In a bold move to attract global talent and foster economic development, Ghana has launched an innovative “Visit, Work, and Stay” visa. Officially unveiled on April 22, 2025, this new visa scheme aims to welcome skilled professionals, digital nomads, freelancers, and investors who wish to live and work in Ghana without the traditional red tape of obtaining a work permit.
The visa is part of Ghana’s larger “Beyond the Return” campaign, a ten-year initiative launched after the success of the “Year of Return” in 2019. It seeks to deepen engagement with the African diaspora, drive tourism, encourage investment, and position Ghana as West Africa’s leading destination for relocation and remote work.
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What Is the “Visit, Work, and Stay” Visa?
The “Visit, Work, and Stay” visa allows eligible foreigners to legally enter Ghana, reside for extended periods, and engage in income-generating work without requiring a separate work permit. This makes it especially attractive to digital nomads, tech workers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and other remote professionals looking for a stable, culturally rich, and economically vibrant base in Africa.
Unlike traditional tourist visas that limit your ability to work, or work permits that involve complex bureaucracy, this all-in-one visa streamlines the entire process, making relocation to Ghana far more accessible.
Who Is the Visa Designed For?
Ghana’s new visa program specifically targets:
- Skilled professionals in industries like technology, finance, education, and healthcare.
- Remote workers and digital nomads employed by foreign companies but operating online.
- Freelancers and creative professionals, including writers, designers, and consultants.
- Entrepreneurs and business investors exploring opportunities in Ghana’s emerging markets.
- Diasporans looking to reconnect with their African roots while contributing to the economy.
By removing the need for separate work permits and long residency processing, Ghana has opened its doors to a new class of global citizens seeking flexibility, stability, and opportunity.
Visa Benefits: Why People Are Flocking to Ghana in 2025
This visa initiative comes at a time when the demand for alternative relocation destinations is at an all-time high. Rising living costs, visa barriers, and unstable political climates in some regions have made countries like Ghana especially appealing. Here are some key benefits:
- Simplified Immigration Process: One visa for visiting, working, and staying.
- Lower Cost of Living: Compared to Europe or North America, Ghana offers affordable housing, food, and transportation.
- Rich Culture and Heritage: A global hub for African identity, music, food, and history.
- Friendly Visa Duration: The visa allows for extended stays, renewable based on eligibility.
- Access to Business and Investment Opportunities: Ghana’s stable economy, expanding tech sector, and pan-African connections make it an ideal launchpad.
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Boosting Ghana’s Economy and Tourism
This new visa isn’t just about convenience—it’s a strategic economic move. By encouraging longer stays and legal work, Ghana anticipates a significant boost in:
- Tourism Revenue: Longer stays translate to more spending on lodging, food, and travel experiences.
- Foreign Investment: Remote workers and entrepreneurs often invest in local ventures, coworking spaces, and startups.
- Job Creation: As expatriates start businesses or train local teams, they contribute to employment.
- Cultural Exchange: Welcoming diverse professionals enriches Ghanaian society and fosters international collaborations.
Ghana’s tourism authority believes that the “Visit, Work, and Stay” visa will bring more than just money—it will bring innovation, ideas, and partnerships that will shape the country’s future.
Requirements for the Ghana “Visit, Work, and Stay” Visa
To qualify for the visa, applicants generally need to provide:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
- Proof of employment or self-employment (remote job contracts or business ownership documents)
- Bank statements showing sufficient financial means to support your stay
- Proof of accommodation in Ghana
- Clean criminal background check
- Proof of health insurance coverage
Applicants are advised to check the official Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) website for specific eligibility criteria, required documentation, and application forms.
How to Apply for the New Ghana Visa in 2025
- Online Pre-Application: Submit an intent to apply via the Ghana Immigration Service’s online portal.
- Document Upload: Scan and upload your passport, proof of employment/income, and supporting documents.
- Application Fee: Pay the required visa processing fee via bank transfer or credit card.
- Review and Interview: Some applicants may be invited for a brief virtual interview.
- Approval and Issuance: Once approved, the visa will be stamped into your passport or issued digitally.
Processing times range from 2–6 weeks depending on the volume of applications and document completeness.
How This Supports the “Beyond the Return” Campaign
The “Beyond the Return” campaign is Ghana’s global appeal to people of African descent and international allies to visit, invest, and settle in Ghana. It builds on the momentum of the “Year of Return,” which saw thousands of tourists and celebrities visit Ghana in 2019 to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
The “Visit, Work, and Stay” visa is the most significant policy addition to this campaign since its launch. It provides a legal and economic pathway for diasporans to not just visit for a week—but to stay for years.
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Why Ghana Is a Top Destination for Relocation in 2025
- Political Stability: Ghana is one of the most peaceful democracies in West Africa.
- Thriving Expat Community: Major cities like Accra and Kumasi are home to vibrant expat and diasporan communities.
- Tech and Startup Boom: Ghana is increasingly attracting global investment in fintech, e-commerce, and AI.
- English-Speaking Environment: As an Anglophone country, communication is easy for most international visitors.
- Affordable Healthcare and Education: Ghana offers access to both public and private services for families.
Conclusion: Is Ghana Your Next Home?
With this groundbreaking “Visit, Work, and Stay” visa, Ghana is making it easier than ever to call West Africa home. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for your next base, an entrepreneur exploring Africa’s emerging markets, or a diasporan seeking to reconnect with your roots—Ghana is extending a warm invitation.
This visa isn’t just a document—it’s a gateway to new possibilities in 2025.
Ready to make your move to Ghana? Start your application process today and let Travul.org help guide your journey to a seamless relocation experience.
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