Document Legalization & Authentication
How to authenticate Ghanaian documents for use abroad, or foreign documents for use in Ghana, through Ghana embassies and high commissions.
What is Document Legalization?
Document legalization (also called authentication or attestation) is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document so it can be recognised in another country. Ghana embassies can authenticate:
- Educational certificates - University degrees, diplomas, school certificates
- Marriage certificates - For use in immigration, spousal visa applications
- Birth certificates - Including consular birth certificates for Ghanaians born abroad
- Death certificates
- Commercial documents - Company registration, articles of incorporation, powers of attorney
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Medical certificates
Requirements
- Original document(s) to be authenticated
- Certified copies of the documents
- Photo ID (Ghana passport or national ID)
- Translation into English (if document is in another language, by a certified translator)
- Notarisation or apostille from the country of origin (for foreign documents)
- Applicable fee
- Some documents may require prior authentication by the issuing institution (e.g., university verification letter)
Process
- Contact your embassy - Confirm required documents, fees, and whether an appointment is needed.
- Prepare documents - Gather originals, copies, and any required translations or notarisations.
- Submit at the embassy - Present documents and pay the fee.
- Processing - Typically 3-5 working days. Some documents may need to be sent to Accra.
- Collection - Collect authenticated documents from the embassy.
Fees
Authentication fees vary by embassy and document type. Typical ranges:
- Standard authentication: $15-30 USD per document
- Commercial documents: $25-50 USD per document
- Powers of Attorney: $30-60 USD
- Notarial services: $20-40 USD
Fees are approximate and vary by embassy location. Confirm with your specific embassy.