Investor Permit: Timeline for Nigerians ₦904,657
Processing time for the Investor Permit for Nigerian applicants is 6–12 weeks. Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Investor Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦550,143 (~$403 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦709,015,838 (~$519,000 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦354,515 (~$260 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦904,657 (~$662 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦904,657 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦550,143: Paid to the Ghana immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Health surcharge — ₦354,515: Entitles you (and dependants on your visa) to use Ghana’s public healthcare during your stay. Paid upfront for the full duration of your visa.
- Proof of funds — ₦709,015,838: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 6–12 weeks
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Investor Permit requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦904,657 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 6–12 weeks.
Expert tip
Investor Permit
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act requires foreign investors to register and meet minimum capital thresholds: $200,000 for a joint venture or $500,000 for 100% foreign-owned enterprises. Once registered with GIPC, you get an investor permit that allows you to live and work in Ghana. The permit comes with tax incentives in priority sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and tech. Many Nigerian entrepreneurs are choosing Ghana over other West African markets because of political stability and the English-speaking business environment.
Where Nigerians settle in Ghana
Once your Investor Permit is approved, most Nigerians head to Accra or Kumasi. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Accra: 1-bedroom rent ₦264,772/month · Lagos–Accra flights from ~$170 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Kumasi: 1-bedroom rent ₦156,598/month · Lagos–Kumasi flights from ~$200 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Takoradi: 1-bedroom rent ₦211,769/month · Lagos–Takoradi flights from ~$220 · Nigerian community: Small
Life in Accra
Accra is where most Nigerians settle — East Legon, Cantonments, and Airport Residential are the go-to neighborhoods for the Nigerian community, with familiar food, churches, and businesses. A 1-bed apartment averages GH₵2,200/month ($200) in mid-range areas, but drops to GH₵1,200–1,500 in areas like Adenta or Spintex outer edges. You'll need GH₵10,000/month ($660) minimum for comfortable single living. MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is essential — it's how Ghana runs. Internet averages 48 Mbps on fiber, and Accra is rapidly becoming a West African tech hub with 120+ tech hubs and incubators.
5% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Ghana as their destination. Average Japa Score: 78/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦200K–₦500K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Investor Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Ghana?
- Total government fees for the Investor Permit are ₦904,657 (about $662). This covers the visa application fee, health surcharge of ₦354,515, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Investor Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Investor Permit is 6–12 weeks. Apply from the Ghana High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Investor Permit?
- You need to show ₦709,015,838 ($519,000) in savings for the Investor Permit. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Investor Permit application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦709,015,838 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Ghana.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02