Blogs • January 7, 2026 • 8 Min

A Complete Guide to the Sierra Leone GO-FOR-GOLD Program

In 2025, Sierra Leone formally introduced the GO-FOR-GOLD Special Naturalization Program, establishing a structured pathway that links citizenship and permanent residency to verified economic participation. Rather than relying on a passive donation model, the program is built around regulated economic contributions aligned with Sierra Leone’s foreign direct investment priorities. Participation may include gold-backed mechanisms, company incorporation, and capital deployment into approved sectors of the local economy. This guide explains how the GO-FOR-GOLD program works, who qualifies, the approved contribution structures, and the expected process and timelines, based on the framework in effect as of 2026. What Is the Sierra Leone GO-FOR-GOLD Special Naturalization Program? The GO-FOR-GOLD program is a government-approved Special Naturalization framework that grants citizenship through a verified economic contribution. There is one qualifying route under the program: a contribution approved under the Special Naturalization framework, assessed and processed through the official government application system. Importantly, this is not a discretionary or informal arrangement. Contributions are: Submitted through the official application platform Subject to independent due diligence Held in escrow until approval is granted Only after formal approval are funds released in accordance with the program rules. What Contribution Structures Are Available Under GO-FOR-GOLD? The program allows for several structured contribution configurations, depending on whether you apply alone or with business partners. A. Single Applicant Contribution amount:$140,000 This is the standard route for individual applicants applying under Special Naturalization. B. +1 Business Partner Option This option allows one adult co-investor to apply together with the main applicant, without the requirement to prove an existing partnership. Contribution amount:$30,000 (for the additional partner) This structure is designed to support joint participation while maintaining a single primary applicant. C. Alternative Business Partner Structure This structure applies where two business partners apply together as main applicants. Contribution per partner:$85,000 Both applicants are treated as principal applicants under the Special Naturalization framework. What Is the Expected Timeline? The expected timeframe for the GO-FOR-GOLD Special Naturalization Program is approximately 60–90 days, from submission to issuance of citizenship documents. The timeline depends primarily on document readiness and due diligence clearance, rather than residency or physical presence. Throughout the process, Savory & Partners works closely with the relevant authorities to ensure applications are prepared accurately and processed as efficiently as possible. How Does the GO-FOR-GOLD Application Process Work? What Are the Steps from Application to Citizenship? The GO-FOR-GOLD Special Naturalization process follows a fixed, government-defined sequence and is typically completed within 60–90 days. Below is how the process works in practice, from initial review to passport issuance. Step 1: Pre-Screening and Application Opening Savory & Partners conducts an initial review of your profile and documents to confirm eligibility under the GO-FOR-GOLD framework. At this stage, the application is formally opened and a submission fee is paid to initiate compliance and background checks. This step ensures that any potential issues are identified before the file is submitted to the authorities. Step 2: Document Preparation and Submission All required documents are collected and prepared in line with the official government checklist. Savory & Partners provides guidance, templates, and quality control to ensure accuracy and consistency. Once the file is complete, the application is submitted through the official digital application platform. Step 3: Due Diligence and Government Review Independent due diligence is conducted, followed by assessment by the Sierra Leone Immigration Department. This stage includes background checks, source-of-funds verification, and a review of declarations. Where required, statutory declarations and the Oath of Allegiance are completed digitally. Step 4: Approval and Escrow Release Upon successful review, a Letter of Approval is issued by the Chief Immigration Officer. Only after this approval is granted is the verified economic contribution confirmed and released from escrow, in accordance with program rules. No funds are released prior to official approval. Step 5: Issuance of Citizenship Documents Following Presidential confirmation, the Certificate of Naturalization and Sierra Leone passport are issued by the relevant authorities. At this point, citizenship is formally granted under the Special Naturalization framework. Step 6: Secure Delivery of Documents All passports, certificates, and official documents are securely delivered to the applicant through Savory & Partners. Support remains available for document legalization or additional copies if required. What Are the Benefits of Sierra Leone Citizenship Under GO-FOR-GOLD? Full Sierra Leonean Citizenship Approved applicants obtain full citizenship through Special Naturalization, with the same legal rights and status as any Sierra Leonean national. Citizenship is granted permanently under Section 27(a) of the Sierra Leone Citizenship Act 1973 and does not require renewal. Dual Citizenship Permitted Sierra Leone allows dual citizenship. You are not required to renounce your existing nationality when acquiring citizenship under the GO-FOR-GOLD framework. Regional Mobility Through ECOWAS Citizens benefit from freedom of movement, residence, and economic activity across all 15 ECOWAS member states, providing access to one of West Africa’s largest integrated regions. Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Travel A Sierra Leone passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90+ destinations, depending on travel purpose and duration, supporting international mobility beyond the region. Fast and Predictable Timeline Citizenship approval and issuance of documents are typically completed within 60–90 days from submission, subject to due diligence clearance and document readiness. No Residency or Visit Requirements There is no requirement to visit or reside in Sierra Leone before or after citizenship is granted. The program is designed for applicants who value flexibility and do not intend immediate relocation. Inclusive Family Policy The GO-FOR-GOLD program allows the inclusion of a wide range of family members, including spouse(s), children, parents, grandparents, siblings under 30, spouses of siblings, and a last remaining relative, subject to program rules and fees. Business and Banking Access Approved applicants receive a locally incorporated Sierra Leone company and access to a corporate bank account, enabling immediate participation in approved economic activity rather than passive status holding. Citizenship Guaranteed by Law Citizenship is granted through a formal government process, administered by the Sierra Leone Immigration Department under its Special Naturalization arrangements, ensuring legal certainty and official recognition. Why Is Sierra Leone Gaining Attention in Investment Migration? Sierra Leone introduced the GO-FOR-GOLD program as part of a broader push to attract productive foreign capital and strengthen private-sector participation. The country focuses on long-term economic contribution rather than short-term inflows, which shapes how the program works in practice. West Africa’s Growth Momentum West Africa continues to expand economically, driven by population growth, rising domestic demand, and deeper regional integration through ECOWAS. Sierra Leone sits within this growth corridor, giving investors exposure to a region that continues to gain relevance in global trade and investment discussions. Natural Resources with Defined Oversight Gold and other natural resources play a central role in Sierra Leone’s economy. Through GO-FOR-GOLD, the government channels foreign participation into regulated mechanisms tied to real economic activity, rather than allowing unstructured capital inflows. Strategic Atlantic Coast Access Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coastline connects the country directly to major shipping routes and international markets. This geographic position supports trade, logistics, and export-focused business activity across West Africa. Clear Direction Toward Private-Sector Development The government continues to prioritize formal investment channels, improved oversight, and private-sector growth. Programs like GO-FOR-GOLD reflect this direction by linking citizenship and residency to verified participation in the local economy. Long-Term Demographic Advantage Africa’s workforce continues to grow faster than any other region. Sierra Leone benefits from this trend by positioning itself as part of the next generation of emerging markets, rather than a short-term alternative. Together, these factors explain why Sierra Leone structured GO-FOR-GOLD around economic participation instead of passive contributions, and why timing matters for applicants considering African citizenship and residency options in 2026. If you are considering the GO-FOR-GOLD program, contact Savory & Partners for expert guidance on eligibility, and next steps. FAQs About the Sierra Leone GO-FOR-GOLD Program Is the Sierra Leone GO-FOR-GOLD Program Legal and Government-Approved? Yes. The GO-FOR-GOLD program operates under Section 27(a) of the Sierra Leone Citizenship Act 1973, which authorizes the President to grant citizenship by exception where an applicant’s participation serves the national interest. The process is administered by the Sierra Leone Immigration Department under its Special Naturalization framework. How Long Does the GO-FOR-GOLD Citizenship Process Take? Typically 60–90 days from submission to issuance of citizenship documents. Timelines depend mainly on document readiness and due diligence clearance. There are no residency or physical presence requirements that affect processing time. Is There Only One Citizenship Route Under GO-FOR-GOLD? Yes. There is one qualifying citizenship route under the GO-FOR-GOLD Special Naturalization Program: a verified economic contribution approved under the Special Naturalization framework. Different contribution structures exist (single applicant, business partners, family inclusion), but all fall under the same legal route. Are Contributions Protected During the Process? Yes. Approved economic contributions are held in escrow and released only after official approval is issued by the authorities. No contribution is released prior to confirmation of approval. Can Family Members Be Included in the Application? Yes. The program allows inclusion of a wide range of family members, including spouse(s), children, parents, grandparents, siblings under 30, spouses of siblings, and a last remaining relative. Each category is subject to fixed program fees and independent due diligence. Does Sierra Leone Allow Dual Citizenship? Yes. Sierra Leone permits dual citizenship. Applicants do not need to renounce their existing nationality when acquiring citizenship under the GO-FOR-GOLD program. Is Travel or Residence in Sierra Leone Required? No. There is no requirement to visit or reside in Sierra Leone before or after citizenship is granted. The entire process can be completed remotely. References Government of Sierra Leone. (2025). “Sierra Leone Citizenship Act 1973 and Special Naturalization Provisions.” Retrieved from https://www.sierra-leone.org Sierra Leone Immigration Department. (2025). “Special Naturalization and Citizenship Procedures.” Retrieved from https://immigration.gov.sl Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). (2024). “Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment.” Retrieved from https://www.ecowas.int African Development Bank Group. (2025). “West Africa Economic Outlook and Investment Trends.” Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org International Monetary Fund. (2025). “Sub-Saharan Africa: Macroeconomic Developments and Outlook.” Retrieved from https://www.imf.org