Corporate Income Tax for Foreign Companies in Ghana

Overview

Ghana taxes companies on their income under the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896). Foreign companies with a taxable presence in Ghana — whether through a subsidiary, branch, or permanent establishment — must register with the GRA and file annual returns.

Corporate Tax Rates

Business Type	Rate
Standard corporate rate	25%
GSE-listed companies (first 5 years)	22%
Free Zone enterprises (first 10 years)	0%
Free Zone enterprises (after 10 years)	15%
Mining operations	35%
Petroleum operations	35%

Permanent Establishment (PE)

A foreign company creates a taxable presence in Ghana when it has a Permanent Establishment (PE) — such as a branch, office, factory, or a dependent agent acting on its behalf. Once a PE exists, the company must register for tax in Ghana within 30 days.

Withholding Tax on Payments to Non-Residents

• Dividends — 8%
• Interest — 8%
• Royalties and technical fees — 15%
• Management and consulting fees — 20%

These rates may be reduced under double taxation agreements (DTAs) Ghana has with certain countries.

Filing Deadlines

Companies must file annual tax returns within 4 months after the end of their accounting year. Provisional tax is payable in quarterly instalments during the year based on estimated annual income.