🇸🇱 Sierra Leone citizenship · By investment
Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment
A second passport for the whole family in as little as 3 months through purchasing gold or making a direct contribution — no residency requirement and no exams.
Sierra Leone is a West African state known for rich deposits of gold and diamonds. In 2024–2026 the government launched the updated Go-For-Gold initiative to attract foreign investors through economic and gold investments.
Legal framework
The program is fully sanctioned by law. Multiple citizenship is permitted under amendments to the Citizenship Act of 2006 — investors obtain a Sierra Leone passport without renouncing their first citizenship. The state Go-For-Gold program was officially approved in December 2024, establishing lifetime residency through gold investments and accelerated naturalization for investors.
Two official routes to a passport
Non-refundable contribution to the economy (accelerated naturalization). A one-time payment into a state development fund from $140,000 for a single applicant; each additional family member requires a $10,000 top-up. With proven African ancestry (a DNA test showing at least 15% African genetic roots), a special "ancestral naturalization" applies: from $100,000, with processing shortened to about 60 days. The contribution is non-refundable, but if citizenship is refused, 100% of the amount is returned via an escrow account. The process takes about 3 months and does not require personal presence.
Gold purchase and PR (Go-For-Gold). Requires purchasing gold bars (999.9 fineness) from 1 kg and paying a program fee from $65,000. One applicant — 1 kg of gold + $65,000; a family of up to 4 — 1 kg of gold + $75,000; a family of up to 8 — 2 kg of gold + $100,000. Gold is stored at the Central Bank of Sierra Leone for 5 years, and the investor receives permanent residency in about 40 days. After 5 years the gold can be sold to recover the funds while retaining resident status. Go-For-Gold club members may purchase up to 19 kg of gold at a 2% discount to market.
There are no language, history, or culture exams. All funds are placed in escrow and transferred to the government only after approval.
Benefits of Sierra Leone citizenship
Fast processing
Processing takes 60 to 90 days depending on the route. No residence requirement and no language or history exams.
Travel freedom and ECOWAS status
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 68 countries. Long-term visas: Schengen up to 5 years, US B1/B2 up to 3 years. Resident-like privileges in 15 West African countries as an ECOWAS member.
Capital preservation
Under Go-For-Gold, your investment goes into a real asset — gold bullion — which can be sold after 5 years while retaining resident status.
Dual citizenship for the whole family
No need to renounce your first passport. Status is inheritable; each additional family member costs a flat $10,000.
Tax advantages
Foreign income is not taxed for non-residents. No inheritance or gift tax; resident income tax is 15%.
How to obtain citizenship: step by step
Consultation and route selection
Determine which path suits you — non-refundable contribution or gold investment. Specialists assess your situation and calculate family pricing.
Document preparation
Passports of the applicant and family members, children's birth certificates, marriage certificate, 35×45 mm photos, proof of address, police clearance certificate. All documents are translated into English and notarized or apostilled.
Filing and placement of funds
The application is filed remotely. Investment funds are placed into escrow and transferred to the government only after approval.
Screening and adjudication
Due diligence covers biography, source of funds, and criminal history. Timeline: about 90 days for the contribution route, up to 60 days for the ancestral route, about 40 days for gold-based PR.
Approval and issuance
Upon approval, a naturalization certificate or PR status is issued, on the basis of which a biometric passport is obtained. If refused, escrow funds are returned within 1–2 weeks.
FAQ
How long does it take to obtain Sierra Leone citizenship by investment?
Do I need to visit or live in Sierra Leone?
Can I obtain citizenship with my family?
Do I need to give up my Russian citizenship?
Can I get my investment money back?
68 visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries
Visa-free / visa on arrival
Long-term visas
See also
Related programs and destinations
Similar destinations:
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