Work Permit (ECOWAS): Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦1,181,875
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 | ₦843,062 (~$626 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Other government fees | ₦338,813 (~$252 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦1,181,875 (~$878 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 5 November 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦1,181,875 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦843,062: Paid to the Ghana immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Other government fees — ₦338,813: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
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 ($40) 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 ₦647,579/month · Lagos–Accra flights from ~$170 · Nigerian community: Very Large
- Kumasi: 1-bedroom rent ₦149,663/month · Lagos–Kumasi flights from ~$200 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Takoradi: 1-bedroom rent ₦202,390/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 about GH₵5,625/month across Accra (Numbeo's blend of GH₵7,982 in the city centre and GH₵3,269 outside it), and is cheaper in outer areas like Adenta or the edges of Spintex. 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: 7.8/10. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦200K–₦500K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Work Permit (ECOWAS) cost for Nigerians moving to Ghana?
- Upfront costs for the Work Permit (ECOWAS) come to ₦1,181,875 (about $878). This covers the visa application fee, 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 ₦647,579 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 5 November 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026