How to Register a Company in Ghana as a Foreigner (2026)

In short

Incorporate a company limited by shares with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC): at least two directors, one ordinarily resident in Ghana, plus a qualified company secretary.
Register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) after incorporation and before you start operating, then renew every year.
Most foreign-owned businesses no longer face a general minimum capital; foreign trading companies need USD 500,000 in cash equity.
Then register for tax and VAT with the GRA, as an employer with SSNIT, open a bank account and secure any sector licences and work permits.

Before you start: choose the right structure

Most foreign investors set up a private company limited by shares under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992). An existing overseas company can instead register a Ghanaian branch as an external company. On the ORC's 2026 fee schedule, registering an external company costs USD 1,400 (payable in the cedi equivalent), against GHS 585 for a company limited by shares.

Two questions under the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026 (Act 1173) come first. Is your activity one of the six reserved for Ghanaians, such as market trading or taxi services with fewer than 25 vehicles? And is it trading? Foreign-owned trading enterprises must invest at least USD 500,000 in cash as equity and ensure that at least 75% of their skilled employees are Ghanaian. Most other foreign-owned companies and joint ventures no longer face a general minimum capital requirement, although sector regulators may set their own.

Step 1: Incorporate with the Office of the Registrar of Companies

The ORC handles incorporation. Its published process runs from a name availability check, through completing Form 3C and collecting consents and statutory declarations, to beneficial ownership disclosure, payment and issue of the certificate of incorporation. Applications can be filed through the ORC's online system (reported as the eRegistrar portal) or at its counters in Accra.

Key requirements under Act 992

At least two directors, one of whom must be ordinarily resident in Ghana (section 171).
A company secretary who meets the qualifications in section 211, for example a lawyer in good standing or a member of a recognised professional body.
A registered office in Ghana, with a physical address and a digital address.
An auditor who is a licensed chartered accountant registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, and who has consented to act.
A beneficial ownership disclosure for each individual who ultimately owns or controls the company.

Documents and fees

Expect to provide passport copies for foreign directors and shareholders, consent letters, statutory declarations witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths or notary public, the constitution, the share structure and a taxpayer identification number for each individual. The ORC's 2026 schedule lists:

GHS 585 for registration of the company, constitution, Form 3 and beneficial ownership profile;
capital duty of 1% of stated capital;
an optional expedited (VIP) service at GHS 1,885 on top;
GHS 175 for each annual return, due first within 18 months of incorporation and then yearly.

Fees change, so check the current schedule before you pay.

Timelines

The ORC does not publish a standard processing time for ordinary applications. Its paid premium service promises delivery within 48 hours. In practice, the main cause of delay is an incomplete or incorrectly witnessed file.

Step 2: Register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority

An enterprise with foreign participation must register with GIPA after incorporation and before it starts operating. Under Act 1173 the Authority is to complete registration within five days of receiving a complete application, and registration must be renewed every year. GIPA lists the certificate of incorporation, a certified true copy of the constitution, Form 3 and the beneficial ownership document as core attachments. Registration also unlocks the automatic expatriate quota.

At the time of writing, some GIPA web pages still refer to the repealed GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865). Confirm current forms and fees with the Authority before filing.

Step 3: Register for tax with the Ghana Revenue Authority

The GRA issues a taxpayer identification number (TIN) to companies and other legal persons free of charge. For individuals, the Ghana Card PIN serves as the TIN; foreign residents can apply to the National Identification Authority for a non-citizen Ghana Card, and non-resident investors are reported to obtain a TIN using their passport.

Since 1 January 2026, businesses that supply services must register for VAT whatever their turnover, unless the Commissioner-General permits otherwise. Suppliers of goods must register once taxable supplies exceed GHS 750,000 in a 12-month period. VAT-registered businesses issue invoices through the GRA's certified invoicing system (E-VAT) or a fiscal electronic device.

Step 4: Register as an employer with SSNIT

Once you hire staff, register with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust. SSNIT asks for the certificate of incorporation, a Ghana Card or passport, a local authority certificate, the TIN and business details. Contributions total 18.5% of basic salary: 13% from the employer and 5.5% from the employee. Of this, 13.5% goes to SSNIT within 14 days of the following month and 5% to a Tier 2 scheme. The rules cover expatriate as well as Ghanaian employees.

Step 5: Open a corporate bank account

Banks will ask for the incorporation documents, constitution, a board resolution, identification for directors, signatories and beneficial owners, and the TIN. Keep clear bank records of capital transferred from abroad, particularly for a trading company that must show cash equity. Remember that domestic transactions must be priced and settled in cedis.

Step 6: Sector licences and local permits

Regulated activities, such as financial services, telecommunications, energy, mining or food and drugs, need a licence from the relevant regulator before trading starts. Your local assembly may also require a business operating permit. Build these into your timeline, as they often take longer than incorporation itself.

Step 7: Work and residence permits

Under Act 1173, GIPA-registered enterprises receive an automatic expatriate quota of 2 to 12 positions, scaled to invested capital from USD 50,000 to above USD 10 million. Each quota is valid for five years and renewable. The Ghana Immigration Service then processes work and residence permits. Its checklist for quota and investor applicants includes an employer's letter, the GIPA certificate, tax clearance, audited accounts, medical and police reports and a letter of approval from the Ministry of the Interior.

Ongoing obligations

Renew GIPA registration every year.
File ORC annual returns.
File and pay VAT by the last working day of the following month.
Pay SSNIT contributions within 14 days of the following month.
File withholding tax returns within 15 days after the end of each month.

How Gotham Consult can help

Gotham Consult manages the full sequence, from name search and incorporation to GIPA registration, TIN, VAT and SSNIT, and coordinates sector licences and permits. Our Market entry and company setup service starts from GHS 28,500 plus government fees. If you are still weighing your options, a Ghana briefing costs GHS 2,900 and is credited against follow-on work.

Questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Ghana?

Yes, outside the six activities reserved for Ghanaians and subject to sector rules. A foreign-owned trading company must invest at least USD 500,000 in cash and have at least 75% Ghanaian skilled staff.

Do I need a Ghanaian director?

Act 992 requires at least two directors, one of whom is ordinarily resident in Ghana. The test in the Act is residence rather than nationality, so take advice on who qualifies in your case.

How long does registration take?

The ORC does not publish a standard time for ordinary applications but offers a 48-hour premium service. GIPA is to register within five days of a complete application. Licences and permits add time.

What are the government fees?

On the ORC's 2026 schedule, registering a company limited by shares costs GHS 585, plus capital duty of 1% of stated capital. GIPA, sector regulator and immigration fees are extra; confirm them before filing.

Must a new services company register for VAT straight away?

Generally yes. Since 1 January 2026, suppliers of services must register for VAT regardless of turnover unless the Commissioner-General permits otherwise.

Sources

Last reviewed: 29 September 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.