Nationality of Sierra Leone: all obtaining pathways
Sierra Leone requires twelve months of continuous residence plus five years in aggregate for naturalisation by those with a parent of negro African descent —fifteen years for the rest—, and a woman married to a citizen may naturalise on simple application. Nationality is acquired by birth in the territory and by descent.
1Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Sierra Leone of parents originating from Sierra Leone
- Birth in Sierra Leone to a father or mother of Black African descent
- Children of unknown parents found in the territory are presumed Sierra Leonean
Documentation
- Sierra Leonean birth certificate
- Parents' birth certificates
- Parents' identity documents
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Sierra Leonean father or a Sierra Leonean mother
- Nationality is transmitted through paternal or maternal filiation
- Historical racial restriction: at least one grandparent must be of Black African descent (partially reformed)
- Dual nationality permitted
Documentation
- Sierra Leonean parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation
- Proof of Black African descent (if applicable)
3Naturalisation by residence (Act 1973, sec 8)
Naturalisation by residence (Act 1973, sec 8)
Requirements
- Available to aliens with a PARENT of negro African descent (Second Schedule, para. (1), Sierra Leone Citizenship Act 1973)
- Continuous residence throughout the 12 MONTHS immediately preceding the application (2nd Sched. (1)(a))
- Aggregate residence ≥5 YEARS within the seven years preceding those twelve months (2nd Sched. (1)(b))
- Adequate knowledge of a language in current use in Sierra Leone (2nd Sched. (1)(c))
- Good character (2nd Sched. (1)(d))
- Would be a good citizen (2nd Sched. (1)(e))
- Intention to reside permanently in Sierra Leone if naturalised (2nd Sched. (1)(f))
- The Minister may waive requirements in special circumstances (2nd Sched. (2))
- For aliens WITHOUT negro African descent: residence ≥15 YEARS (more restrictive treatment per GLOBALCIT/EUI) — the 1973 Act racially restricted naturalisation; partially liberalised by later reforms
- Section 8: restrictions on offices (judiciary, security, etc.) removable by two-thirds parliamentary resolution after 25 years of citizenship
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence of at least 5 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Certificate of proficiency in English
- Proof of means of subsistence
4Naturalisation of married women (Act 1973, sec 7)
Naturalisation of married women (Act 1973, sec 7)
Requirements
- Every WOMAN who is not a Sierra Leonean and who is or has been married to a Sierra Leone citizen may be granted a certificate of naturalisation UPON APPLICATION (sec 7)
- NO minimum marriage or residence term in the text of the act
- Subject to the conditions of sec 9 (oath + declaration + fees, 2006 amendment)
- The act contemplates the route only for married women — a married man follows naturalisation by residence under sec 8
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Sierra Leonean spouse's passport
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Sierra Leone
How many years of residence does Sierra Leone require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Sierra Leone (Naturalisation by residence (Act 1973, sec 8)), the term is 8 years (one negro-African parent) | 15 years (neither). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Sierra Leone be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalisation of married women pathway (No legal term (married woman’s application)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Sierra Leone require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence of at least 5 years; Criminal record certificate; Certificate of proficiency in English; Proof of means of subsistence.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalisation by residence, Naturalisation of married women.
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