Ghana actively welcomes foreign investment, and in most sectors a non-Ghanaian can own 100% of a company. The company is registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), and foreign-owned businesses also register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Here is how the process works.
1. Choose your structure
Most foreign investors register a Company Limited by Shares. You will need at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Ghana, plus a company secretary. If you are based abroad, we can help you meet the resident-director requirement.
2. Meet the GIPC minimum capital
Under the GIPC Act, foreign-owned companies must bring in a minimum equity investment. As a guide (please confirm current figures with us before you plan):
- Joint venture with a Ghanaian partner holding at least 10%: from US$200,000.
- Wholly foreign-owned company: from US$500,000.
- Trading company (buying and selling goods): from US$1,000,000, plus a requirement to employ Ghanaians.
Capital can be brought in as cash through a Ghanaian bank or as equipment, and must be documented.
3. Register with the ORC
Reserve your company name, then file incorporation with the ORC. This includes your company details, directors and shareholders, a registered address, a TIN for each officer, and beneficial ownership disclosure. You receive a Certificate of Incorporation and a Certificate to Commence Business.
4. Register with the GIPC
After incorporation, register the enterprise with the GIPC to obtain your investment certificate. This formally records your foreign investment and unlocks benefits such as immigrant quotas for expatriate staff.
5. Tax, permits and work passes
Register for taxes with the Ghana Revenue Authority, and arrange work and residence permits for any expatriate staff.
Do it remotely with NELLA Support
You do not need to be in Ghana to start. Our licensed partners can reserve your name, incorporate your company, handle GIPC registration and courier your original certificates anywhere via DHL. See our registration services — and note that some sectors (mining, oil & gas, telecoms) have extra rules we can guide you through.