Immigration News & Updates

Sierra Leone Launches 90-Day Sierra Citizenship Pathway for Investors

Sierra Leone has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, launching a 90-day citizenship route within its GO-FOR-GOLD (GFG) program. This new fast-track option provides a direct pathway to citizenship in as little as 60 days, giving investors a streamlined process to become Sierra Leonean citizens. This development comes just a month after the country introduced the GFG Permanent Residency (PR) program. The innovative framework significantly shortens the time to citizenship, offering a distinct alternative to the traditional naturalization process.

Introduction to Sierra Leone’s Fast-Track Sierra Citizenship Pathway for Investors

In a bid to attract international investors and contribute to national growth, Sierra Leone has implemented a faster, more efficient way for investors to acquire citizenship. Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh emphasized the goal of aligning Sierra Leone’s immigration system with global best practices and fostering modernization through strategic use of its resources.

Key Features of the Fast-Track Sierra Citizenship Pathway for Investors

The new citizenship pathways offer two main options for eligible applicants:

Both pathways allow applicants to include qualifying family members for an additional fee of $10,000 per dependent. Eligible dependents include children under 18, spouses, and parents.

Streamlined Citizenship via GO-FOR-GOLD (GFG)

Investors now have a straightforward path to Sierra Leonean citizenship without needing to first acquire Permanent Residency. The GFG framework provides the option for direct citizenship or PR, with future opportunities for naturalization once PR is granted.

The two primary routes under the GFG program—Fast-Track Naturalization and Heritage Naturalization—are designed to cater to different groups of investors. The Fast-Track option offers a path to citizenship in just 90 days for a $140,000 investment, covering all necessary fees and documentation. On the other hand, the Heritage Naturalization route provides a 60-day citizenship timeline for those with African ancestry, requiring a DNA test as part of the application.

Additional Benefits of Sierra Citizenship Program for Investors

1. Family Inclusion: Both citizenship pathways allow investors to include their family members in the application. This includes dependent children, spouses, and parents, making it a highly attractive option for families looking to relocate.
2. GFG Club Membership: Successful applicants are eligible to join the GFG Club, which offers exclusive benefits, such as personalized travel support, assistance with business setup, tax residency advice, in-country banking services, and early access to investment opportunities.
3. Gold Discounts: Members of the GFG Club can also purchase gold mined in Sierra Leone at a 2% discount to market rates, up to 20kg over five years. The gold purchases help support the country’s small-scale miners, empowering local communities and contributing to the nation’s mining sector.

Sierra Leone’s Vision for the Future

The Sierra Leone government, through the GFG program, seeks to tap into international investment, fueling national development while providing investors with a clear and efficient path to citizenship. Stephen Barnes, co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre and architect of the GFG program, notes that this initiative will significantly expand the country’s immigration framework and attract global investors who want to contribute to Sierra Leone’s growth.

Sierra Leone’s new 90-day citizenship route within the GO-FOR-GOLD program represents a bold step forward in modernizing its immigration process. By providing fast-track citizenship options for investors, the country not only attracts global investment but also creates opportunities for personal and national growth. The streamlined process, combined with exclusive benefits such as the GFG Club and gold purchase discounts, positions Sierra Leone as a competitive and attractive destination for investors worldwide.