In a groundbreaking move to bolster its economy and attract international investment, Sierra Leone has officially launched a fast-track citizenship initiative just a month after unveiling its GO-FOR-GOLD (GFG) Permanent Residency Program.
This new initiative allows eligible investors to obtain citizenship in as little as 60 days, significantly streamlining the process compared to the traditional naturalization route, which typically requires eight years of residency and proof of local integration. Alusine Kanneh, Sierra Leone’s Chief Immigration Officer, emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing its immigration framework. In an official statement, he noted the intention to emulate smaller nations that have successfully leveraged their institutions, natural resources, and human talent to foster growth and modernization.
Kanneh stated that these new citizenship pathways aim to “unlock that wealth for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans,” a sentiment echoed by Stephen Barnes, co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre and a key architect of the GFG program. Barnes highlighted that the fast-track citizenship option significantly expands Sierra Leone’s immigration framework, making it more attractive to global investors. The government is keen to draw in international investors who are not only looking for a clear and efficient path to citizenship but also want to contribute positively to the country’s development.
The new program features two primary pathways to citizenship: the Fast Track Naturalization and the Heritage Naturalization. The Fast Track Naturalization grants citizenship within 90 days for a total investment of $140,000. This fee encompasses all program-related costs, including legal fees, due diligence, and necessary documentation. The Heritage Naturalization, on the other hand, is available for individuals with African ancestry, allowing them to secure citizenship within just 60 days for an investment of $100,000. Applicants for this pathway must submit a DNA test report as part of their application process. Both pathways allow applicants to include qualifying family members for an additional fee of $10,000 per dependent. Eligible family members include dependent children under 18, spouses (including legally recognized second spouses), and dependent parents of any age. Notably, investors can apply for the GFG citizenship route directly without needing to first secure permanent residency (PR).
However, those who choose to pursue PR initially will have the opportunity to apply for naturalization under this framework in the future, although the specifics of that process are still under development. Participants in the GFG program will also gain membership in the GFG Club, which offers a range of personalized services. These services include travel and concierge support, assistance with business incorporation, tax residency, in-country banking, and early access to investment opportunities. One unique feature of the GFG Club is that members can purchase gold bullion mined in Sierra Leone at a 2% discount to market rates, with purchases capped at 20 kilograms over five years.
This initiative aims to channel 100% of gold purchases to support small-scale miners, thereby empowering Sierra Leone’s mining sector. Sierra Leonean citizenship, as a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), provides passport holders with visa-free access to 66 destinations across Africa and Asia, alongside residency privileges in 15 West African nations. Barnes believes that the introduction of the fast-track citizenship route marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s broader economic reform agenda. He underscores that this initiative is not merely about granting citizenship; it is also about establishing a framework that actively supports the country’s economic development goals.
The program is expected to generate funding for critical projects aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth, thereby benefiting both investors and the local populace. In summary, Sierra Leone’s new fast-track citizenship program represents a strategic effort to attract foreign investment while simultaneously fostering local economic development. By providing accessible pathways to citizenship for international investors, the government hopes to stimulate growth and modernization, ultimately benefiting all Sierra Leoneans.
