Right of Abode
Come home to Ghana, for good
The diaspora's right to live and work here for life.
Expatsi helps you weigh the move and build a real plan with people on the ground.
Why Ghana
A warm welcome, in English
Ghana is stable, friendly, and English is the official language, so daily life clicks fast. Your money goes further too: a couple lives comfortably on about $1,900 a month.
What Right of Abode gives you
Live indefinitely
No visa runs, no renewals, no expiry date.
Work permit-free
Take a job or run a business without a work permit.
Come and go freely
Enter Ghana anytime without a visa.
Bring your family
Sponsor your spouse and children.
The Visa
An open door for the diaspora
Ghana wrote Right of Abode into law so people of African descent could settle here for life. Here's the catch: it isn't citizenship. You keep your own passport and you can't vote, but you can live and work here for good.
- For people of African descent in the diaspora
- Granted by the Minister of the Interior, with the President's approval
- The closest status to citizenship, without the passport
Right of Abode
Grants the right to live and work in Ghana indefinitely to individuals of African descent in the diaspora.
- Timeline
- Not specified
- Difficulty
- Easy
Key requirements
- Proof of African descent
- Good character, attested by two Ghanaian citizens of reputable standing
- No criminal convictions resulting in imprisonment of 12 months or more
- Demonstrated contribution to Ghana’s development
Do you qualify?
The bar is about character and commitment, not the size of your bank balance.
- Proof of African descent
- Two Ghanaian referees of good standing
- No serious criminal record
- A real plan to contribute to Ghana
Scouting Trips
Before you move, see Ghana like a future resident.
- We walk neighborhoods
- Meet local experts
- Tour healthcare facilities
- Explore housing options
- Help you understand what daily life actually feels like
Year of Return
The campaign that called you home
In 2019 Ghana marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans reached Virginia and invited the diaspora home. Since then more than a thousand people have taken citizenship, and many more have settled on Right of Abode.
A partner already in Ghana
African Diaspora Resource Centre Ltd
Ghana Relocation and Visas
The African Diaspora Resource Centre helps returnees land in Ghana, from visas and residency to housing, business setup, and heritage tours. They're based in-country and built for the diaspora.
Jessy Bernard
Ghana Local Guide
Whether you’re looking for personalized advice on relocating to Ghana or just want to see the country through a fellow expat’s eyes, Jessy’s consultations are designed to make your transition smooth and your experiences unforgettable.
Your questions, answered.
Will I pay Ghanaian tax on my US pension or income?
Only if you become a tax resident, which means 183 days or more in Ghana in a year. Residents are taxed on worldwide income. There's no US-Ghana tax treaty, so you'd lean on US foreign tax credits. You still file US taxes as an American abroad, so talk to a cross-border tax pro.
Who counts as a person of African descent?
Ghana's law is written for the diaspora, people whose ancestors left Africa generations ago. You'll provide documents that support your heritage. Officials treat commercial DNA tests as helpful backup, not standalone proof, so pair them with genealogy or other records.
Is this the same as citizenship by descent?
No. If a parent or grandparent was Ghanaian, you may be able to claim citizenship directly, which is often the faster route. Right of Abode is the path for diaspora members who don't have that direct line but can show African ancestry.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
Plan for patience. The Ministry of the Interior aims for about six months after Immigration files its due-diligence report, but many applicants wait a year or more. Government fees are modest and change over time, so confirm current amounts with the Ghana Immigration Service.
Does Right of Abode make me a Ghanaian citizen?
No. It gives you the right to live and work in Ghana indefinitely, but you keep your own passport and you can't vote in Ghanaian elections. A lot of people treat it as a first step and pursue citizenship later.
Can I bring my spouse and kids?
Yes. Right of Abode lets you sponsor your dependents. Each person files their own set of documents, so build a little extra time and cost into the plan.
Do I need to live in Ghana before I apply?
Usually yes. Most applicants are lawfully resident when they apply and have already spent real time in the country. Ghana treats Right of Abode as a privilege for people who show a genuine commitment, so a visit or two first helps.
You can come home.
Thousands already have. Why not you?