentials – Check the General Legal Council roll of lawyers
- Ask for itemized quotes – Separate professional fees from out-of-pocket expenses
- Budget 20 to 30 percent contingency – For unexpected document needs
Questions to Ask Your Immigration Lawyer
Before hiring, ask:
- Are you licensed and in good standing with the General Legal Council?
- What is your fee structure – fixed, hourly, or retainer?
- What are your hourly rates by seniority, and who will handle my case?
- Which costs are out-of-pocket, and are they billed at cost?
- Will I pay government fees directly or through you?
- What happens if my application is refused – what costs extra?
- Does your quote include renewals, dependents, or appeals?
- What is the timeline, and what penalties apply if approvals are delayed?
Current Exchange Rate (February 2026)
All conversions use: US$1 = GH¢10.9975 (Bank of Ghana weighted median rate, February 12, 2026)
Exchange rates fluctuate. Verify current rates when making payments.
Free Legal Aid Options
The Legal Aid Commission provides free legal consultation and representation for indigent persons, including asylum seekers. Visit lac.gov.gh for eligibility information.
The Ghana Refugee Board handles refugee status determination year-round for those seeking asylum.
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Final Cost-Saving Checklist
- Get a written fee agreement specifying the billing model
- Verify current government fees directly with GIS or the Ministry of the Interior
- Budget for Ghana Card registration and annual renewal
- Add police clearance to your budget
- Build timeline buffer to avoid late penalties
- Include 20 to 30 percent contingency for unexpected costs
- Request all receipts showing the legal basis for fees
- Check lawyer standing before paying deposits
Key Takeaways
Ghana immigration costs in 2026 vary widely based on permit type and legal complexity. Work permits for non-ECOWAS nationals typically cost
US$1,900 to US$2,400 all-in, while student permits range US$500 to US$800. Citizenship applications are significantly more expensive.
The most important strategies: organize documents early, choose the right lawyer fee structure, verify all government fees directly, and budget generously for third-party expenses.
With proper planning, you can navigate Ghana immigration procedures without budget surprises.
Need personalized guidance? Contact a GLC-licensed immigration lawyer for a consultation. Rates start at GH¢500 for junior counsel and GH¢1,000 for senior counsel.
Related GhanaCitizenship.com Guides
- Ghana Citizenship Starts Here
- Ghana citizenship overview
- Dual Citizenship Ghana
- Right of Abode in Ghana guide
- Ghana naturalization guide
- Documents checklist for Ghana citizenship
- Free Ghana citizenship PDF downloads
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