Key takeaways
- Under Ghana's Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), the main vehicles are the private company limited by shares, the public company, the company limited by guarantee, the unlimited company and the external company (branch of a foreign company); individuals can also operate as sole proprietors or partnerships.
- Businesses are registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC); companies with foreign participation must also register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and, under the GIPC Act 2013, had to meet minimum foreign capital requirements (USD 200,000 for joint ventures, USD 500,000 for wholly foreign-owned companies, USD 1,000,000 for trading). Ghana's new investment law (2026), which replaces the GIPC with the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, removes the general minimum capital requirements – check sector-specific rules and implementation.
- Companies pay 25% corporate income tax (with sector rates and incentives), and dividends are subject to an 8% final withholding tax.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Ghana is one of West Africa's most accessible markets for foreign entrepreneurs, but the legal form you choose affects your liability, foreign-investment requirements and taxation. This guide compares the options in 2026.
Ghanaian business forms compared (2026)
| Form | Liability | Key requirements | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private company limited by shares | Limited | ORC registration; at least 1 director resident in Ghana; company secretary | Most SMEs and foreign subsidiaries |
| Public company limited by shares | Limited | Higher governance requirements; can offer shares to the public | Larger or listed businesses |
| Company limited by guarantee | Limited to guarantee | Non-profit purposes | NGOs, associations |
| Unlimited company | Unlimited | Rarely used | Professional or special cases |
| External company | Parent liable | Registration of a foreign company's branch with the ORC | Foreign companies operating in Ghana |
| Sole proprietorship | Unlimited, personal | Registered business name | Small local businesses (Ghanaians) |
| Partnership | Unlimited (incorporated private partnerships) | Partnership registration | Professional firms |
Private limited company: the default choice
- Registration: online with the ORC – company regulations (constitution), directors, secretary, shareholders, registered office and beneficial ownership information.
- Directors: at least one director must be ordinarily resident in Ghana.
- Capital: no general minimum for Ghanaian-owned companies (stated capital paid in); for foreign participation, the GIPC minimums have been removed for most sectors by the 2026 investment law, but sector-specific rules remain.
- Compliance: annual returns with the ORC, audited financial statements, tax registration (TIN/Ghana Card), VAT registration above the threshold.
Foreign investors: GIPC requirements
Companies with foreign shareholders must register with the investment promotion body. Under the GIPC Act 2013, minimum foreign equity was:
- USD 200,000 for a joint venture with a Ghanaian partner holding at least 10%;
- USD 500,000 for a wholly foreign-owned company;
- USD 1,000,000 for trading companies (with a minimum number of Ghanaian employees).
The 2026 reform removes these general thresholds for most sectors; confirm the position for your sector before incorporating.
Certain activities are reserved for Ghanaians. Registration with GIPC also gives access to immigrant quotas (work permits for expatriate staff).
External companies (branches)
A foreign company can register a branch (external company) with the ORC. It is taxed on Ghanaian profits at the corporate rate, and branch profits remitted abroad are subject to an 8% branch profit remittance tax. A subsidiary is often preferred for limited liability and easier contracting.
Taxation by form
- Companies: 25% corporate income tax (some sectors such as mining differ; incentives in free zones), plus the Growth and Sustainability Levy on profit before tax (1% to 5% depending on the sector).
- Dividends: 8% final withholding tax.
- Sole proprietors and partners: taxed on business profits at personal income tax rates.
- Other levies: VAT and related levies on supplies; social security (SSNIT) for employees.
Example: A Dutch agritech founder sets up a private limited company in Accra with a Ghanaian co-founder holding 20%. The company registers with the investment promotion authority (no general foreign-capital minimum since the 2026 reform, subject to sector rules), appoints a Ghana-resident director, and pays 25% corporate tax on profits; dividends to the founder face 8% withholding.
Frequently asked questions
What types of companies can I register in Ghana?
Under the Companies Act, 2019: private and public companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee, unlimited companies and external companies (branches of foreign companies). Sole proprietorships and partnerships are also available.
What is the minimum capital for a foreign company in Ghana?
Under the GIPC Act 2013, foreign participation required USD 200,000 (joint venture), USD 500,000 (wholly foreign-owned) or USD 1,000,000 (trading). Ghana's 2026 investment law removes these general minimums for most sectors; check sector-specific rules before investing.
What is the corporate tax rate in Ghana?
25% for most companies, with different rates for certain sectors and incentives for free-zone enterprises. Dividends are subject to an 8% final withholding tax.
Do I need a local director in Ghana?
A company must have at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Ghana, along with a company secretary.
Related guides
Sources
- Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992); Office of the Registrar of Companies (orc.gov.gh)
- Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (gipc.gov.gh)
- PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries – Ghana
This guide is general information, not personalised legal or tax advice.
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