Work Permit (ECOWAS): Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦904,657
Below is the complete breakdown of Work Permit (ECOWAS) fees for Nigerian applicants moving to Ghana. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
Work Permit (ECOWAS) fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦550,143 (~$403 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 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.
Expert tip
Work Permit (ECOWAS)
Nigerians don't need a visa to enter Ghana — ECOWAS free movement gives you 90 days automatically with just your passport and Yellow Fever card. But to work legally beyond 90 days, you need a work permit ($388–$647 depending on permit category for ECOWAS nationals) plus a Non-Citizen ID card ($120) and medical screening ($250). Your employer typically sponsors the work permit through Ghana's Ministry of the Interior. The process is significantly easier than for non-ECOWAS nationals who pay $1,000.
Where Nigerians settle in Ghana
Once your Work Permit (ECOWAS) 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 Work Permit (ECOWAS) cost for Nigerians moving to Ghana?
- Total government fees for the Work Permit (ECOWAS) 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 Work Permit (ECOWAS) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Work Permit (ECOWAS) is 4–8 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.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Work Permit (ECOWAS) from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Ghana?
- Accra is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Ghana. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦264,772 per month. The Nigerian community in Accra is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
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