Updated 30 November 2025

29 October 2025 • Sierra Leone has updated the conditions for granting permanent residence and citizenship by investment • Source

7 December 2024 • Sierra Leone opened applications for citizenship and permanent residency through investment • Source

Changes are monitored by

Anastasia Agafonova

Sierra Leone citizenship by investment

Investors obtain a Sierra Leone passport in as little as three months if they make a non–refundable contribution to the country’s economy. Foreigners may also invest in gold to receive permanent residency and then citizenship through the fast–track procedure.

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$140,000

Investment

3 options

To choose

3+ months

Obtaining period

65+ countries

Visa‑free

Sierra Leone has launched a citizenship by investment program called Go‑For‑Gold. Participants can choose one of three options: a non‑refundable contribution, purchasing gold, or paying a government fee.

A non‑refundable contribution starting at $140,000 grants immediate citizenship of Sierra Leone. If family members are included in the application, the contribution amount increases by $10,000–20,000 per person.

When an investor chooses the gold purchase option, they first receive permanent residency in Sierra Leone. This status allows them to apply for citizenship through the Upgrade fast‑track procedure.

The applicant purchases at least 1 kg of gold and pays the mandatory government fees starting at $50,000. Another option is to pay an increased government fee of $70,000.

Benefits
Requirements
Investment Options
Documents
Process
FAQ

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7 benefits of Sierra Leone citizenship

Fast‑track process

Obtaining permanent residency takes up to 40 days, while citizenship is granted within 90 days. Travelling to Sierra Leone is not required; the application is submitted remotely.

Stable investment growth

Gold prices fluctuate less than securities and currencies. From January to November 2025, the price of an ounce of gold increased by 57% and reached $4,201.

Access to banking services

Residents can open bank accounts, keep savings, and make international transfers. Banks in Sierra Leone do not exchange tax and financial information with other countries.

Status for the whole family

The application for permanent residence and citizenship may include a spouse, children, grandchildren, and parents, as well as siblings, their spouses, and their children. There is no need to prove financial dependence on the investor.

65+ visa‑free destinations

Citizens of Sierra Leone can travel freely to Kenya, Rwanda, Guinea, and other countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Entry usually requires only a passport, while some destinations require an electronic visa or visa on arrival.

2% discount on gold purchases

Investors receive a 2% discount on the gold purchase price. The discount remains valid for five years after obtaining the residence permit and applies to an additional 19 kilograms.

Citizenship inheritance

Sierra Leone citizenship is automatically passed on to the investor’s children and grandchildren. This allows future generations to secure the status and its benefits without additional investment.

65+ visa‑free countries with a Sierra Leone passport

Europe and Asia

Albania

Cambodia

East Timor

Georgia

India

+14 countries

Indonesia

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Malaysia

Maldives

Moldova

Mongolia

Nepal

Pakistan

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Tajikistan

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Americas

Antigua and Barbuda

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Bolivia

+11 countries

Colombia

Dominica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Grenada

Jamaica

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Suriname

Trinidad and Tobago

Africa

Benin

Botswana

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cabo Verde

+25 countries

Cameroon

Comoros

Côte d’Ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Djibouti

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini

Ethiopia

Gabon

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Kenya

Lesotho

Liberia

Libya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mali

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mozambique

Namibia

Niger

Oceania

Australia

Fiji

Kiribati

Micronesia

Palau

+4 countries

Papua New Guinea

Samoa

Tuvalu

Vanuatu

Middle East

Bahrain

Iran

Oman

Qatar

Syria

View all

Licensed agent

Participation in the Sierra Leone citizenship program is only possible through a licensed agent. A licence from the government of Sierra Leone is proof of the professionalism of the Passportivity legal team and a guarantee of your case’s success.

With us, you can be confident in transparency, legality, and security at every step of the path to your new citizenship.

Requirements to apply for Sierra Leone citizenship

Investor

Over 18 years old

Spouse

Children up to and including 18

Children from 19 to 30

May obtain the status together with their spouse and children up to and including 18

Parents, grandmothers, grandfathers

Of any age

Siblings up to and including 30

May obtain the status together with their spouse and children up to and including 18

Any relative

The only remaining family member of the investor

The main applicant’s business partner

Over 21

Investment options for obtaining Sierra Leone citizenship

Option	Details	Additional costs
Non‑refundable contribution — $140,000+	An investment starting at $140,000 is transferred to support national initiatives. An investor may submit an application together with one business partner. In this case, the contribution amount increases to $170,000.	$10,000 Fee for a spouse, each child up to 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather $20,000 Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouses and child $5,000+ Due Diligence fee
Gold purchase — 1 kg+	The investor buys at least 1 kg of gold of 99.99% purity, certified according to the LBMA Good Delivery List — the independent precious metals association. The cost of 1 kg of gold is about $148,000. Under this option, the investor obtains permanent residency in Sierra Leone and becomes eligible for citizenship through the fast‑track procedure. As of November 2025, the government has not yet published the details for obtaining a passport.	$50,000 Government fee $2,000 Fee for a spouse, each child up to and including 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather $3,000 Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouse and child $5,000 Fee for a business partner $5,000+ Due Diligence fee
Government fee — $70,000	Instead of purchasing gold, the investor pays an increased government fee of $70,000. The foreign applicant is granted permanent residence in Sierra Leone, which allows them to apply for citizenship through an expedited procedure. As of November 2025, the government has not yet published the details for obtaining a passport.	$2,000 Fee for a spouse, each child up to and including 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather $3,000 Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouse and child $5,000 Fee for a business partner $5,000+ Due Diligence fee

Option

Details

Additional costs

Non‑refundable contribution — $140,000+

An investment starting at $140,000 is transferred to support national initiatives.

An investor may submit an application together with one business partner. In this case, the contribution amount increases to $170,000.

$10,000
Fee for a spouse, each child up to 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather

$20,000
Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouses and child

$5,000+
Due Diligence fee

Gold purchase — 1 kg+

The investor buys at least 1 kg of gold of 99.99% purity, certified according to the LBMA Good Delivery List — the independent precious metals association.

The cost of 1 kg of gold is about $148,000.

Under this option, the investor obtains permanent residency in Sierra Leone and becomes eligible for citizenship through the fast‑track procedure.

As of November 2025, the government has not yet published the details for obtaining a passport.

$50,000
Government fee

$2,000
Fee for a spouse, each child up to and including 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather

$3,000
Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouse and child

$5,000
Fee for a business partner

$5,000+
Due Diligence fee

Government fee — $70,000

Instead of purchasing gold, the investor pays an increased government fee of $70,000.

The foreign applicant is granted permanent residence in Sierra Leone, which allows them to apply for citizenship through an expedited procedure.

As of November 2025, the government has not yet published the details for obtaining a passport.

$2,000
Fee for a spouse, each child up to and including 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather

$3,000
Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouse and child

$5,000
Fee for a business partner

$5,000+
Due Diligence fee

Option Non‑refundable contribution — $140,000+

Details

An investment starting at $140,000 is transferred to support national initiatives.

An investor may submit an application together with one business partner. In this case, the contribution amount increases to $170,000.

Additional costs

$10,000
Fee for a spouse, each child up to 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather

$20,000
Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouses and child

$5,000+
Due Diligence fee

Option Gold purchase — 1 kg+

Details

The investor buys at least 1 kg of gold of 99.99% purity, certified according to the LBMA Good Delivery List — the independent precious metals association.

The cost of 1 kg of gold is about $148,000.

Under this option, the investor obtains permanent residency in Sierra Leone and becomes eligible for citizenship through the fast‑track procedure.

As of November 2025, the government has not yet published the details for obtaining a passport.

Additional costs

$50,000
Government fee

$2,000
Fee for a spouse, each child up to and including 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather

$3,000
Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouse and child

$5,000
Fee for a business partner

$5,000+
Due Diligence fee

Option Government fee — $70,000

Details

Instead of purchasing gold, the investor pays an increased government fee of $70,000.

The foreign applicant is granted permanent residence in Sierra Leone, which allows them to apply for citizenship through an expedited procedure.

As of November 2025, the government has not yet published the details for obtaining a passport.

Additional costs

$2,000
Fee for a spouse, each child up to and including 18, a parent, grandmother, or grandfather

$3,000
Fee for each child aged 19 to 30, a brother or sister, as well as their spouse and child

$5,000
Fee for a business partner

$5,000+
Due Diligence fee

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Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

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Key documents to apply for Sierra Leone citizenship

Identity document, such as a passport or ID card
Digital photo
Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate

How to obtain Sierra Leone citizenship by investment: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

Experts review the investor’s background using open international databases. The preliminary check helps identify possible reasons for rejection in the citizenship application in advance.

2.

Collection and submission of documents

The investor prepares a basic set of documents: identity document, photo, proof of residential address, birth and marriage certificates. Lawyers complete the citizenship application form and attach it to the rest of the package.

The application is reviewed within two business days. The immigration service may request additional documents, such as the investor’s résumé.

3.

Investment transfer

The applicant transfers the investment funds, pays the government fees, and covers the cost of the Due Diligence check.

4.

Due Diligence check

After receiving the investment, the immigration service conducts two checks — Due Diligence and a background check. Officials study the investor’s biography, career, credit history, and criminal record.

The background check takes 90 working days.

5.

Opening a company and a bank account

The process takes place entirely remotely. The investor suggests three company names. Representatives in Sierra Leone register the company and open an account with a local bank. They then send the incorporation documents to the applicant.

6.

Obtaining a Sierra Leone passport 🔥

After approval, the investor receives a naturalisation certificate, a passport, and a Sierra Leone tax number. The passport is issued within up to 21 working days.

Why choose us

1

Licensed agent

Passportivity is an official representative of the Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment program.

We are authorised to represent investors’ interests and act strictly within the framework of the conditions set out in the Nationality and Citizenship Act No. 10 of 1962.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to citizenship — with expert support

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Anastasia Agafonova

Lawyer in International Law

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

How to obtain Sierra Leone citizenship?

Foreigners can obtain Sierra Leone citizenship by birth, marriage, or naturalisation. The naturalisation period is 8 years.

Since December 2024, the country has introduced a citizenship by investment programme. Participants obtain a passport by investment starting at $140,000.

How much does a residence permit in Sierra Leone cost?

The investor purchases at least 1 kg of gold, depending on the composition of the application. as of November 2025, the price of gold is $4,201 per ounce. This means that one kilogram costs about $148,000, but the investor receives a 2% discount off the market price.

Additionally, the applicant pays the Due Diligence fee, $5,000 or more, and the government fees starting at $50,000.

What are the benefits of Sierra Leone citizenship for entrepreneurs?

Sierra Leone is a member of ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. Within the 15 member countries, there are no customs duties, and a common tariff applies to goods from third countries. This allows entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone to reduce logistics costs and speed up the delivery of goods.

What other costs, apart from the investment, does an applicant for Sierra Leone citizenship or residency have?

Applicants for citizenship incur additional expenses when including family members in the application; a fee of at least $10,000 is charged for each person. There are no government duties or fees, but a Due Diligence check must be paid for, starting at $5,000.

Investors who purchase gold and obtain permanent residence additionally pay a government fee of $50,000 or more, depending on the composition of the application. They must also pay the Due Diligence fee — $5,000 or more.

If the investor obtains permanent residence by paying the increased government fee, they must also pay the Due Diligence fee and the fees for adding family members.

Which is better for an investor: Sierra Leone residency or citizenship?

The choice depends on the investor’s goals. Obtaining permanent residence requires a smaller investment, and some of the funds can be recovered after five years. The status is permanent but does not provide the privileges of citizenship.

A Sierra Leone passport offers state protection and visa‑free travel opportunities. Citizenship requires a non‑refundable contribution.

Where is the gold kept after purchase for residency, and can it be returned?

After purchase, the gold is stored in Sierra Leone’s state reserves for five years. Once this period ends, the investor can take possession of the gold or sell it to recover the investment.

Why might Sierra Leone citizenship be refused?

The Cabinet of Ministers may refuse citizenship if the applicant provides false information about themselves or their family, violates immigration laws, is suspected of terrorism or extremism, or has serious illnesses.