Sierra Leone, a West African country, officially updated the investment citizenship and permanent residence program in early 2025. In particular, the “GO–FOR–GOLD” procedure has been launched, which allows obtaining the right to permanent residence for the purchase of gold. The initiative aims to expand Sierra Leone’s immigration structure and attract international investors. The legislative basis for multiple citizenship is the “Law on Citizenship” of 2006. The law also granted the right to obtain citizenship directly through the mother and established an appeal mechanism in case of refusal to grant citizenship.
Advantages of Sierra Leonean citizenship
- Visa-free access to 66 countries in Africa and Asia;
- Full membership in ECOWAS. Resident privileges in 15 West African states (the regional equivalent of the European Union);
- Inherited status. Children receive citizenship even at birth abroad;
- Accelerated registration procedure. From 60 to 90 days without the requirement of physical presence in the country;
- Financial preferences. Purchase of locally mined gold at a 2% discount from the market price;
- Direct access to investment opportunities in West African markets;
- No requirements for knowledge of the language, history or culture of the country.
Investment options for obtaining citizenship
Sierra Leone offers 2 official paths to the “Golden Passport” through investments. Both options involve non-refundable contributions, but differ in terms and target audience.
Non-refundable fee
The main mechanism for obtaining citizenship is a fixed payment to the state development fund. The possibility of accelerated naturalization is becoming a universal option for all foreigners. The minimum entry threshold is $140,000. Hereditary naturalization is an exclusive option for people of African descent. Confirmation of the roots through a DNA test reduces the amount to $100,000 and the processing time to 60 days.
Buying gold
Direct investments in gold assets (“GO–FOR–GOLD”) are available under the permanent residence program. It serves as a step towards naturalization by obtaining the right to permanent residence. To apply for permanent residence, you need:
- Irrevocable contribution in the amount of $65,000;
- 1 kg of 999.9 gold (LBMA standard), which is stored in the Central Bank of the country for 5 years.
Members of the GO–FOR–GOLD (GFG) club receive the right to purchase up to 19 kg of precious metals at a discount of 2% of the market price for 5 years. However, this option does not replace the basic fee when applying for citizenship. Buying gold remains an additional privilege after receiving a passport.
For investors planning to operate in West Africa, a combined approach is optimal – obtaining permanent residence with parallel participation in the accelerated naturalization program. This makes it possible to minimize risks and consolidate legal status until the completion of reforms in migration legislation.
Minimum investment volume and preservation conditions
Sierra Leone’s programs include clear financial commitments. Fixed amounts are set for citizenship through investment – $140,000 for the standard procedure and $100,000 for people of African descent. These contributions are irrevocable and are sent to the State development Fund (after successful completion of Due Diligence).
Asset storage conditions vary depending on the chosen method. Participants of the “GO–FOR–GOLD” program applying for permanent residence are required to keep 1 kg of 999.9 gold in the vaults of the Central Bank of the country for 5 years. Early sale or withdrawal of the precious metal before the expiration date leads to the cancellation of the residency status and a fine of 15% of the current market value of the asset.
For participants of accelerated naturalization, the non-repayment of the contribution becomes a key requirement. A refund is only possible if the application is rejected at the verification stage. In this case, 100% of the amount is refunded through an escrow agent. After the approval of citizenship, investments are considered to be definitively transferred to the state, and their withdrawal does not affect the legal status of the passport holder.
Maintaining citizenship after the expiration of the program period does not require additional investments. A Sierra Leone passport is provided indefinitely, provided that there are no violations of the law. However, if the fact of providing forged documents is revealed during the registration process, the authorities reserve the right to initiate a procedure for revoking citizenship through the court.
Additional expenses and taxes
Obtaining citizenship or permanent residence in Sierra Leone through investments is accompanied by costs beyond the basic program contributions. The procedure involves the following government fees and duties:
- Registration of documents. A one-time payment of $3,000 is charged for processing the naturalization application.
- Security check. The amount of $5,000–$7,000 is included in the total investment package and covers Due Diligence from third parties.
- Passport registration. The fee is 100,000 leon (about $200) for issuing a biometric document.
The investor should also consider additional costs:
- Gold storage. Participants of the “GO–FOR–GOLD” program pay $150 annually for 1 kg of precious metal deposited in the state repository.
- Membership in the GFG Club. $2,500 per year for access to exclusive business opportunities and concierge services.
- Translation of documents. Notarization and apostillation cost $300–$500 per package (depending on the volume).
Tax consequences of obtaining citizenship
Sierra Leonean citizenship determines the tax status of an investor. Residents are subject to the rules of taxation on worldwide income, while non-residents pay taxes only from sources within the state.
Residents must pay income tax at a rate of 15% on all types of income, including foreign ones. The exception is a foreign salary, if it has already been taxed in the country of origin. Dividends and interest are withheld at the source of payment (10% and 15% for residents and non-residents). Residents are required to submit reports by April 30 next year. Delay entails a fine of 2% of the tax amount for each month of delay.
Requirements for the applicant and family members
The requirements for program participants vary depending on the chosen path. Conditions for the main applicant:
- Age 18+ years. The inclusion of minor children is allowed without age restrictions.
- A positive DNA test confirming African roots is required for accelerated naturalization. The cost of testing through the Living DNA partner laboratory is $199.
- Making investments in accordance with the terms of the residency program.
- Verification of trustworthiness through third parties (Due Diligence).
At the same time as the main applicant, family members can be added to the application:
- Spouses. The primary and second legal partner (in a polygamous marriage).
- Unmarried children (under the age of 18). It is possible to include adults when confirming financial dependence.
- Parents of any age when providing proof of dependency.
The cost of joining one family member is $10,000. The maximum family size is not limited, but extended applications (3+ dependents) require additional approval.
Dual citizenship
Sierra Leone does not require an investor to renounce a previous passport. According to the amendments to the Law “On Citizenship” of 2006, citizens received the right to keep foreign passports without losing their national status. Despite this, the 1991 Constitution prohibits holders of dual citizenship from holding elected office. In 2021, the Supreme Court partially relaxed the rule, allowing participation in parliamentary elections. However, for senior positions (president, ministers), the requirement for a single citizenship remains.
The procedure for obtaining citizenship
The process of obtaining Sierra Leonean citizenship through investments is structured in 9 stages. The main advantage is the possibility of remote access.
- Preparation of documents. Collecting a basic set of documents. Prior genetic testing is required for hereditary naturalization.
- Legal certification. Nostrification of copies of documents expected to be submitted. Notarization is required or at the Consulate of Sierra Leone.
- Preliminary check. Sending the dossier by email (applications@goforgold.center ). A response with prior approval or a request for additions is received within 2 business days.
- Financial guarantees. Receiving the details of the escrow account and the agreement for making a deposit. Blocking the required amount. The funds are kept in partner banks until the candidate’s identity verification is completed.
- Due Diligence. Verification of trustworthiness through third parties. The criminal history, connections with extremist organizations, and financial reputation are analyzed.
- Filing a petition. After successful verification, the dossier is transferred to the Sierra Leone Immigration Service. At this stage, program participants receive a temporary identification number to track their status.
- Consideration of the application. The timing depends on the program. If additional documents are requested, the process is suspended for 14 working days.
- Confirmation of citizenship. If the decision is positive, the applicant receives a certificate of naturalization. The document allows you to issue a biometric passport through consulates or a center in Freetown.
- Obtaining a passport. Courier delivery of the document to any country in the world.
- We will answer all your questions
- We will help you choose the best option
- We will guide you through every step or do everything for you
Application processing time
Sierra Leone’s programs, in comparison with similar proposals from other countries, have a record speed of reviewing dossiers. Accelerated naturalization takes place 90 days after the submission of the full package of documents. Hereditary naturalization takes 60 days. Permanent residence through the purchase of gold is provided in 40 days.
Required documents
A minimum set of documents is required to complete the request. The main list includes:
- Completed application form.
- A copy of the passport of the main applicant and family members.
- Two 35×45 mm photographs on a white background for each participant in the application.
- Confirmation of the permanent residence address. This can be a utility bill, a bank statement, or a lease agreement issued no later than 180 days prior to submission.
- Birth certificate. Mandatory for children under 18 years of age.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- DNA test. Exclusively for hereditary naturalization.
- LBMA certificate. By participating in the permanent residence program through the purchase of gold.
- Certificate of absence of criminal record.
Failure and return on investment
The programs provide clear conditions for refunds when applications are rejected. According to the immigration service, 85% of refusals are related to errors in documents or violations of the filing procedure. The main reasons for refusal are:
- Undisclosed criminal records.
- Non-compliance of gold with the LBMA standard. Certification of 999.9-grade ingots stored at the Central Bank is required.
- Errors in confirming African ancestry (for hereditary naturalization). The Living DNA genetic test should show at least 15% of African genes.
In case of refusal, 100% of the funds will be refunded through an escrow agent within 14 business days. For gold purchase programs, only the monetary contribution is refundable. The physical metal remains in storage until the violations are eliminated. There is no official mechanism for appealing decisions. However, applicants have the right to resubmit the documents after the reasons for the refusal have been eliminated. Repeated applications are allowed 90 days after receiving the notification of refusal. A new DNA test is required for the inheritance program if the previous result was insufficient.
Recent changes in the program
In the years 2024-2025, Sierra Leone’s migration legislation has undergone large–scale transformations aimed at attracting foreign investors. The key innovations relate to the expansion of programs, speeding up procedures and fiscal benefits. The main innovations included:
- Launch of the “GO–FOR–GOLD” program. The government has officially approved lifetime residency for investments in gold.
- Identification of accelerated naturalization paths.
- Relaxing the requirements for dual citizenship.
- Implementation of escrow mechanisms.
- Tax breaks for GFG members.
- Tightening Due Diligence.
The attempts of the country’s authorities to create a competitive investment climate deserve attention. However, the political instability in the region requires a careful assessment of long-term risks.
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