Sierra Leone Launches First Gold-Backed Residency Program

Sierra Leone launched a new permanent residency program called "GO-FOR-GOLD" on December 1, 2024. The program offers lifetime residency rights in exchange for gold investments. This is a completely new shift from “traditional” residency programs, and lays on the natural strengths of the country.

To qualify, investors need to purchase physical gold that should remain in government vaults for five years.

Sierra Leone Lifetime Residency Program Offers Three Packages:

• Single applicant: $65,000 plus 1kg of gold
• Nuclear family: $75,000 plus 1kg of gold
• Extended family: $100,000 plus 2kg of gold

Application fees are fully refundable in case of rejection, making it a risk-free entry into a pioneering residency model.

Benefits Of Gold-Backed Residency in Sierra Leone:

• 40-day approval process
• No in-country residence requirement
• Membership in the GFG Club (connecting residents with business leaders)
• Option to purchase up to 19 additional kilograms of gold at a discount over five years
• No national taxation consequences
• Tax residency certification available
• Banking facilities outside the Common Reporting Standard Framework

The gold used is 99.99% bullion, certified to LBMA Good Delivery List Standard, and secured by Sierra Leone's Central Bank. The application process is fully remote and requires basic documentation like passport copies and photographs. While due diligence is conducted, it's designed to be non-intrusive.

As a member of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), Sierra Leone's residency program also provides opportunities within the 15 member countries. Applications for the program open on December 7, 2024.

Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh emphasized that this program is part of President Julius Maada Wonie Bio's broader vision for transforming Sierra Leone and strengthening its position in Africa's economic renaissance.