Document Checklist for Emigrating from Ghana 2026
Gathering the right documents is often the most time-consuming part of emigrating from Ghana. This comprehensive checklist covers every document you may need, where to obtain them, processing times, and costs.
Essential Documents
| Document | Where to Get | Processing Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Passport Office / Ghana Embassy | 2-6 weeks | GHS 350 (standard) | Must have 6+ months validity. Renewal guide |
| Birth Certificate | Births & Deaths Registry | 1-4 weeks | GHS 10-30 | Long-form certificate preferred. Guide |
| Police Clearance | Ghana Police Service HQ, Accra | 2-4 weeks | GHS 50-100 | Valid for 6-12 months. Bring ID and passport photos |
| Educational Certificates | Your institution | 1-4 weeks | Varies | Originals and certified copies. Request sealed transcripts |
| Credential Assessment (WES/NARIC) | WES (Canada), ENIC-NARIC (UK) | 3-5 months | $200-$350 | Start early -- this takes the longest |
| IELTS/Language Test | British Council Accra | Results in 13 days | GHS 1,500-2,000 | Valid for 2 years. Book 2-3 months ahead |
| Medical Examination | Approved panel physician | Same day + results | $100-$300 | Specific to destination country. Must use approved doctor |
| Marriage Certificate | Registrar General | Varies | Varies | If applying with spouse. Must be legally recognised |
| Document Legalisation | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | 2-5 days | GHS 50-200 | Legalisation guide |
| Professional Registration | Relevant professional body | Varies | Varies | NMC (nurses), GhIE (engineers), ICAG (accountants) |
Country-Specific Requirements
United Kingdom
- TB test certificate from approved clinic in Accra (required before visa application)
- ATAS certificate for certain STEM research programmes
- Proof of English (IELTS or approved test)
Canada
- WES Educational Credential Assessment (takes 3-5 months)
- Proof of funds (CAD 13,757 for single applicant in 2026)
- Provincial nomination letter (if PNP stream)
Australia
- Skills assessment from relevant authority (ACS, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, etc.)
- Character assessment (police clearance from every country lived in 12+ months)
- Polio and yellow fever vaccination certificates
Germany
- Degree recognition through anabin database or ZAB assessment
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto) with EUR 13,092 for Chancenkarte
- Health insurance proof
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for 3-6 months minimum. The credential assessment (WES/NARIC) is usually the longest wait at 3-5 months. Police clearance takes 2-4 weeks. IELTS results come in 13 days but preparation may take months. Medical exams are quick (same day). Start with the credential assessment as soon as you decide to emigrate.
Documents are legalised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra. For apostille (Hague Convention countries), Ghana uses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some documents may also need authentication at the destination country's embassy in Accra. See our legalisation guide.
If your documents are in English, translation is not usually needed for English-speaking countries. For Germany, official German translations (by a sworn translator) are required for all non-German documents. Translation costs vary: GHS 200-500 per document. Use only certified translators recognised by the destination country.