Sierra Leone's government launched a residency permit program for gold purchases in December 2024, and in early January introduced fast-track paths to citizenship. Find out how much you need to invest, how to get a residency permit and citizenship in Sierra Leone, and what benefits these documents offer.

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Sierra Leone is a small country in West Africa, which is one of the world's leading producers of gold and diamonds. The country's leadership offers wealthy foreigners to invest in the country's economy and receive a number of benefits.

About the advantages of Sierra Leone documents, as well as the features of investing and obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in Sierra Leone, further in our new material.

Sierra Leone Residence Permit with Gold Purchase

The Sierra Leone Residence Permit Investment Program is called Go-For-Gold.

Applications for Sierra Leone Residence Permits will be accepted from December 7, 2024.

- How much gold do you need to buy to get a Sierra Leone Residence Permit

The amount depends on the number of people applying for a Sierra Leone Residence Permit:

1. One applicant – 1 kg of gold and $65,000 additional fees.

2. Spouse and children under 18 – 1 kg of gold and $75,000 additional fees.

3. Spouse, children, parents of spouses and other relatives – 2 kg of gold and $100,000 additional fees.

Requirements for an investor to obtain a residence permit in Sierra Leone when buying gold

1. Buy 1-2 kg of gold with a purity of 99.99%.

The gold must have a certificate according to the standards of the LBMA Good Delivery List - an independent association of precious metals. Before purchase, the bar must be under the protection of the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, which controls the circulation of gold and guarantees its legal origin.

2. The requirements for the weight of gold will decrease if its price increases.

In December 2024, the price per ounce of gold was $ 2,686.6. This means that one kilogram of gold will cost about $ 94,756.

3. Pay additional state fees.

If the applicant is refused a residence permit, the money will be returned. The weight of the gold and the amount of the fee depend on the composition of the application.

Package of documents for obtaining a residence permit in Sierra Leone for investments

The investor does not need to come to the country to obtain a residence permit - the procedure is carried out remotely, provided that the following documents are available:

- copy of passport;

- digital photograph;

- marriage and birth certificates, if the investor includes family members in the application.

Resident status is valid indefinitely, but investments must be maintained for five years.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment

A month after the launch of the Go-for-Gold (GFG) program for permanent residence in Sierra Leone, the government of Sierra Leone has introduced an accelerated citizenship process for investors.

From now on, investors will be able to obtain citizenship in a maximum of 90 days (in certain cases, 60 days will be enough). This initiative is an effective alternative to the traditional naturalization process, which usually requires eight years of residence in the country.

Features of obtaining Sierra Leone citizenship by investment

1. Accelerated naturalization procedure

- Citizenship within 90 days can be obtained by investors who make a deposit of 140,000 US dollars, which covers all program fees, legal costs and documentation.

Throughout the entire period, the applicant will receive appropriate comprehensive support.

2. Naturalization by inheritance

- Citizenship within 60 days for individuals of African descent, upon investment of $100,000.

A DNA test report is required to prove African heritage.

3. Family Relocation

- Upon investment of $10,000 per dependent, family relocation is possible.

Eligible members include dependent children under 18, spouses (including legal second spouses), and dependent parents of any age.

Important! Investors can apply for citizenship through GFG directly without obtaining permanent residency. Those who choose to obtain permanent residency instead of citizenship at the time of application are eligible to apply for accelerated naturalization in the future, but the African government has not yet made all the necessary changes to the legislation to organize this process.

Benefits for Sierra Leonean Citizenship Holders under the GO-FOR-GOLD procedure

1. Program participants are eligible to join the GFG Club, which offers:

- Personal support for travel, business registration and tax residency setup.

- Access to in-country banking services and exclusive investment opportunities.

- Purchase of gold bars at a discount (2% below market price) up to 20 kg for five years.

2. Sierra Leone is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Membership in this geopolitical bloc and the achievements of local diplomats provide citizens with visa-free travel to a total of 66 destinations in Africa and Asia.

3. Residence privileges in 15 ECOWAS countries, ensuring mobility across West Africa.

Important! The Sierra Leonean passport does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen zone, Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA.

Its main advantage is the simplification of movement and doing business in the ECOWAS region and countries where visa-free travel is available.

Advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Sierra Leone for investment

1. Stable income.

In 2024 alone, the price of an ounce of gold rose by 30% and reached a record $ 2,600.

To obtain a residence permit, an investor buys one or two kilograms of gold. He can purchase another 19 kilograms at a reduced cost within five years after the investment.

2. Fast document processing.

Registration of status takes up to 40 days. The main advantage is the ability to do everything remotely.

3. There are no residency requirements to maintain status.

You can not live in Sierra Leone at all, but still hold a country ID card.

4. Access to banking services.

Sierra Leone residents can open accounts in the country, keep savings and make international transfers. Sierra Leonean banks do not operate under the Common Reporting Standard, or CRS, which means they do not exchange tax and financial information with other countries.

5. Business opportunities.

Sierra Leone is rich not only in gold, but also in iron, bauxite, and diamonds, so the mining industry is actively developing there.

The tourism sector is also promising. Sierra Leone attracts foreigners with its exotic flora and fauna, mountains, and tropical beaches. Popular places include the Takugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Turtle Islands.

The GO-FOR-GOLD program in Sierra Leone is important for both global investors and citizens of the country. Sierra Leone is positioning itself as a competitive destination for investment and immigration, and the benefits that a foreigner receives are an incentive to obtain the country's documents.

Let us remind you! Ghana has allowed visa-free entry for citizens of African countries, starting from January 2025. This step makes Ghana the fifth African country to open its borders to all holders of African passports. Given that the state is an attractive tourist destination, such a decision is very important for stimulating travel. We have already told you what the entry rules to Ghana will be in force in 2025 and what to see in this country for a tourist.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

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