In recent years, Ghana has made significant strides in digitizing its identification systems to improve governance, financial services, and national security. One of the most notable developments is the Ghana Card Registration, a biometric national identification card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA).
Initially it was only issued to Ghanaians, but now is mandatory for foreigners legally residing in Ghana to obtain a Ghana Card, especially for accessing financial services like mobile money, bank accounts, and SIM card registration.
This guide will walk you through the process of applying for a Ghana Card for Non-Citizens, also known as the Non-Citizen Ghana Card.
What Is the Non-Citizen Ghana Card Registration?
The Non-Citizen Ghana Card is a mandatory biometric identity card issued to foreign nationals who are resident in Ghana for 90 days or more.
The Ghana Card Registration is one of those small things that makes daily life so much easier. It’s the biometric ID issued by the National Identification Authority and, for foreigners living in the country long-term, it’s the official card linked to your Foreign Identification Number (FIN). Think of it as the piece of ID you’ll use to open a bank account, register a SIM, access mobile money, and deal with official paperwork.
It is linked to your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and must be used for:
- Registering a SIM card
- Opening and operating bank accounts in Ghana
- Accessing mobile money and other financial services
- Legal and immigration processes
- Taxation and employment purposes
According to Ghanaian regulations, all foreigners over 6 years old who fall under the residency requirement are obliged to register and carry this card.
Who Needs to Apply for a Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
You’ll need to register for a Non-Citizen Ghana Card if you’re not a Ghanaian, you’re at least six years old, and you’ve lived in Ghana for 90 cumulative days or more in a year (or you have a long-term resident permit).
Short tourists usually don’t have to bother, but if your stay stretches past that 90-day mark, it’s time to register. Diplomats and some international staff follow special rules — if that’s you, check with the authorities before you go.
In short, you are required to obtain a Non-Citizen Ghana Card if you:
- Are not a citizen of Ghana
- Are aged 6 years or above
- Have been living in Ghana for 90 cumulative days or more in a calendar year
- Are a foreign national with a resident permit, working visa, student visa, diplomatic status, or are a foreign investor or employee
Why should you get a Non-Citizen Ghana Card?
Beyond being the card officials sometimes insist on, the Ghana Card genuinely unlocks things. It simplifies banking and mobile money, makes SIM registration straightforward, and is commonly requested for tax, employment, and immigration procedures. In practice, having a valid Ghana Card makes everyday tasks faster and less stressful.
Documents Required for Application
To successfully apply, ensure you have the following documents:
- Valid Passport (must be current and not expired)
- Valid Resident Permit issued by the Ghana Immigration Service
- Work Permit/Student Visa/Dependent Permit, if applicable
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) – if you are employed or running a business in Ghana
- Proof of Address in Ghana (e.g., utility bill, tenancy agreement, letter from employer)
- Employment or School Letter, if applicable
- GH₵120 fee (subject to change, always check latest info)
Note: Diplomatic passport holders may follow a different protocol and are often processed through their embassies or consulates.
If you’re replacing a lost card, add a police report. Keep receipts and copies safe until the process is finished.
Where to Apply for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card
As of 2025, you can apply at any of the designated Premium Registration Centres run by the NIA and Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), including:
- Head Office of the National Identification Authority (NIA) in Accra
- Ghana Immigration Service Headquarters
- Selected Regional Immigration Offices in major cities like Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, and Ho
- Ghana Card Office at the Airport City in Accra
- Some CalBank branches (partnering bank)
Before going in person, you may choose to start the process online (explained below) to save time.
Some bank branches sell the FIMS scratch cards you need to pay. If you’re in Accra, look up the nearest NIA or FIMS centre and consider booking an appointment if that option exists; it can save you hours in line.
How to Do the Non-Citizen Ghana Card Registration
The process to register is simple and usually fast:
Step 1: Start Pre-Enrollment Online (Optional but Recommended)
- Visit the NIA Non-Citizen portal at: https://www.fims.org.gh
- Click on “Apply for Non-Citizen Ghana Card”
- Complete the online form with your personal and biometric information
- Select your appointment date and center
- Print the confirmation slip or note down your reference number
Note: If you don’t pre-enroll online, you can still walk into a center and apply manually.
Step 2: Visit the Registration Centre
- Go to your chosen NIA registration centre with all required documents.
- Present your passport, resident permit, and other supporting documents
- Staff will verify your information and guide you through:
- Biometric capture (fingerprints, facial image)
- Digital signature
Your application will be processed on-site
Step 3: Pay the Processing Fee
- The fee for the Non-Citizen Ghana Card is usually GH₵120 (or equivalent in USD). Payment can be made via:
- Mobile Money
- Bank deposit
- Card payment (depending on the center)
- Be sure to get a receipt for payment.
After payment is verified, many centres print the card the same day. If yours is sent to a central printer, they’ll tell you when to return or how you’ll be notified.
Step 4: Receive Your Ghana Card
Once processed, you will either:
- Receive your card the same day (at most premium centers), or
- Be advised to return within a few days to collect it
Make sure to verify all information on the card when you receive it—especially your name, date of birth, and permit type.
Renewal and Validity
If your card expires or you lose it, the steps are similar. Bring updated documents if anything has changed, and expect the same capture and verification steps.
The Non-Citizen Ghana Card is usually valid for 1 year. Renewal requires:
- A valid resident permit
- Proof of continued stay/employment in Ghana
- Payment of renewal fee (same as initial fee)
You must renew before expiry to avoid disruptions in accessing services.
What If You Lose Your Card?
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, report immediately to:
- Ghana Immigration Service (for permit verification)
- NIA Office (to request a reprint)
A replacement fee will apply. You may also need to provide a police report for lost cards.
A few practical tips that save time
Buy the FIMS payment card before you leave home. This is the single most common reason people get delayed. Go early on a weekday if you can; most centres fill up by mid-morning. Bring originals and photocopies, keep receipts, and check your physical card before you walk away. If the photo or name is wrong, ask for a correction on the spot.
If things go wrong
Lost card? File a police report, get a replacement payment card and reapply. Wrong information on your card? Return to the issuing centre with the originals and request an update. Can’t find your FIN or card number online? Contact NIA for verification or ask the office that processed your card, they can usually point you to the right portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I register without a resident permit?
No. A valid Ghana Immigration-issued permit is required. Without this, your application will not be accepted.
- Is the Ghana Card for foreigners the same as for citizens?
The card format is similar, but the non-citizen version is marked differently and linked to a Foreign Identification Number (FIN), not a Ghanaian PIN.
- Can children register?
Yes, if they are above 6 years and meet the residency requirement.
- Do ECOWAS citizens need this card?
Yes, if they reside in Ghana for more than 90 days, they also need to register.
- 5. How much does Ghana Card registration cost?
Non-citizen issuance uses a FIMS payment card; fees change, so check the current rate before you go.
