This article provides a detailed overview of the typical costs associated with establishing and maintaining a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Ghana as of 2025. The focus is on transparent, up-to-date figures relevant to company formation and annual compliance.
Company Formation Costs in Ghana (2025)
Setting up a standard Limited Liability Company in Ghana entails several government fees, regulatory charges, and professional service costs. All amounts are in Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).
| Cost Item | Amount (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | GHS 500 |
| Name reservation fee | GHS 50 |
| Company registration fee (Registrar-General’s Department) | GHS 230 |
| Filing fees (statutory forms, regulations, etc.) | GHS 100 |
| Professional/lawyer fees (average) | GHS 800 |
| Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration | GHS 0 |
| Business operating permit (Accra Metropolitan Assembly, varies by location) | GHS 120 |
| Total Average | GHS 1,800 |
The minimum capital requirement of GHS 500 is a deposit standard for a Ghanaian LLC, while the professional or legal fees represent mid-range local market rates for company registration services. Name reservation, registration, and filing fees are all collected by the Registrar-General’s Department. The business operating permit is calculated on Accra rates and may differ for other municipalities.
Annual Maintenance Costs for Ghanaian LLCs
LLCs must budget for mandatory renewals, statutory filings, and professional fees to stay compliant in Ghana. Below is the detailed annual cost structure for business maintenance in 2025.
| Annual Cost Item | Amount (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal fee (Registrar-General’s Department) | GHS 60 |
| Business operating permit renewal (Accra Metropolitan Assembly, varies by location and business size) | GHS 120 |
| Mandatory accounting/auditor fees (average for small LLC) | GHS 500 |
| Annual tax filing fees (if using a professional) | GHS 200 |
| Estimated Range | GHS 350 – GHS 1,200 |
The actual annual cost varies depending on business size, municipality, the scope of auditor services, and whether external tax filing assistance is engaged. Most small companies will fall within the stated range by controlling professional service engagements and monitoring permit requirements carefully.
Key Considerations Based on Official Sources
- Registrar-General’s Department: rgd.gov.gh
- Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA): ama.gov.gh
These sources remain the primary authorities for updates, fee schedules, and procedural requirements.
Pro Tips: Managing Costs for Ghana Company Setup and Maintenance
- Always verify the latest fee schedules from the Registrar-General’s Department before starting the incorporation process. Regulatory changes can affect costs year to year.
- Consider using local professionals for legal and tax services, but compare quotes. Legal and auditor fees are typically the largest expense outside government charges.
- Permits, especially the operating permit, vary by region and business activity. Contact your specific local assembly for tailored requirements and potential discounts for smaller entities.
- If cost sensitivity is high, some annual compliance tasks (e.g., basic tax filing) can be handled in-house for small, low-complexity businesses, reducing professional fees.
Summary
Establishing a standard LLC in Ghana in 2025 generally requires an up-front investment of about GHS 1,800, with ongoing annual costs ranging between GHS 350 and GHS 1,200 depending largely on professional service usage and permit fees. All expat and international investors are strongly advised to consult the Registrar-General’s Department and local assemblies for periodic updates, as company compliance obligations are subject to regulatory changes. Accurate budgeting for these regulatory and professional expenses is essential for smooth company formation and year-on-year compliance in Ghana.