Ghana dual citizenship explained

Last updated: 24 September 2026

Ghana allows dual citizenship. Under the Citizenship Act, 2000 (Act 591), a Ghanaian who acquires another country's citizenship can keep their Ghanaian citizenship. If you've become British, German, American, Canadian or Dutch, you don't have to give up being Ghanaian — but you should register your dual status with the Ministry of the Interior.

Who can apply?

• Ghanaians by birth who have taken the citizenship of another country.
• Children of Ghanaian parents born abroad who hold a foreign citizenship (citizenship by descent).

Documents to prepare

Requirements differ a little between missions, but you should expect to need:

• The completed dual citizenship application form (commonly referred to as Form 10), available from the Ministry of the Interior or your Ghana mission.
• Copies of your foreign passport bio-data page and your certificate of naturalisation (if you naturalised).
• Proof of Ghanaian citizenship: your Ghanaian birth certificate or passport — or, for citizenship by descent, a parent's Ghanaian birth certificate or passport.
• Recent passport-size photographs.
• Details of guarantors or referees, if your mission asks for them.
• Payment of the application fee (this varies by mission and currency).

How to apply

1. Get the current checklist from your nearest Ghana Embassy or High Commission, or from the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.
2. Complete the form and gather certified copies of your documents.
3. Submit and pay at the mission (or at the Ministry of the Interior if you're in Ghana).
4. Wait for vetting. Applications are processed in Accra, so allow several months.
5. Receive your dual citizenship certificate and card.

Benefits of registering

• You can enter and stay in Ghana as a citizen — no visa or residence permit needed.
• You can own land and property as a Ghanaian and work in Ghana without a work permit.
• It makes it easier to get or renew a Ghana passport and to register for the Ghana Card.
• Your children can more easily prove their own Ghanaian citizenship by descent.

Limits to know about

Act 591 lists certain senior public offices that dual citizens cannot hold — for example some ambassadorial, security-service and top civil-service posts. Parliament and the courts have discussed changes to these rules, so check the latest position if you're considering public service.

Check your other country's rules too

Ghana allowing dual citizenship doesn't mean your other country does. Some countries have restrictions or special conditions for keeping a second nationality. Check with the immigration authority of your country of residence before you naturalise, and keep proof of both citizenships safe.

Frequently asked questions