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Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment Program

Fast-Track Citizenship in 60-90 Days

Government Licenced Agent
Local Office in West Africa
30+ Years of Experience

Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment Program Summary & Key Facts

Apply for one of the most inclusive and flexible citizenship-by-investment programs in Africa. Through Sierra Leone’s government-approved naturalization program, qualified applicants can obtain citizenship within 60-90 days by making a contribution starting from US$100,000. The program features flexible family eligibility, remote processing, and recognition of dual citizenship, offering a unique pathway to Africa’s growing economic and financial opportunities.

 

Key Facts

Citizenship is granted directly to qualified applicants upon approval: no residency requirements.
Applications are processed in 60–90 days.
Add a large variety of dependents including business partners under one application.
The entire process is fully remote and supported by an online submission portal.
Sierra Leone recognizes dual nationality.

What is the Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment Program and How it Works

Sierra Leone offers one of Africa’s most streamlined and accessible direct citizenship pathways. Applicants can obtain citizenship in as little as 60–90 days by making a contribution to a government-approved program, with a reduced investment available for individuals who can prove African ancestry through a DNA test.

The process is designed for efficiency and transparency: you submit your documents and proof of funds online, complete due diligence and identity verification, and once approval is granted, you finalize the contribution and receive your naturalization documents. Everything can be completed remotely, including the issuance of your citizenship certificate and passport, and the program allows for flexible family participation, recognition of dual nationality, and crypto-friendly payment options.

Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment Options & Minimum Cost

“Fast-Track Citizenship” Route

For applicants without African ancestry.

Minimum Investment: US$140,000

Includes:

  • All government program fees and processing
  • Due diligence fees
  • Documentation costs

Family Inclusion:

  • US$10,000 per standard dependent
  • US$20,000 per special dependent
  • US$30,000 for +1 business partner

“Heritage Citizenship” Route

For applicants who can prove African ancestry through a DNA test.

Minimum Investment: US$100,000

Includes:

  • Government fees
  • Program processing
  • DNA verification obligations

Family Inclusion:

  • US$10,000 per standard dependent
  • US$20,000 per special dependent
  • US$30,000 for +1 business partner

Go-For-Gold Permanent Residency Route (Optional)

For applicants who prefer permanent residency rather than direct citizenship.

Minimum Capital Requirement:

  • Single applicant: US$65,000 fee + purchase of 1 kg of gold
  • Family of four: US$75,000 fee + 1 kg of gold
  • Family of eight: US$100,000 fee + 2 kg of gold
  • Additional qualifying family members: US$10,000 per person *Gold is purchased at a 2% discount and remains under custody conditions (see below).

Important Custody Conditions:

Participants in the Go-For-Gold residency route must store their gold in the Sierra Leone Central Bank’s vaults for five years. Early withdrawal or sale before this period results in the cancellation of residency status and a 15% penalty based on the metal’s current market value.

Cost Breakdown Table

Applicant Type Total Contribution Dependent Fees +1 Partner
Single Applicant US$140,000 or US$100,000 (Heritage)
Each Standard Dependent US$10,000 per person
Each Special Dependent US$20,000 per person
Business Partner US$30,000

Key Benefits of the Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment Program

  • Direct Citizenship – No residency is required.
  • Fast Processing – 60-90 days to approval.
  • Family Inclusion – Spouse (including multiple legal spouses) children, parents, grandparents
  • Business Partner Add On – Unique feature allowing a non-related co-applicant.
  • Remote Application – 100% online processing.
  • Dual Citizenship – Permitted under Sierra Leonean law.
  • Bank Account & Local Company – Option to establish both as part of the program.
  • ECOWAS Free Movement – Access to a regional market of 450+ million people

 

Who Should Apply for Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment

The program is ideal for global entrepreneurs, families, and investors seeking strategic access to Africa and ECOWAS. Its flexible family structure makes it attractive for multi-generational planning, while the +1 business partner option allows co-investors to apply together under a single structure.

Applicants benefit from a simplified due diligence process, crypto-friendly payments, low taxation, access to West African markets, and citizenship that can be inherited by future generations.

Step-by-Step Process for Sierra Leone Citizenship

Initial consultation

Meet with NTL Trust to confirm eligibility and choose the most suitable investment route.

Appoint NTL Trust

Appoint NTL Trust as your Sierra Leone service provider, sign the agreement, and make the initial downpayment so our team can manage the process for you.

Eligibility review and document preparation

We assist with eligibility checks, document collection, and full preparation of your application before submission.

Government due diligence

Authorities conduct background and security checks on all applicants. Timelines vary depending on the case.

Approval in principle

Once due diligence is successfully completed, you receive an approval-in-principle letter from the government.

Make the contribution

You transfer the required government contribution. Payment is made only after approval in principle.

Citizenship grant

After confirmation of funds, your Certificate of Naturalization and Sierra Leone passport are issued.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify applicants must:

  • Hold a valid passport
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Demonstrate legal source of funds
  • Pass due diligence and background checks
  • Provide basic supporting documentation
  • Include eligible dependents and business partner if desired

 

Document Checklist

  • Application form
  • Passport copies
  • Passport photos
  • Birth/marriage certificates (if applicable)
  • Proof of address
  • Criminal record reports
  • DNA test for Heritage applicants
  • Oath of Allegiance (signed and notarized)
  • Due diligence documentation

Most documents can be certified as true copies. Apostilles are not generally required.

 

Legal Basis

The program is administered under Sierra Leone’s Non-Citizenship (Registration, Immigration, and Expulsion) Act, 1965 in conjunction with the authorized Go-For-Gold government initiative for fast-track naturalization.

Comparison: Sierra Leone vs. Regional Options

Feature Sierra Leone (Citizenship) São Tomé & Príncipe (Citizenship) The Gambia (Residency)
Program Type Citizenship by Investment Citizenship by Investment Residency by business/proof of funds
Minimum Investment From US$100,000 From US$90,000 No fixed threshold
Processing Time 60–90 days 6–8 weeks ~5 working days in-country
Family Inclusion Spouse, children, parents, grandparents, multiple spouses, +1 business partner Spouse + dependent children Spouse + dependent children under 18
Residency Requirement None None Required to apply in-country
Status Granted Lifetime citizenship and passport Lifetime citizenship and passport Renewable residence permit
Mobility Benefits ECOWAS travel and business access Visa-free/VOA 90+ countries Residency rights in The Gambia
Dual Citizenship Allowed Allowed Allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How fast is the Sierra Leone Citizenship by Investment process?

    The Sierra Leone CBI Program is one of the fastest citizenship pathways in the world, with approvals typically issued in 60-90 days. Unlike traditional residency models that require years of renewals and physical presence, Sierra Leone offers a direct route to naturalization. Once your documentation is reviewed and due diligence is completed, the citizenship certificate and passport are issued immediately.

  • Is the process really fully remote?

    Yes. Sierra Leone is one of the few countries that has digitized the entire CBI process. Applications, document uploads, due diligence, and approvals are all handled via a secure online platform. You only need to mail two final notarized documents at the end of the process. This remote structure makes Sierra Leone particularly attractive for global investors who value simplicity, reduced travel, and fast administrative processing.

  • Can I add multiple spouses or partners?

    Yes, you can add all your legal spouses, adult children, siblings of the main applicant and spouses, children of the included siblings, and the last remaining relative of the applicant. On top of that you can add a business partner as a co-applicant.

  • What is the “+1 Business Partner” option in the Sierra Leone CBI program?

    Sierra Leone has introduced one of the most innovative features in the investment migration world: you can add a non-related business partner or co-investor to your application. This means two entrepreneurs can apply together, share the route to citizenship, and receive approvals simultaneously, without needing family ties. The option is designed for founding partners, strategic investors, high-net-worth couples without legal marriages, and co-owners of businesses. The cost of adding a business partner is US$30,000, making it a unique and cost-effective structure that no other current CBI program offers.

  • What are the travel and residency benefits of the Sierra Leone passport?

    Sierra Leonean citizenship unlocks visa-free access to the ECOWAS region, one of the world’s most dynamic markets with over 450 million people. As a Sierra Leonean citizen, you can travel, reside, and do business freely throughout West Africa. You are also eligible to open local bank accounts and establish a local company as part of the program offering. Dual citizenship is permitted, and once naturalized, your citizenship is valid for life and can be inherited by future generations.

  • Does the Sierra Leone CBI program include mandatory gold purchases?

    No. Gold purchases are not required to qualify for Sierra Leone’s Citizenship by Investment Program. The main route to citizenship is a direct financial contribution. The gold option is a fully optional benefit for applicants interested in wealth diversification. The core process, pricing, and requirements remain the same for all applicants, whether or not they choose to participate in the gold feature.

  • Is Sierra Leone a secure and legally backed citizenship program?

    Yes. The program operates under official government authority and is based on existing legislation, specifically the Non-Citizenship (Registration, Immigration, and Expulsion) Act of 1965. The process includes due diligence, full identity verification, and compliance checks. Sierra Leone also recognizes dual citizenship and offers naturalization certificates identical to those issued to native citizens. The safety and legal framework is clear, tested, and officially sanctioned.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. While NTL Trust strives for accuracy, immigration and investment regulations are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

NTL Trust is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. All services are provided in cooperation with licensed professionals and government-authorized agents in El Salvador.

Citizenship approval is at the sole discretion of the Salvadoran authorities. Applicants are responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of their documents. We recommend seeking independent legal and financial advice tailored to your situation before making investment or relocation decisions.

NTL Trust disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.

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