Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is FIMS?

    To discharge the legal mandate of registering all permanently resident foreign nationals, the NIA has developed a separate process of registering foreigners which it designates the Foreigners Identification Management System (FIMS).

  • How does one register?

    A scratch card must first be bought from any Cal Bank branch nationwide and this purchase triggers the registration process where applicant completes registration form, personal information and biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are then taken. Applicant is then instantly issued a Non-citizen card which signifies the completion of the registration process

  • Is there a cost to registering for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    The scratch card costs One Hundred and Twenty Dollars (USD 120.00) or its cedi equivalent

  • Where can I register?

    • National Identification Authority (NIA) head office, behind Gulf House, Shiashie
    • Accra International Conference Center, Osu
    • Cal bank head office, Ridge
    • Cal bank, Tema Industrial Area branch
    • Cal bank, Takoradi Harbour branch
    • Cal bank, Nhyiaeso branch, Kumasi
    • Cal bank, Tarkwa old UTC building
    • FIMS Premium Lounge Centre, VFS Ghana Cantonment Next to GOETHE Institute
  • What are the documentary requirements?

    Passport/residence permit/international driver’s license

  • Does everyone need to register?

    Any foreigner who meets the eligibility criteria needs to register;

    • A foreign national permanently resident in the country
    • A foreign national who is cumulatively resident in the country for at least ninety (90) days in any calendar year
    • All foreigners six years and above

    The following foreign nationals are exempted;

    • a diplomat
    • employees of the United Nations or an agency of the United Nations
    • the spouse or dependent of persons specified above
  • Why the need for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    It enables the government to create a database of all individuals in the country in order to ensure good planning, good governance, E-government services and the security and the integrity of the country

  • Why should I register?

    Under the L.I. 2111 (2012), Act 750, it is mandatory for all Non-Citizens to register

  • What can the card be used for?

    The Non-citizen Ghana card is mandatory for various transactional purposes where a form of identification is needed e.g.; opening and running a bank account, applying for or renewing residence or work permit, registering a car etc.

  • How secure is applicant’s personal information?

    Under the Privacy Act and the Data protection Act, security of personal data is prescribed and secured.

  • What is the validity of the Non-citizen card?

    Card is valid for a year and can be renewed at a cost of USD 60.00 each year after first issuance

  • How long does it take to get a card?

    Card is instantly issued once registration process is completed.

  • Are there any sanctions when an eligible foreigner does not register?

    Sanctions of penalty points are prescribed under NIA laws and legislative instrument

  • Is there a deadline for registering?

    Registration of foreigners for the Non-citizen Ghana card is an on-going process. However, a deadline will be issued soon by which time access to all services will be subject to a Non-citizen Ghana card being presented by the holder as a condition precedent to accessing all services in Ghana.

  • Does the Non-citizen Ghana card replace the residence or work or student permits?

    No, it does not. It is a primary identification card to get a work permit or residence permit. Holders of all permits beyond 90 days cumulatively in any calendar year will have to produce their Non- Citizen card

  • Can money be refunded if scratch card is purchased but not used?

    No

  • What happens should my Non-citizen Ghana card get stolen or misplaced?

    A new scratch card needs to be purchased then Non-citizen Ghana card will be issued

  • Do refugees need to register as well?

    Once one holds a valid UNHCR card, there is no need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card

  • As a dual citizen, do I need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    Currently, dual citizens do not register for the Non-citizen Ghana card. There will be a separate card for dual citizens to be issued soon

  • As a foreigner who has registered to become a citizen of Ghana, do I still need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    No, a citizen of Ghana has to register for the citizen Ghana card being issued by National Identification Authority (NIA)

  • Does the Non-citizen Ghana card replace the residence permit?

    No it doesn’t. The Non-citizen Ghana card is the mandatory form of biometric identification for foreigners while the residence permit gives a foreigner the authority to continue to live in Ghana once visa has expired

  • Do students also need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    Once a student meets the eligibility criteria, he/she has to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card

  • Is there a discount for students?

    No there isn’t. The scratch card sells at a fixed, non-reducible price of USD 120.00 or its cedi equivalent.

  • Since the Non-citizen Ghana card is going to be used in all types of transactions, what would then happen to people who already have resident permit and banking account?

    The residence permit only allows a foreigner to stay legally in the country. The Non-citizen Ghana card is the mandatory form of identification to be used in all transactions for e.g.; applying for or renewing residence permit, opening or running a bank account etc. So it is mandatory for a foreigner to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card even if they have a permit.

  • Do foreign nationals recruited locally by diplomatic or consular missions also have to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    By the Vienna Convention, foreign nationals recruited locally in Ghana by diplomatic or consular missions have to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card.

  • If a foreigner registered for the Ghana card during the first phase of registration, is there a need to still register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    A foreigner who registered for the citizen Ghana card needs to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card as previous card is no longer valid for foreigners

  • As a non-resident West African with no identification document, can I be registered for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    West Africans from countries which are member states of ECOWAS need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card after spending ninety (90) days in Ghana.

  • What is the benefit of the Non-citizen Ghana card to students and children?

    It is the defacto proof of identity to aid in all transactions requiring identity. There is no need to carry other IDs for any transaction

  • I am a foreigner married to a Ghanaian; do I need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

    If you have not either registered or naturalized to become a citizen of Ghana, then you must register for the Non-citizen Ghana card

  • I am a foreigner married to a Ghanaian with children born in Ghana, do my children need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

  • No
  • I am a Ghanaian married to a foreigner. My child holds a passport of the nationality of my spouse; does my child need to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card?

  • As your child holds a foreign passport, if child is six years and above; he/she needs to register for the Non-Citizen Ghana card.If eligible the child can be registered for the Dual citizenship Ghana card when that rolls out
  • As a foreigner who has to register for the Non-citizen Ghana card, do my dependents (also foreigners) need to register?

  • Dependents who are also foreigners need to register
  • How do I renew my Non-citizen Ghana card?

  • Renewal of the Non-citizen Ghana card is on a yearly basis. One year after the issuance date of the card, the present card will be changed to a smart card on renewal at a fee of USD 60.00. Thereafter renewal will be done electronically on each renewal date upon payment of the prescribed fee of USD 60.00. There will be a hologram affixed to the card which physically shows the expiry date of the card from year to year
  • Can ownership of the card be transferred?

  • No ownership of the card cannot be transferred.