Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment

A second passport in as little as three months, without relocation or travel, in exchange for an investment in a liquid, appreciating asset: gold. Flexible formats for single applicants, families, and even business partners.

This is exactly what the Go-For-Gold programme in Sierra Leone offers. However, behind the appealing headline lies a number of nuances and risks. We have prepared a practical guide covering eligibility requirements and procedures, a document checklist and cost breakdown, as well as the key advantages and real-world use cases of a Sierra Leone passport.

8 Key Advantages of Go-For-Gold

From cross-border mobility to capital protection, let’s look in detail at the main arguments in favour of Sierra Leone citizenship.

1. Fast citizenship processing

The Go-For-Gold programme follows an accelerated procedure. After submitting documents, applicants typically receive their passport in around three months. As the programme grows in popularity, processing times may increase — which is why delaying an application is not advisable.

2. Fully remote process: a second passport without travel

From preliminary screening to passport issuance and the granting of citizenship by investment, all stages are completed remotely. Personal presence in Sierra Leone is not required. This lowers costs, simplifies logistics, speeds up the process, and makes the programme more accessible.

3. Global mobility: dozens of visa-free destinations

A Sierra Leone passport under the Go-For-Gold scheme provides visa-free or simplified entry to 66 countries and territories, including key business and tourism destinations. The second passport can also be used for standard visa applications where required.

4. Full family inclusion

The programme allows a wide range of family members to be included in a single application, including a spouse, children of any age, parents and grandparents, siblings, and their spouses. Family members receive citizenship on the same terms as the main applicant.

5. Access to international banking and business

Holding a second citizenship makes it easier to:

• open personal and corporate bank accounts;
• structure international businesses;
• travel globally for business using visa-free access;
• work with financial institutions outside the country of current residence.

The passport can also be used as an alternative identification document during KYC checks.

6. Tax rules for non-residents

Citizenship does not automatically grant tax residency in Sierra Leone. As non-residents are not taxed on foreign-source income, obtaining citizenship does not create an additional tax burden.

7. Gold investment with buy-back rights

The programme allows investment in a physical asset. Citizenship is granted through the purchase of gold combined with a non-refundable contribution. The gold is treated as a secured asset and is eligible for buy-back after five years.

8. Lifestyle advantages

Sierra Leone offers a mild tropical climate, English as an official language, and a relatively low cost of living compared to most jurisdictions offering similar programmes. Housing, staffing, and basic services are generally affordable, making the country suitable for long-term residence.

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Three Financial Options: Choose Your Path

The Go-For-Gold programme allows you to obtain a second passport in the following ways:

1) Non-refundable contribution (from $140,000)

Foreign applicants make a non-refundable contribution to the host state. This is the most convenient option if your priorities are speed and simplicity (no asset management required).

2) Heritage Citizenship: for individuals of African descent (from $100,000)

A special option for applicants who can confirm African ancestry (DNA test). It offers a lower entry threshold while preserving all core programme benefits: accelerated processing, a fully remote procedure, and family inclusion. Documentary proof of ancestry is required.

3) Gold purchase investment (from $65,000 + 1 kg of gold)

Instead of a donation, the applicant invests in physical gold. The investor initially receives permanent residence. Those who obtain permanent residence are eligible for accelerated naturalisation. The gold is subject to buy-back: the investor may sell it after five years, during which the asset is stored in a government vault. This format reduces actual capital loss and may even be viewed as a profitable investment given the long-term appreciation of precious metals.

Which option should you choose?

Not sure which to choose? We will help select the best option based on your budget, family structure, and goals.

Requirements for Applicants and Family Members

Citizenship and permanent residence routes via gold purchase and/or non-refundable contribution are available to a wide range of applicants, their relatives, and even business partners.

Main applicant

Applicants must be adults. There are no formal restrictions based on country of origin. Other requirements for Sierra Leone citizenship include:

• proof of identity;
• no criminal record and no listing on international sanctions lists;
• passing Due Diligence screening.

Proof of lawful source of funds is also required.

Spouse and children

Under the standard “Normal Dependants” category, the application may include:

• one or more spouses;
• children under 18;
• parents and grandparents.

Each individual undergoes an individual background check. Citizenship is granted at the same time as the main applicant.

Special dependants

From November 2025, the citizenship programme officially allows an expanded circle of relatives under “Special Dependants,” including:

• adult children;
• siblings up to age 30;
• spouses of siblings;
• the last remaining relative (e.g., an aunt/uncle).

The Go-For-Gold programme is designed around a flexible family and partnership model.

Business partner: how to include them?

The “+1 Business Partner” mechanism allows one adult business partner or even an employee to be included. This person may not add their own dependants. The investment / contribution is paid by the main applicant. An alternative structure is also available: two business partners with equal contributions within one case.

Step-by-step procedure to obtain a Sierra Leone passport

The process of obtaining a Sierra Leone passport and citizenship by investment / contribution consists of 6 stages:

1) Consultation and preliminary screening (Pre-Due Diligence)

A licensed Sierra Leone programme agent provides a consultation and an initial assessment of the applicant’s profile, including family composition, investment structure, source of funds, and reputational risks. The suitable financial option is identified and initial eligibility is confirmed.

2) Document preparation

Documents for Sierra Leone citizenship are prepared, translated, and apostilled. The process is adapted for 100% remote submission. Accuracy is critical: mistakes at this stage lead to delays or requests for corrections.

3) Submission via digital platform

The application is submitted through the Go-For-Gold online portal with support including AI-assisted guidance, remote document evaluation, and an oath administered via Zoom.

4) Transfer of funds

All payments (investment, non-refundable contribution, fees) are made to an escrow account and remain there until due diligence is completed and a Letter of Approval is issued. Funds are not released to the final recipient until the checks are completed, reducing financial risk for the investor.

5) Due Diligence

Due diligence is carried out by the independent UK company Harod Associates Ltd and includes financial analysis, sanctions screening and PEP checks, and OSINT review (internet, social media, media coverage, public registers).

6) Approval and issuance of documents

After approval, a citizenship certificate is issued. Based on this, the passport is produced. Documents are delivered to the applicant without the need to visit the country.

Optional: company formation in Sierra Leone and opening of a corporate bank account may be arranged.

Timelines

Dozens of visa-free destinations: where can you travel with a Sierra Leone passport?

By obtaining a Sierra Leone passport, an investor can expect visa-free, simplified, or conditionally simplified entry to 66 countries and territories. Access formats vary by region and visa regime.

Africa (37 countries)

Visa-free entry for tourism, business, or transit across most of West, East, and Southern Africa, including ECOWAS states and other regional economic blocs.

Asia (23 countries, including Singapore)

Sierra Leone citizenship by investment provides access to many Asian travel and business routes with minimal formalities—especially relevant for mobile entrepreneurs and investors.

Americas (17 countries)

A Sierra Leone passport allows entry to certain North, Central, and South American countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival, generally for short-term travel, tourism, and business visits.

Europe and other regions

Schengen countries are not included in the visa-free list. However, a Sierra Leone passport may be used for transit or visa applications via third-country consulates, where an alternative citizenship can simplify processing. Additional destinations exist in the Caribbean and Oceania with simplified entry rules.

eVisas and visas on arrival

In addition to visa-free travel, Sierra Leone citizenship provides access to electronic visas (eVisa) and visas on arrival. These options reduce administrative burden and expand practical mobility.

Total programme cost: fees and expenses

The programme’s financial structure includes mandatory state payments and related costs, depending on family size and the selected pathway.

Government fees (citizenship via contribution without African heritage)

* State fee applies to each partner.

Due Diligence

This fee is included in escrow and is non-refundable.

Agent services

A licensed agent fee covers:

• preliminary profile assessment;
• support at all stages;
• liaison with state authorities;
• tracking deadlines and ensuring document accuracy.

Fees are fixed by contract and depend on complexity and family size.

Documents

Document preparation, apostilles, translations, and notarial services are calculated case-by-case and depend on the number of applicants and countries of document origin.

Example 1: Extended family across generations

Main applicant with spouse, two minor children, one adult child, one last remaining relative, and one business partner.

Example 2: Group application of siblings

Main applicant plus three siblings; each sibling is married and has one child.

Need a cost estimate for your family? We can prepare an individual calculation based on family composition and chosen financial option.

Taxation before and after citizenship by investment

Citizenship itself does not create tax obligations to Sierra Leone. Tax outcomes depend on tax residency and the nature of income sources.

Income tax: residents vs non-residents

Preferential regime for non-citizens (4 years)

Before obtaining citizenship, it is possible to use a preferential tax regime for four years. According to Tax Administration guidance, the regime applies to individuals who:

• are not citizens of Sierra Leone;
• have no domicile in Sierra Leone and no intention to live there for more than four years;
• formally meet tax residency criteria, including staying in Sierra Leone 182+ days in any 12-month period.

Under this regime:

• only Sierra Leone-source income is included in the tax base;
• foreign income is taxed only if it is remitted into Sierra Leone (non-remitted income is not taxed);
• deductions are allowed only for expenses related to taxable Sierra Leone-source income.

This regime allows temporary tax residency in Sierra Leone with limited taxation.

Double taxation: how to avoid it after citizenship

Sierra Leone uses standard global approaches to avoid double taxation:

• taxing income where the source is located;
• using tax residency in another country as a key criterion;
• expanding the list of countries with double taxation treaties;
• allowing foreign tax credits where treaties or domestic rules apply.

After citizenship, tax obligations are determined by income source and tax residency, not by the passport.

CRS and information exchange

Sierra Leone has not yet implemented OECD-style mechanisms for exchange of information on request (EOIR) or automatic exchange of financial information (AEOI). Local banks and financial institutions do not exchange account information of foreign tax residents through CRS infrastructure.

Risks and reasons for refusal: how to avoid them

Key refusal reasons include unclear or questionable source of funds, criminal convictions or ongoing proceedings, negative international media coverage, sanctions exposure, and incomplete or inconsistent information. Concealing facts or providing misleading information guarantees refusal.

Refund of funds in case of refusal

If the application is refused after Due Diligence, the investment portion held in escrow is refunded minus non-refundable fees, including due diligence and administrative costs.

How do we minimise risks for clients?

Risk reduction begins before formal submission and includes:

• preliminary compliance review of the applicant profile;
• verification of source of funds and reputational factors;
• correct preparation and structuring of documents;
• support throughout all stages of interaction with the programme.

With pre-screening and accurate preparation, the likelihood of refusal and financial loss is reduced before formal processing begins.

Latest programme updates

In November 2025, the Go-For-Gold programme was revised. The scheme, launched a year earlier as a pilot (13 families obtained citizenship), became more accessible. Key changes include:

• introduction of “special dependants”;
• permission to include multiple families in one application;
• launch of the “+1 business partner” format;
• new fee structure with separate rates for the main applicant, standard dependants, special dependants, and business partners, plus an alternative model for two partners;
• escrow payment mechanism and refund policy (minus due diligence costs) in case of refusal;
• appointment of a new independent due diligence provider — Harod Associates Ltd (UK);
• formalised application timelines;
• fully remote submission via a digital portal, including remote notarisation and oath-taking by video.

These 2025 updates moved Go-For-Gold from a pilot into a structured programme model.

Why choose Q Wealth?

Our role in Go-For-Gold is not simply посредничество (intermediation), but full support with risk control and outcome focus. Reasons clients work with us:

• Expertise and focus: we specialise in investment migration and second citizenship.
• Preliminary compliance screening: profile checks before financial commitments.
• Transparent financial model: clear view of refundable/non-refundable fees and escrow terms.
• Full support: documents, apostilles, submission, liaison with the programme, deadline control.
• Complex cases: extended families, business partners, complex income structures, multiple citizenships.
• Legal accuracy and professional approach: no aggressive marketing, no unrealistic promises; recommendations based on current rules and international compliance practice.

Our support is designed to minimise operational and reputational risks for applicants while meeting due diligence requirements.

Next steps: how to begin

To start, complete three steps:

1. Submit a form with your name, contact details, and family composition (enough for an initial assessment).
2. Receive a preliminary assessment — we review the data and respond quickly (within 2 business hours during working time).
3. Schedule a free consultation — a 30-minute call with an expert to discuss the best option, risks, and next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions