Sierra Leone

Unity, Freedom, Justice

overview

Welcome to Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, is known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and resilient spirit. Its economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and fishing, with a growing focus on sustainable development and tourism. The country’s natural beauty, including pristine coastlines and lush forests, along with its historical landmarks like Bunce Island and vibrant traditions, attracts visitors and expatriates seeking an authentic and dynamic experience in a nation rich with history and opportunity.

overview

Sierra Leone Essentials

National Anthem

High We Exalt Thee, Realm of the Free

Independence Day

April 27, 1961

Haiko

Diamonds hide in earth / Beaches shimmer, stories told / Hope shines through the past.

Interesting Tradition

Holds "Freetown Marathon," an event combining sports with community and charity initiatives.

Weirdest Local Superstition

Pointing at a grave is said to summon spirits or cause your finger to rot.

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to carry water in a container without a secure lid to prevent contamination.

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the heritage, stay for the resurgence: Sierra Leone combines its rich history with a growing focus on development and innovation. Life flows between morning visits to historical sites and afternoon collaborations in Freetown’s expanding business sector, while evenings celebrate vibrant local traditions. With investment-friendly policies and opportunities in agriculture, energy, and tech, Sierra Leone is becoming an emerging destination for professionals seeking to contribute to Africa’s growth story.

overview

Leh wi go

Leh wi go—discover a land where history isn’t just a memory, but a powerful thread weaving past and present together. Here, every community, every smile, and every story is a testament to resilience, inviting you to explore the richness of Sierra Leone’s heritage and future promise.

overview

Welcome to Sierra Leone

Known for its stunning beaches and rich history where resilience and beauty shine together.

Sierra Leone isn’t just a country—it’s a beacon of resilience and beauty on Africa’s western coast. Here, time flows through vibrant markets and pristine beaches, and even a simple visit to its historical landmarks becomes a journey through strength and heritage. This is a land where the warmth of its people and the richness of its culture shine brightly.

From the historic sites of Freetown to the pristine beaches of the Banana Islands, Sierra Leone offers a journey through resilience and beauty for every traveler. Whether you're drawn to the lush biodiversity of Tiwai Island, the bustling energy of Makeni, or the vibrant cultural traditions celebrated nationwide, you'll find a country rich in heritage and natural wonders. With its warm people, compelling history, and stunning landscapes, Sierra Leone invites you to experience the soul of West Africa and create meaningful connections.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

Groundnut Stew (peanut-based rich stew with meat or fish) - Jollof Rice (spiced rice dish with vegetables and proteins)

Drink

Ginger Beer (homemade spiced ginger drink) - Palm Wine (fermented sap of palm trees)

overview

Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

3.26

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.1

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.06

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Locals are called 'Sierra Leoneans,' and they take pride in their diverse ethnic groups and cultural heritage.
#2
Hospitality is a core value; offering guests food or a cool drink is a common gesture of welcome.
#3
Music and storytelling are essential cultural expressions, often shared during communal gatherings.
#4
Respect for elders is deeply ingrained, and greetings should be polite and accompanied by a handshake.
#5
Punctuality is flexible in social settings, but respect and politeness are always expected.

overview

Sierra Leone Essentials

Representative Novel

The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (A profound novel about war and reconciliation).

National Animal

Lion

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Krio Cloth

National Dish

Cassava Leaves Stew

Famous Festival

Freetown Music Festival

Famous Dance

Gumbe

Famous Music

Bubu

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Did You Know?

Sierra Leone was home to the first Western-style university in West Africa.

Fourah Bay College, established in 1827, was known as the "Athens of West Africa."

Sierra Leone has the world's largest natural harbor.

The Freetown Peninsula harbor is considered one of the largest natural harbors in the world.

Sierra Leone is home to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

This sanctuary has become a global leader in chimpanzee conservation and houses over 100 rescued chimpanzees.

overview

Sierra Leone’s Key Historical Events

1787

April 2014

Freetown was established as a settlement for freed African-American slaves, becoming a significant symbol of freedom and the start of Sierra Leone’s modern history.

1896

July 2014

Sierra Leone became a British protectorate, marking the start of formal British colonial rule and significant administrative changes.

19th Century

February 2015

Sierra Leone became a center for freed slaves, many of whom contributed to the cultural and social development of the region.

1961

March 2015

Sierra Leone gained independence on April 27, 1961, establishing a parliamentary democracy.

1991-2002

October 2016

A brutal civil war ravaged Sierra Leone, with conflict over diamond resources and governance causing widespread destruction and suffering.

MOBILITY

Access Sierra Leone Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
No
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

60

Performance Class

Limited Horizons

Passport Grade

D-

Rank

178

Score

18.5

This visa grants access to:

• 14% of the world's population 

• 11% of UNESCO sites 

• 3% of global GDP 

• 12% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

map visualization

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Sierra Leone by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Sierra Leone
506
493
480
330
243
179
152

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Sierra Leone's Global Rankings 

Sierra Leone, located in West Africa, is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and welcoming culture. Its economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and fishing. With historical sites like Bunce Island, vibrant local traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, Sierra Leone offers visitors and expatriates a unique opportunity to experience an emerging and dynamic nation.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
Cost of Living
2024
Quality of Life
2024
66
Safety
2024
Centered
140
Happiness
2024
Very Low
43
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
English Proficiency
2023
110
Rule of Law
2024
Fragile
Healthcare System
2024
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

years

Life Expectancy

years

Obesity Rate

Tobacco Use

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

of GDP

Hospital Beds

per 1000 people

Doctors

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare Challenges

Sierra Leone’s public healthcare system offers basic services but is underfunded, with limited access to advanced treatments.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private clinics and hospitals provide higher-quality services and are the preferred choice for those who can afford them.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Sierra Leone often rely on private health insurance to access better care, particularly at private facilities.

Emergency Care Access

Emergency medical services are available but are limited, especially in rural areas where access can be challenging.

Medical Evacuations

Medical evacuation services are commonly used by expatriates and residents for specialized care in neighboring countries.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

chart visualization
The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Sierra Leone Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Sierra Leone offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable destination for expatriates and travelers. Freetown, the capital, is more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas, but costs remain low compared to global standards. Housing costs vary, with modern accommodations in urban areas being pricier, while traditional homes in rural areas are much more affordable. Local goods and services are inexpensive, though imported items can be costly.

Cost of Gasoline

per liter

Cost of Meal

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

15.00%

cost of living

Sierra Leone Cost of Living plus Rent Map

map visualization

cost of living

Sierra Leone Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Sierra Leone Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Sierra Leone operates a residence-based tax system. Personal income tax rates are progressive from 0% to 35%. Corporate tax rate is 25% for most businesses. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set at 15%. Property taxes apply. A Tax Identification Number is required. Sierra Leone has limited international tax treaties.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0-35%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0.00%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

25.00%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

25.00%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0.00%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

10.00%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15.00%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

25.00%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they stay in Sierra Leone for 183 days or more in a year

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

94

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

73

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

30.7
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

343
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

34

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

95.4
%

taxation

Sierra Leone Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

Sierra Leone Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical; hot and humid; rainy season from May to December; dry season from December to April with the Harmattan winds bringing dry, dusty air from the Sahara.

Average Temperature

26.7°C

Humidity

85

%

Average Annual Precipitation

2946

mm

Rainless Days per Year

120

Best Time to Travel

November-March

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Sierra Leone

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone offers 2 different Mobility Assets: the Citizenship by Ancestry Program and the Permanent Residence Permit.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Sierra Leone?

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Do I need to speak English to apply for Sierra Leonean Mobility Assets?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Sierra Leone with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Sierra Leone?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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