Ghana Retirement Options for Foreign Nationals (2026 Guide)

Ghana retirement options have quietly become a serious topic for people planning a long, stable life on the African continent. Ghana has quietly become one of Africa’s most attractive retirement destinations. With a stable democracy, English as the official language, a warm climate, rich culture, and a government that has actively courted the African diaspora through initiatives like the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return,” the country is drawing retirees from North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. But navigating the immigration landscape, understanding your financial obligations, and setting realistic expectations about daily life takes preparation.

This guide covers everything a foreign national needs to know before making Ghana their retirement home.

Why Ghana?

Ghana stands out on the African continent for several reasons. It has maintained political stability and peaceful democratic transitions of power for decades, a rare and significant factor when choosing where to spend your retirement years. English is universally spoken, removing the language barrier that complicates life in many other retirement destinations. The West African climate is warm year-round, the food scene is vibrant, and the Ghanaian people are broadly regarded as among the most welcoming in Africa.

For African Americans and members of the broader African diaspora, Ghana carries deep historical and ancestral significance. The government has responded to this sentiment with concrete policy, establishing dedicated support offices, streamlining diaspora immigration pathways, and actively promoting Ghana as a homeland for the global African family. You can read more about what drove the Year of Return and the historic 2019 welcome home campaign to understand the full context.

Getting Into Ghana: Entry Before You Settle

Before dealing with long-term residency, you need to get into the country.

Visas and Tourist Entry: Most Western nationalities, including Americans, British, Canadians, and Australians, require a visa to enter Ghana and should obtain one before travelling. The standard route is applying through your nearest Ghana consulate or embassy and using the full list of Ghana consulates and embassies worldwide to locate the office covering your country. Our complete guide to getting a Ghana tourist visa walks through the application process. Tourist visas are typically issued for 30 days and can usually be extended once at the Ghana Immigration Service offices in Accra.

Ghana does have an Emergency Entry Visa (sometimes called a visa on arrival) available at Kotoka International Airport, but it is not a standard walk-up option. It requires pre-approval before you board, is restricted to specific circumstances (such as urgent travel where no local Ghana embassy exists), and requires a Ghanaian host to apply on your behalf in advance. Airlines may deny boarding to travellers who do not have either a standard visa or confirmed EEV approval in hand. Do not rely on the EEV as your entry plan. See our Ghana visa on arrival guide for full details on when and how it applies.

ECOWAS Nationals: Citizens of the 15 ECOWAS member states (including Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire) may enter Ghana without a visa and remain for up to 90 days. See our detailed breakdown of what ECOWAS is and how it affects travel for ECOWAS nationals. Longer stays require a residence permit, but fees and some procedural requirements differ from those for non-ECOWAS nationals.

Vaccines: Before you travel, review the Ghana vaccine requirements</a. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry from most countries, and you can find a yellow fever vaccine provider near you.

Apostilling Your Documents: Before you leave home, arrange to have key documents officially apostilled. This includes police clearance certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and any financial statements or notarized declarations. Ghana is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning apostilled documents from signatory countries are accepted without additional legalization. Starting this process before departure will save significant time when you begin your permit application in Ghana.

Registering with Your Embassy: Once in Ghana, register with your home country’s embassy or consulate. Americans should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. This ensures you can be contacted in a security emergency, receive travel advisories, and have consular support if needed. It takes five minutes and could matter enormously.

Your Immigration Options

Ghana retirement options do not include a single, formal “retirement visa” in the way some countries do (such as Panama’s Pensionado or Portugal’s D7 visa). Instead, several different residency pathways are available to foreign retirees, each with its own eligibility requirements, rights, and limitations. The 2025 simplified visa process guide is a useful companion to this section.

Quick Comparison

1. The Retiree Residence Permit

This is the most common route for foreign nationals who simply want to retire in Ghana without any claim to African heritage. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) does not have a dedicated retiree permit category. Instead, eligible applicants receive a dependent residence permit, informally referred to as a “retiree permit” for convenience.

Who qualifies: Foreign nationals aged 60 or above who are no longer in active employment.

Duration: Up to 4 years initially, renewable for a further 4 years (8 years maximum in total).

Key restrictions: Holders cannot engage in any employment, business, profession, or activity for financial reward unless they obtain a separate permit for that purpose. See the Ghana work permit requirements page if you think you may need to earn income while resident.

Key requirements:

• Completed application Form F, submitted to the GIS along with a formal application letter addressed to the Comptroller-General
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• A valid passport
• Proof of financial sufficiency (bank statements, proof of pension income, or lease agreement)
• A medical examination
• Two Ghanaian guarantors, each providing copies of their Ghanaian national IDs; one must provide a personal letter of guarantee and both must jointly execute a security bond (Form I), making them liable for deportation costs should you be required to leave Ghana
• Non-citizen ID card (valid for one year, renewable) for the retiree, their spouse, and any children aged 6 and above

Fees: Vary based on nationality. For a current breakdown of what to expect to pay, see our guide to Ghana immigration lawyer costs in 2026, which also covers professional fees for legal assistance with the application. Consult the GIS directly or a licensed immigration lawyer in Ghana for current permit fee figures, as these are updated periodically.

Processing time: Approximately 2 to 3 weeks when all documentation is in order, though delays are not uncommon.

Must you be in Ghana to apply? Yes. The permit application must be submitted in person at the GIS head office in Accra. You cannot complete this process remotely. Plan to arrive on a tourist visa and allow sufficient time in-country to gather any remaining documents and submit your application before your tourist visa expires.

Spouses and dependents: If your spouse is also a foreign national, they do not automatically receive a permit as your dependent. They must make their own separate application. A foreign spouse applying alongside a retired partner will need to provide a marriage certificate (apostilled), submit their own documentation, and pay their own fees. See our guide to Ghana marriage laws for foreigners for related context. Children aged 6 and above also require non-citizen ID cards. Seek legal advice on structuring a joint application efficiently.

What happens after 8 years? This is one of the most important questions retirees fail to ask in advance. Once you have used your initial 4-year permit and your single renewal, you cannot obtain a third retiree permit. At that point your options are to apply for an Indefinite Residence Permit (if you qualify based on long-term legal residence), pursue Right of Abode (if diaspora-eligible), apply for Ghanaian citizenship, or, in the absence of qualifying for any of these, leave Ghana. Review the residency to Ghanaian citizenship timeline to understand the long-game from day one, not year seven.

Quick note for planning: If your goal is long-term legal stability, treat this retiree permit as the first step in your Ghana retirement options strategy, not the final step.

Talk to a Ghana immigration lawyer (optional)

If you want help choosing the best Ghana retirement options pathway and avoiding mistakes on permits, renewals, or long-term residence planning, you can request an introduction here:

2. Right of Abode (For the African Diaspora)

The Right of Abode (ROA) is Ghana’s closest equivalent to a “green card.” It is an indefinite residence status that grants far more rights than a standard residence permit. It was created specifically for two groups: former Ghanaian citizens who renounced their citizenship when obtaining a foreign nationality, and persons of African descent in the diaspora. Our comprehensive Right of Abode Ghana guide goes deeper on this pathway.

For African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and others of African heritage, this pathway is the most powerful option available.

Who qualifies (diaspora category): A person of African descent in the diaspora is legally defined as someone whose immediate forebears have resided outside the African continent for at least three generations, but whose origin, by documentary proof or by ethnic characteristics, is African.

Benefits of ROA status:

• The right to reside permanently in Ghana indefinitely (no renewal required)
• The right to enter Ghana without a visa
• The right to work or be self-employed without a work permit
• The ability to sponsor dependent family members
• Freedom from standard immigration controls

Important limitations:

• ROA is not citizenship. Holders cannot vote, hold public office, or obtain a Ghanaian passport
• Property ownership is still subject to the non-citizen 50-year leasehold limit (see Property section below)
• Dependents do not automatically receive ROA; they must qualify in their own right or apply for dependent permits
• ROA can be revoked if the holder is found to be a threat to national security or to have obtained status fraudulently

Application requirements (diaspora):

• Completed application form, submitted in person at the GIS office in Accra (no online portal exists)
• Application letter
• Attestation in writing from two Ghanaians of repute (notaries public, lawyers, or senior public officers), with copies of their national IDs
• Personal bank statement demonstrating financial standing
• Evidence of contribution to Ghana’s development (employment of Ghanaian nationals, tax contributions, audited accounts, or investment documentation)
• Current Ghana police clearance report
• Non-citizen ID card

Residency requirement: Applicants must have resided in Ghana for a total of 7 years, with at least 2 of those years being continuous and immediately preceding the application. In practice, this is a significant hurdle. Most diaspora retirees begin with a standard residence permit and spend several years building toward ROA eligibility. Only a small number of applications are processed each year, reflecting how demanding the threshold is in practice. Legal experts consistently recommend beginning the Ghana immigration journey well before you expect to meet this bar.

Important note on suspended citizenship applications: Ghana has at times adjusted or paused specific diaspora citizenship pathways while policy frameworks evolve. See our article on Ghana temporarily suspending citizenship applications for people of African descent and the latest on the Historic Diaspora Community citizenship vetting process for current status. The Ghana citizenship for the Historic Diasporan Community complete guide and the official announcement are essential reading for anyone pursuing this route.

The citizenship pathway: Ghana allows dual nationality. See our dual citizenship requirements for US citizens and our dual citizenship overview for details. Obtaining Ghanaian citizenship through naturalization requires 5 years of aggregate legal residence within the 7 years preceding your application, plus 12 continuous months of residence immediately before applying. That makes the practical minimum closer to 6 years of active, documented presence in Ghana. You must also demonstrate a clean criminal record, good character, financial self-sufficiency, and a meaningful contribution to Ghana’s development. Critically, applicants are also required to demonstrate proficiency in a Ghanaian language (such as Twi, Ga, Ewe, or Dagbani). The process runs through the Ministry of Interior and approval can take several years.

Our guides on how to get Ghanaian citizenship, the 2025 citizenship guide, how long the process takes, the documents needed for US citizens, and what they don’t tell you about naturalization lay out everything you need to know. If you are denied, see our guides on citizenship denial reasons and how to appeal a citizenship denial.

3. Permanent Residency (Indefinite Residence Permit)

Ghana also has a general indefinite residence permit. This can apply to spouses of Ghanaian citizens (after at least 3 years of residence in Ghana as a spouse), long-term residents who have accumulated at least 6 years of legal residence in the 8 years prior to applying (with 12 continuous months of residence immediately preceding the application), and in some cases long-term investors. Applicants must also demonstrate a substantial contribution to Ghana’s development, similar to the ROA standard, meaning this pathway is not automatic even if you meet the years requirement.

This pathway grants rights very similar to ROA, indefinite stay and the right to work, but is available to retirees who do not meet the diaspora definition for ROA. Critically, for retirees who have reached the 8-year limit of their retiree permit, this is the primary pathway to continued legal residence. Maintain clean permit compliance and documented legal residency throughout your initial 8 years to preserve this option. The residency to citizenship timeline is useful here.

4. ECOWAS Free Movement

Citizens of the 15 ECOWAS member states have the right to enter and reside in Ghana for up to 90 days without a visa. Longer-term residence still requires a permit, but the fees and some procedural requirements differ from those for non-ECOWAS nationals. See our full explainer on ECOWAS and how it affects travel.

Property Ownership: What Foreign Nationals Need to Know

Ghana’s constitution reserves full land ownership rights for citizens. Non-citizens, including all categories of foreign residents and even ROA holders, are subject to a maximum 50-year leasehold on any single property interest. This is a hard constitutional limit, not a bureaucratic technicality. Our detailed guide on whether foreigners can own land in Ghana and the Ghana property ownership laws for foreigners cover this in full.

Ghanaian citizens may hold leaseholds of up to 99 years, one of the concrete advantages of eventually obtaining Ghanaian citizenship for long-term residents.

The Ghanaian real estate market has matured significantly, especially in Accra, and the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) introduced important reforms to simplify property acquisition, reduce disputes, and improve documentation standards. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) also operates a Diaspora Desk specifically to help diaspora investors navigate the market.

Paying for property: A critical and often overlooked rule. Property purchases by non-citizens must be paid in foreign currency (USD, GBP, EUR, etc.) through official banking channels, not in Ghanaian Cedis. This is a legal requirement under Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act. Attempting to pay in local currency can render the transaction invalid and create significant legal problems. Ensure your funds are properly documented and transferred through licensed financial institutions.

Renting first: For most retirees, renting before buying is the right call. See our comprehensive guide to renting an apartment in Ghana as a foreigner for what to expect, including advance rent norms. If you want temporary accommodation while you settle in, see our Airbnb and temporary stay guide for Ghana. For those ready to buy, use our buying property through a developer checklist and read our broader housing in Ghana guide.

Popular expat and retiree neighborhoods in Accra:

• Cantonments, Airport Residential, and Labone, upscale, centrally located, close to embassies and international amenities; commands premium prices
• East Legon, modern, family-friendly, popular with professionals and retirees seeking a quieter pace
• Trasacco Valley and Adjiringanor, gated estate developments popular with returnees

For a broader look at where Americans in particular tend to settle, see American expats in Ghana: where they live and why. Outside Accra, cities like Kumasi (Ghana’s second-largest city) and coastal towns such as Cape Coast and Takoradi offer lower costs of living and a less frenetic pace, though with fewer international services.

Advance rent: Landlords in Ghana commonly require 1 to 2 years’ rent paid in advance at the start of a tenancy. This practice is gradually easing in parts of the market, but budget for a significant upfront outlay. Negotiate where possible and always get all terms in a written tenancy agreement.

Important real estate caution: Rental scams and fraudulent land sales are a known risk in Ghana. Always work through a licensed attorney, conduct thorough title searches through the Lands Commission, and verify agent credentials before paying any deposits. If you are considering an investment in land specifically, these 5 tips for investing in land in Ghana are a useful starting point.

Estate planning and inheritance: Many retirees overlook this until it is too late. Our dedicated guides on Ghana inheritance law for the diaspora and Ghana’s probate process for overseas families explain what happens to your assets when you die. Under Ghanaian law, a leasehold or property interest held by a non-citizen does not automatically pass to a foreign spouse or family member without proper legal structuring. A Ghanaian will, drafted with the assistance of a local attorney, is strongly recommended in addition to any home-country will. The two documents must be consistent with each other, and your Ghanaian attorney should be aware of your home-country estate plan.

Cost of Living

The honest picture of Ghana’s cost of living is mixed. It is not the universally cheap destination some expect, but with the right approach, a comfortable retirement lifestyle is achievable on a modest Western pension or Social Security income. For a video perspective, see how far a dollar goes in Ghana and what a US salary looks like for living in Ghana.

Where you will spend more than expected:

• Housing in expat-friendly Accra neighborhoods is the biggest budget item. In prime districts like East Legon or Airport Residential, a modern one-bedroom apartment can command $800 to $1,500 USD per month or more. Advance rent requirements mean significant upfront costs.
• Imported goods are expensive. Alcohol, dairy, cereals, and many branded products are priced similarly to what you’d pay in Europe or North America. See our groceries in Ghana guide for what to expect at the supermarket.
• Private healthcare is a necessary recurring cost for most foreign retirees (see Healthcare section).
• Power backup systems are a non-optional capital expense (see the Utilities section below).

Where you will spend less:

• Local food and produce, fresh tropical fruits (pineapples, mangoes, avocados, bananas), vegetables, fish, and local staples like rice and kenkey are extremely affordable at local markets.
• Street food and local restaurants offer delicious, filling meals for a dollar or two. See our guide to top street foods in Ghana and what food costs in Ghana.
• Domestic help, household staff, drivers, and gardeners are affordable by Western standards.
• Transportation, trotros (shared minibuses) and local taxis are very cheap, though most expats prefer ride-hailing apps (Uber and Bolt both operate in Accra) or hire a personal driver.

Rough monthly budget estimates for Accra (in USD):

• Budget lifestyle (modest housing, local food, minimal imported goods): $1,200 to $1,800/month
• Comfortable expat lifestyle (decent neighborhood, mix of local and Western amenities): $2,500 to $4,000/month
• Upscale lifestyle (prime neighborhood, frequent dining out, international school for dependents): $5,000+/month

Note that the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) has experienced significant inflation in recent years. Income held and transferred in USD, GBP, or EUR provides considerable protection against local currency fluctuations, a genuine advantage for retirees receiving foreign pensions. Use our currency converter to check current rates.

Healthcare

Healthcare is arguably the most important practical consideration for retiring in Ghana, and it requires careful planning. Our full medical care in Ghana guide and Ghana hospitals ranked by locals are essential reading before you commit.

Ghana operates a mixed public and private system. Public hospitals are inexpensive but generally below the standard that most Western retirees are accustomed to. Wait times can be long, equipment varies, and the quality of specialist care is inconsistent. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is Ghana’s public insurance program and is open to legal residents, but its coverage is limited, especially for serious or specialized conditions.

Most expatriate retirees rely on private healthcare. Accra has several reputable private hospitals and international clinics. Well-regarded facilities include Nyaho Medical Centre in Airport Residential (long popular with expatriates), Trust Hospital (consistently well-regarded), and Rabito Clinic. For serious emergencies, 37 Military Hospital has specialist capacity that many private facilities lack. That said, even the best private facilities in Ghana have limitations for complex procedures, and medical evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or North America remains a real possibility for serious conditions.

What you need:

• A comprehensive international health insurance policy covering treatment in Ghana and, critically, medical evacuation to South Africa, Europe, or North America. Major insurers active in this market include Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and AXA. Premiums for retirees aged 60+ are significant. Budget $3,000 to $8,000+ USD per year depending on age, health status, and coverage level.
• Ensure your policy does not have gaps for pre-existing conditions, and verify that medical evacuation is explicitly and generously covered, not just for life-threatening emergencies, but for conditions requiring specialist care unavailable in Ghana.

Prescription medications: This is a critical practical issue. Our pharmacy landscape in Ghana guide explains what is and isn’t reliably available. Many medications commonly prescribed in Western countries are difficult to source, available only sporadically, or of uncertain quality. Counterfeit or poorly stored medications are a documented problem in the West African pharmaceutical supply chain. Before relocating, consult your doctor about your medication requirements and bring at least a 3 to 6 month supply. Many retirees also use international shipping services to Ghana to maintain a reliable supply chain. If you take GLP-1 or Ozempic-class medications, see our specific guide on Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs in Ghana.

Dental and vision: Specialist dental and vision care is limited outside of Accra. Many retirees schedule dental and specialist eye appointments during trips home. Factor this into your annual budget and travel planning.

Taxes

Ghana taxes residents on income sourced in Ghana. Foreign pension income remitted to Ghana is generally not taxed in Ghana, making the country relatively favorable for retirees drawing pensions from abroad. Your Social Security or private pension income is typically not subject to Ghanaian income tax. See our guide to Ghana tax obligations for dual citizens for more detail.

U.S. Social Security in Ghana: Americans can receive Social Security payments while living in Ghana without restriction. The SSA does not block payments to Ghana, and receiving direct deposits into a U.S. bank account and then transferring funds internationally as needed is straightforward. However, SSA periodically requires proof-of-life verification for overseas recipients. Stay current with any SSA correspondence and respond promptly to any requests.

For Americans specifically:

• The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows qualifying Americans abroad to exclude a significant amount of foreign-earned income from U.S. tax. This does not apply to passive income like Social Security or pension income, but is relevant if you do any paid work.
• There is no tax totalization agreement between the U.S. and Ghana, meaning if you are employed in Ghana you could potentially owe Social Security contributions in both countries.
• Americans who pay income tax to Ghana may be able to claim a Foreign Tax Credit to offset their U.S. liability.
• U.S. citizens with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 at any point in the calendar year must file an FBAR annually. Those with higher account values have additional FATCA reporting obligations. These requirements do not disappear because you live abroad. Failure to comply carries severe penalties.

Consult both a U.S. tax advisor specializing in expat taxation and a Ghanaian tax professional before relocating.

Money: Getting Funds In and Managing Finances

Our dedicated money in Ghana guide and everything you need to know about Ghana money as a foreigner are the most comprehensive resources on this topic.

Transferring money to Ghana: Ghana’s Foreign Exchange Act and Bank of Ghana regulations govern how foreign currency moves in and out of the country. For routine living expenses, see our guide to the best ways to send money to Ghana. Services like Wise and Remitly significantly reduce costs compared to standard bank wires. For larger transactions, particularly property purchases, funds must move through licensed financial institutions and be properly documented.

Opening a Ghanaian bank account: This is advisable for managing local expenses. Our guide to the best banks in Ghana breaks down the main options. If you want to get set up before you arrive, see how to open a Ghanaian bank account from the USA. Major banks include GCB Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Absa Ghana, and Stanbic Bank.

Mobile money: Ghana has one of Africa’s most developed mobile money ecosystems. MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) and Vodafone Cash are widely used for everyday payments. Our mobile money in Ghana guide explains how to get set up. It is genuinely useful for day-to-day transactions once you’re in-country.

Currency strategy: Given the Cedi’s history of depreciation against hard currencies, most experienced retirees keep their primary savings and pension income in USD, GBP, or EUR and convert to Cedis as needed for local expenses. Holding large Cedi balances over time exposes you to devaluation risk. Use our currency converter to track the rate.

ATMs and cash: ATMs are widely available in Accra and major cities, accepting Visa and Mastercard. Rural and coastal areas have significantly fewer ATMs, so carry adequate cash when traveling outside urban centers. Many landlords, markets, and tradespeople deal primarily in cash.

Practical Daily Life

Our daily life in Ghana guide and what to expect as an expat or newcomer are excellent companions to this section. For a curated list of the practical essentials, see Ghana living essentials.

Utilities: The Dumsor Reality

“Dumsor”, literally “off-on” in Twi, is the local term for Ghana’s intermittent power supply, and it is the single daily life factor that surprises newly arrived retirees most. Our dedicated guides on power outages in Ghana and how to deal with power blackouts in Ghana explain what to expect and how to prepare. While the situation has improved considerably since the severe dumsor years of 2014 to 2016, outages remain a fact of Ghanaian life you must plan for.

Almost every serious expat household in Ghana has a backup power solution. Options include a generator (petrol or diesel, sized to your needs), an inverter/battery system, or increasingly, solar with battery storage. Budget for this as a non-optional capital expense, approximately $500 to $3,000+ depending on the setup, plus ongoing fuel or maintenance costs. Many modern apartments and gated estate developments include backup generator systems as a shared building amenity.

Air conditioning is essential in Ghana’s climate and the largest electricity consumer in most expat households. Factor this into both your utilities budget and your backup power planning. For internet and connectivity specifically, see our best internet in Ghana guide and our SIM card guide.

Water: Tap water in Ghana is not safe to drink without treatment. Our water quality in Ghana guide explains the full picture. Bottled water is standard for drinking and cooking; sachets of water (“pure water”) are ubiquitous and very cheap. Alternatively, many households install filtration or purification systems.

Driving and Getting Around

Most expats in Accra do not drive themselves, and for good reason. Accra’s traffic is famously congested, road conditions vary widely, and driving culture is assertive. Our full transportation in Ghana guide covers all your options. The majority of retirees hire a personal driver (typically $300 to $600/month for full-time use) or rely on Uber and Bolt, which work reliably in Accra and are very affordable.

If you choose to drive, your home-country license is valid for a limited period. You will need to obtain a Ghanaian driver’s license for extended residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained before departure provides a recognized transitional credential. Ghana drives on the right side of the road. Be particularly cautious at night, when road hazards are harder to spot and safety risks increase significantly. If you are considering bringing or buying a vehicle, see our buy a car in Ghana guide and Ghana car import cost calculator.

Air Quality

Accra’s air quality is a genuine health consideration, particularly for retirees with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD. Use our Ghana air quality tracker to monitor current conditions. During the Harmattan season (roughly November to February), thick dust haze blowing in from the Sahara causes particulate matter levels to rise noticeably. See our guide to what Harmattan season in Ghana is really like and what to expect during Harmattan. If you have respiratory sensitivities, discuss this with your doctor before committing to Accra as your base.

Food Safety

The food culture in Ghana is wonderful, vibrant, varied, and deeply flavorful. Newly arrived retirees often experience a digestive adjustment period as their systems adapt to local food preparation practices and new bacterial environments. Common sense hygiene applies: wash produce thoroughly or peel it, be cautious with raw salads at unfamiliar establishments, and be selective about street food until you have a feel for which vendors maintain good practices. The adjustment period is temporary for most people. Within a few months, most retirees eat broadly across the local food landscape without difficulty.

Safety and Security

Ghana is one of the safer countries in West Africa. However, petty crime and scams targeting foreigners are present, particularly in Accra. Our Ghana safety relocation guide, crime in Ghana overview, and safety tips for visiting Ghana give a realistic picture. It is also useful to know how to handle police bribery in Ghana, a situation some expats encounter. Gated residential communities are popular among expats. Exercise standard urban caution, avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics, and take sensible precautions with transportation at night.

Pets

If you plan to bring pets, Ghana has specific import requirements. Dogs and cats generally require a health certificate, proof of current rabies vaccination, and a valid international health certificate. Requirements can change, so verify current rules with the Ghana Veterinary Service Directorate and your home country’s agriculture department well in advance. Also check our top items to bring when traveling to Ghana list, which covers practical packing essentials beyond pets.

Language and Culture

English is Ghana’s official language. You will have no difficulty conducting daily life in English. For a deeper look at the many languages spoken in Ghana, including Twi and other regional languages, see our language guide. Learning even a few phrases in Twi is genuinely appreciated and will enrich your social experience.

Understanding Ghanaian social culture for expats is important. Ghanaian culture places high value on greetings, patience, and relational warmth. The concept of “Ghana time” (a relaxed attitude toward punctuality) is real, and adapting to a more relaxed transactional culture is an adjustment for many Westerners. See also Ghanaian cultural norms and phrases to know.

Finding Your Community

Ghana has an established and growing expat and diaspora community, particularly in Accra. Active Facebook groups, diaspora social organizations, international churches, and neighborhood groups provide a ready social infrastructure. The diaspora community has its own active networks. Organizations like the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre and various diaspora business associations are active meeting points. For expats with children, see our guide to school options for expat children in Ghana.

The Year of Return and Beyond the Return

For African-heritage retirees, it is worth understanding the policy context that has shaped Ghana’s welcoming posture toward the diaspora. In 2019, Ghana declared the “Year of Return”, marking 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in America. The government invited the global African diaspora to “come home,” and the initiative generated enormous interest, particularly among African Americans. Read more about what the Year of Return was and Ghana’s historic welcome home campaign.

The “Beyond the Return” initiative (2020 to 2030) followed, shifting from symbolic homecoming to practical economic integration. Institutions like the Office of Diaspora Affairs and the GIPC Diaspora Desk now exist specifically to assist diaspora returnees with investment guidance, immigration information, and connections to credible local partners. For those considering business activity alongside retirement, see our guides on starting a business in Ghana as a foreigner and Ghana business registration for foreign investors.

Steps to Getting Started

Retiring in Ghana is not a decision to make or execute overnight. Here is a sensible sequence of steps:

1. Visit first. Spend 2 to 4 weeks in Ghana on a tourist visa before committing to anything. Explore neighborhoods in Accra, visit Kumasi and the coast, and develop a realistic picture of life there. Experience a power outage. Try the food. Talk to people who have already made the move. Use our book a flight to Ghana tool and check the Ghana travel tools page for planning resources. Review the Ghana holidays calendar and Ghana weather guide to time your visit well.
2. Consult an immigration attorney. Ghana’s immigration rules have nuances, and professional guidance from a reputable Ghana-based lawyer is well worth the investment. It will save you time, money, and frustration, and help you plan beyond your initial permit period. See how to find a lawyer in Ghana and get a sense of Ghana immigration lawyer costs in 2026.
3. Determine your eligibility pathway. Based on your age, background, and long-term goals, identify whether the Retiree Residence Permit, Right of Abode, or another status is most appropriate, and plan for the 8-year retiree permit limit from day one. Download our Ghana citizenship guides PDF for offline reference.
4. Apostille your documents before leaving home. Police clearances, birth and marriage certificates, and financial documents will be needed in apostilled form. Start this process early.
5. Sort out your finances. Set up international banking arrangements (including opening a Ghanaian bank account from the USA), research international health insurance including medical evacuation, consult a tax professional in both your home country and Ghana, and establish your currency management strategy.
6. Prepare your medication supply chain. Review the pharmacy landscape in Ghana and verify what is reliably available. Bring at least a 3 to 6 month supply of any regular prescriptions.
7. Plan your housing. Consider renting for the first 6 to 12 months before committing to buying. Use our renting an apartment in Ghana as a foreigner guide and Airbnb temporary stay guide for early accommodation. When you’re ready to buy, use the developer purchase checklist.
8. Draft a Ghanaian will. Once you have property or significant assets in Ghana, work with a local attorney to prepare a will valid under Ghanaian law. Read our guides on inheritance law for the diaspora and Ghana’s probate process for overseas families first.
9. Register with your embassy. Enroll in your home country’s traveler registration program (Americans: STEP) upon arrival.
10. Connect with the community. Ghana’s diaspora and expat communities are active and welcoming. Engage with them early. They are an invaluable practical resource and the fastest route to trusted local recommendations for everything from doctors to landlords.

A Final Word

Ghana offers something genuinely rare: a retirement destination that combines real-world livability with profound cultural and historical resonance. Its democratic stability, English-speaking environment, and diaspora-friendly policies make it one of the most credible options for those looking to retire on the African continent. The challenges, housing costs, healthcare logistics, power reliability, immigration paperwork, and currency volatility, are real, but they are manageable with good preparation and the right professional support.

The most important thing is to go in with clear eyes and realistic expectations. Ghana will reward those who take the time to understand it properly.

For ongoing news and updates on Ghana’s immigration landscape, policies, and expat life, visit ghanacitizenship.com/news.

Note: Immigration rules, fees, and government programs change. Always verify current requirements directly with the Ghana Immigration Service (gis.gov.gh), the Office of Diaspora Affairs, or a licensed Ghanaian immigration attorney before making any applications or decisions. For U.S. tax matters, consult a CPA or attorney specializing in expatriate taxation.

Sources and Official Links

• Ghana Immigration Service (GIS): gis.gov.gh
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): step.state.gov
• GhanaCitizenship.com Ghana visa process (simplified): https://ghanacitizenship.com/2025-ghana-visa-process-simplified/
• Right of Abode Ghana guide: https://ghanacitizenship.com/right-of-abode-ghana-guide/
• Residency to Ghanaian citizenship timeline: https://ghanacitizenship.com/residency-to-ghanaian-citizenship-timeline/
• Ghana property ownership laws for foreigners: https://ghanacitizenship.com/ghana-property-ownership-laws-for-foreigners/