Ghana Card for Foreigners: Eligibility, Requirements and Registration

For a foreign national living in Ghana, the Ghana Card comes in a different form: the Non-Citizen Ghana Card. It is issued through a dedicated system called the Foreigner Identification Management System (FIMS), and it is mandatory for anyone who meets the residency threshold. Here is a complete breakdown of the eligibility rules, the documents you need, the fees, and the step-by-step process.

Eligibility: Who Needs the Non-Citizen Ghana Card?

The card is mandatory for foreign nationals who are legally resident in Ghana. You qualify if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Permanent Resident: You are permanently resident in Ghana.

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• Cumulative Residency: You have been cumulatively resident in Ghana for at least 90 days in any calendar year.

• Age: All foreigners aged six years and above must register.

Who is exempt?
You do not need to apply if you are a diplomat, an employee of the United Nations or its agencies, or the spouse or dependent of a diplomat or UN employee. Dual citizens also do not register for this card; they register for the standard Ghana Card for citizens.

Requirements: What You Need to Bring

The documentation is strict, but there is a fallback if you lack certain papers.

Primary Documents (Provide at least one)

• Valid Passport

• Residence Permit (or visa showing legal entry)

• Birth Certificate certified or validated by your country’s Embassy in Ghana

If You Lack the Primary Documents: The Vouching Process

If you do not have a valid passport or a certified birth certificate, you can be vouched for. This requires:

• An Oath of Identity Form sworn before a Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public, or Lawyer.

• A relative who holds a Ghana Card or Non-Citizen Ghana Card can vouch for you.

• If you have no relatives, two persons (Ghanaian or non-Ghanaian) aged 18 and above who hold a valid Ghana Card can vouch for you. They must belong to approved categories like professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers), clergy, public servants, or security officers.

Fees: What It Costs

The fees are set in US Dollars but payable in Ghana Cedis at the prevailing exchange rate.

The Process: Step by Step

The process is designed to be instant, with the card issued on the spot if everything is in order.

Step 1: Buy the FIMS Scratch Card
You must purchase a scratch card before registration. This is the only accepted payment method for the card. Buy it at any CalBank or Access Bank branch, or online via the CalBank App or USSD code *771#.

Step 2: Visit a FIMS Registration Centre
Go to an authorised centre with your documents and the scratch card. Locations include the NIA Head Office (Shiashie), VFS Global (East Cantonments), and specific CalBank branches (Ridge, Tema Industrial Area, Takoradi Harbour, Kumasi Nhyiaeso).

Step 3: Document Verification and Interview
A Registration Officer will verify your documents and conduct a brief interview. You will complete an application form with your biographic details.

Step 4: Biometric Capture
Your biometrics will be captured: 10 fingerprints, a portrait photograph, iris scans, and your signature.

Step 5: Confirmation and Issuance
You will review a printout of your details to ensure there are no errors. If everything is correct, your Non-Citizen Ghana Card is printed and issued to you immediately.

Why You Need It

This card is not just a formality. It is the primary identification document for foreigners in Ghana and is required for:

• Opening and operating a bank account

• Applying for or renewing residence or work permits

• Registering a SIM card or a vehicle

• Accessing healthcare and other government services

Important: The card does not replace your residence or work permit. It is an identity document, while the permit grants you the legal right to stay.

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who needs a Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
Foreign nationals who are permanently resident in Ghana or have been cumulatively resident for at least 90 days in a calendar year. All foreigners aged six and above must register.

2. What documents do I need for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
You need at least one of the following: a valid passport, a residence permit, or a birth certificate certified by your embassy. If you lack these, you can be vouched for by a relative or two qualified persons holding a Ghana Card.

3. How much does the Non-Citizen Ghana Card cost?
First issuance is USD 120. Annual renewal is USD 78. Replacement is USD 75. Updating records is free.

4. How do I pay for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
You must purchase a FIMS scratch card from CalBank or Access Bank, or online via the CalBank App or USSD code *771#.

5. Where can I register for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
Authorised FIMS centres include the NIA Head Office (Shiashie), VFS Global (East Cantonments), and specific CalBank branches (Ridge, Tema Industrial Area, Takoradi Harbour, Kumasi Nhyiaeso).

6. How long does it take to get the Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
The card is printed and issued on the spot if all documents are in order.

7. Does the Non-Citizen Ghana Card replace my residence permit?
No. The card is an identity document. Your residence or work permit grants you the legal right to stay in Ghana. You need both.

8. Are diplomats and UN staff required to register?
No. Diplomats, UN employees, and their spouses and dependents are exempt from FIMS registration. Dual citizens register for the standard Ghana Card instead.

Source: Accra Street Journal

Last Updated on October 22, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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