Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, located on the West African coast, has rich natural resources, an English-speaking population, and growing focus on attracting foreign investment. The country is seeking to position itself as an emerging destination for global investors.

Through the government’s Go For Gold Permanent Residency Program and Citizenship by Investment Program, investors now have structured routes to secure either lifetime residency or immediate citizenship. While Sierra Leone’s passport remains relatively limited in terms of global mobility, the programs are notable for their affordability and unique gold-backed investment framework.

Sierra Leone Residency by Investment – Go For Gold

The Go For Gold Permanent Residency Program grants foreign investors the right to live in Sierra Leone indefinitely through a combination of a financial contribution and gold investment. The program offers quick processing, no physical presence requirements, and the option to apply remotely.

Program Features

• Investment: From US$65,000 plus 1kg of gold for a single applicant
• Processing Time: Approximately one month
• Physical Presence: Not required
• Time to Citizenship: 5 years via naturalisation
• Eligible Dependents: Spouse, children, and extended family under family packages

Investment Options

• Single applicant: US$65,000 + 1kg gold
• Family application (spouse and children under 18): US$75,000 + 1kg gold
• Extended family: US$100,000 + 2kg gold

Benefits of Sierra Leone Residency

• Lifetime residency status
• No minimum stay requirement
• Short processing time

Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment

The direct Citizenship Program provides a fast-track route to nationality in as little as 60 to 90 days. It is structured under two distinct pathways with an affordable route for those of African descent.

Heritage Naturalisation (for applicants of African ancestry only)

• Citizenship within 60 days
• Investment: US$100,000 donation
• Proof of African ancestry required (DNA test)
• Available exclusively to those with verifiable African heritage

Fast Track Naturalisation (open to all nationalities)

• Citizenship within 90 days
• Investment: US$140,000 donation
• Available to all investors regardless of ancestry

Dependents
Spouse, children under 18, and parents of any age can be included for US$10,000 per dependent.

Benefits of Sierra Leone Citizenship

• Citizenship granted within 60–90 days
• No physical residence requirement
• Family eligibility for dependents
• English as the official language
• Low cost of living

Sierra Leone’s Passport Strength and Ranking

Sierra Leone’s passport currently offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 66 destinations. In La Vida’s Global Passport Ranking, it sits in the lower tier at 167th worldwide, providing access to just 6.6% of global GDP and 9.0% of global travel popularity.

While limited compared to European or Caribbean alternatives, Sierra Leone citizenship may appeal to investors seeking a straightforward, lower-cost entry point or those with heritage ties to the region. For investors seeking greater global mobility at a comparable cost, options like São Tomé and Príncipe or Nauru, offer more powerful second passports.