How to obtain Sierra Leone citizenship in 2026 and how much it costs

2 options for obtaining Sierra Leone citizenship for foreigners

Under the GO-FOR-GOLD program, Sierra Leonean citizenship can be obtained in one of 2 ways. The options differ in terms of the amount and type of financial contribution, intermediate status, and procedure.

1. Obtaining citizenship through a non-refundable contribution (Fast Track)

Sierra Leonean nationality can be obtained directly, without first applying for permanent residency. This is possible through the Fast Track accelerated naturalization program. Investors simply make a one-time non-refundable contribution. This is the easiest and one of the fastest ways to obtain a Sierra Leonean passport and dual citizenship.

To obtain a passport, you must invest at least USD 140,000 in the country’s economy. To include family members in the application, an additional fee is required:

• USD 10,000 for a spouse and each child under 18; as well as for parents and grandparents;
• USD 20,000 for each adult child, sibling under 30, and their spouses and children.

For an extra USD 30,000, you can include one business partner in the application.

In addition, there is a mandatory due diligence fee:

• USD 5,000 for applications with up to 5 applicants;
• USD 10,000 for applications with 6–10 applicants;
• USD 900 for each additional applicant.

Processing a Sierra Leone’s passport through the Fast Track program is entirely remote; documents are submitted online. Personal presence in the country is not required, nor are any residency or integration requirements. The average time taken to review an application and issue a passport is up to 90 days from the time the complete document package is submitted, and all checks are completed. With the help of experienced lawyers, you can obtain Sierra Leonean citizenship in the shortest possible time.

2. Citizenship through permanent residency by purchasing gold

The process involves several steps for obtaining Sierra Leonean citizenship. First, you receive permanent residency, and then a passport through an expedited process.

To obtain permanent residency, a single applicant must purchase 1 kg of 99.99% pure gold, which costs approximately USD 150,000. A government fee of USD 65,000 is also required. If the status is obtained for a spouse with minor children, 1 kg of gold must be purchased, plus a USD 75,000 fee. If parents or adult children are included in the application, 2 kg of gold must be purchased, and the fee increases to USD 100,000.

The purchased gold is transferred to government control and stored in an official vault for 5 years.

A due diligence fee is also required, which is the same as for the Fast Track program.

Based on the verified purchase, the investor is granted a permanent residence permit for life. The entire application process can be completed remotely within 40 days. You do not need to live in the country to maintain your status.

After receiving permanent residency, you can proceed to the second stage: expedited citizenship. You can submit the application remotely without having to appear in person, and the document review takes up to 60 days. There are no additional payments at this stage.

Sierra Leonean citizenship application costs

To help you compare the available options for obtaining Sierra Leonean citizenship, we’ve summarized the costs in the following table:

For example, if you apply for citizenship by yourself through the Fast Track program, the total cost is USD 145,000. If you are applying as a family of four (for instance, a spouse and 2 children under 18), the USD 140,000 base contribution is supplemented by USD 10,000 payments for each dependent, plus a USD 5,000 due diligence fee. In this case, the total cost is USD 175,000.

Applicant requirements and eligibility

To apply for the Sierra Leone citizenship by investment program, you must:

• be 18 years of age or older and have legal capacity;
• have a valid passport;
• be willing to undergo a due diligence check;
• have sufficient funds to meet the program’s financial requirements.

You may include the following individuals in your application:

• a spouse;
• children, including minors and adults under 30 years of age;
• parents;
• grandparents;
• siblings, their spouses, and their children.

Additionally, 1 business partner (co-investor) is permitted.

Which documents are required?

To apply for Sierra Leonean citizenship, you must prepare a basic set of documents:

• a completed and signed application form;
• a valid passport — a copy of the citizenship page;
• 2 passport-sized photographs;
• birth certificate (if applicable);
• marriage certificate (if applicable);
• proof of address for the last 6 months.

All copies of documents must be notarized.

What a Sierra Leone passport provides: Citizenship benefits for investors

Sierra Leonean citizenship is not usually obtained for relocation or exotic reasons. Rather, it is chosen as a backup legal recourse in case of restricted access, closed borders, or blocked international instruments. It provides an alternative status in a neutral jurisdiction that can be used when the primary passport is no longer viable. Key benefits of obtaining Sierra Leonean citizenship include:

• Discount on gold purchases. As part of the investment program, you receive a 5-year membership in the GFG Club, which provides a 2 percent discount on the purchase of 20 kilograms of gold.
• ECOWAS membership. Sierra Leone citizenship provides access to the opportunities offered by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including the right to simplified travel, residence, and business in member countries.
• Access to the English legal system. A passport from a common law country simplifies working with international treaties, investment structures, and corporate mechanisms common to global business.
• Inheritance. Citizenship acquired is lifelong and can be passed on to future generations.
• Legally neutral citizenship. A Sierra Leonean passport allows you to operate without geopolitical restrictions, reducing the risk of refusal from banks, contractors, and international services where nationality affects the compliance process.
• Opportunity to include your entire family in your application. Citizenship may be granted to you, your immediate family members, and all other family members in a single application.
• No residency or tax residency requirements. Obtaining citizenship does not entail any obligation to relocate to or permanently reside in Sierra Leone, nor does it create any tax liability. This allows you to use your status flexibly for legal, financial, and international purposes without changing your current lifestyle. You can also obtain tax residency in Sierra Leone for a fee (USD 10,000), even if you don’t reside in the country.
• Strategic geographic location. Sierra Leone is located in a strategically important region of West Africa, making it a convenient base for regional business and investment projects.