Non resident business accounts in Ghana: what is possible

Snapshot

A non resident usually banks in Ghana through a Ghana registered company rather than as an individual. Foreigners can own a company, which registers with the Office of the Registrar of Companies and, where there is foreign ownership, with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. A foreign national generally needs a residence permit to be a signatory, so a Ghana resident signatory is often appointed. Figures here are as of 21 June 2026.

Usual route: Register a Ghana company and open the account in the company name
Signatory rule: A foreign national generally needs a valid residence permit to be a signatory
Foreign ownership: Register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; minimum equity rules are under reform, so verify
Foreign currency: Some banks offer US dollar, euro, or pound accounts; remote opening varies

Fees and features as of 21 June 2026Last reviewed 21 June 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A non resident usually banks in Ghana through a Ghana registered company rather than as an individual. Foreigners can own a company, which registers with the Office of the Registrar of Companies and, where there is foreign ownership, with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. A foreign national generally needs a valid residence permit to be a signatory, so a Ghana resident signatory is often appointed. Some banks offer foreign currency accounts, though remote opening varies. Information as of 21 June 2026, not advice.

Non resident business banking in Ghana

Ghana does not generally offer fully remote business accounts to non residents the way some other markets do. The usual route is to register a company with the Office of the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act, 2019, and open the account in the company name. Foreigners can own a Ghana company, and a company with foreign participation registers with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. As of 21 June 2026, confirm the current rules with a qualified adviser and the bank.

Signatories and identification

Banks generally require a foreign national to hold a valid residence permit to act as a signatory on a Ghana business account, and a residence permit is commonly needed for a personal account as well. Where the directors are abroad, companies often appoint a Ghana resident as a signatory. For individuals who are resident, the Ghana Card Personal Identification Number now serves as the Tax Identification Number, while the company holds its own number from the Ghana Revenue Authority. As of 21 June 2026, verify the identification needed with the bank.

Foreign ownership and equity rules

Foreign owned companies have historically faced minimum equity thresholds set through the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, widely reported as 200,000 US dollars for a joint venture with a Ghanaian partner and 500,000 US dollars for a wholly foreign owned enterprise, with a higher figure for trading enterprises. A 2026 investment law reform has been moving to change these thresholds for many sectors while keeping requirements for trading. Because the position is in flux, treat the exact figures as unclear and verify the current rules directly with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre before you rely on them. As of 21 June 2026.

Foreign currency accounts

Some Ghanaian banks offer foreign currency accounts in US dollars, euros, or pounds alongside a cedi account, and a few report the ability to begin opening a foreign currency account remotely. Availability, the currencies offered, and any remote onboarding vary by bank and are not guaranteed, so confirm the current process and charges with the bank. As of 21 June 2026.

The international providers we compare do not confirm a business account for companies resident in Ghana as of 21 June 2026. Companies in Ghana usually bank with an established local bank such as GCB Bank, Ecobank Ghana, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Stanbic Bank Ghana, or Absa Bank Ghana. Compare their published terms and see the related guides below before applying.

Questions about non resident banking in Ghana

Can a non resident open a business account in Ghana?

A non resident usually banks through a Ghana registered company rather than as an individual. Foreigners can own a company, which registers with the Office of the Registrar of Companies and, where there is foreign ownership, with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. A foreign national generally needs a residence permit to be a signatory, so a resident signatory is often appointed. As of 21 June 2026, verify with the provider.

Do I need a residence permit to bank in Ghana as a foreigner?

Banks generally require a foreign national to hold a valid residence permit to be a signatory on a Ghana account, and a residence permit is commonly needed for a personal account. Where directors are abroad, a Ghana resident signatory is often appointed. As of 21 June 2026, confirm the current requirement with the bank.

Is there a minimum capital for a foreign owned company in Ghana?

Foreign owned companies have historically faced Ghana Investment Promotion Centre minimum equity thresholds, reported as 200,000 US dollars for a joint venture with a Ghanaian and 500,000 US dollars for a wholly foreign owned enterprise, with a higher figure for trading. A 2026 investment law reform is changing these thresholds, so this is unclear and you should verify the current position with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. As of 21 June 2026.

Can a non resident open a foreign currency account in Ghana?

Some Ghanaian banks offer foreign currency accounts in US dollars, euros, or pounds, and a few report remote opening, but availability and remote onboarding vary by bank and are not guaranteed. As of 21 June 2026, this is unclear, so confirm the current process directly with the bank.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 21 June 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Non resident accounts in Ghana