Republic of Sierra Leone visas
Sierra Leone publishes official immigration service links through the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, online entry visa filing through evisa.sl, and work and residence permit filing through the Unified Permit portal. The current Visa Atlas packet covers eVisa, residence permit, work permit, student residence, investor residence, and extension/re-entry handling. The Ministry of Labour website had an expired certificate during review, so work-permit coverage relies on the official Unified Permit portal and Immigration Department references rather than that host.
6 routes · 4 without a sponsor · 0 lead to settlement
Official portal
Primary source
Sierra Leone Immigration Department ↗ · Sierra Leone Immigration Department
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) — Official immigration department site linking to eVisa, permit, residency, passport and application-tracking services.
- Sierra Leone eVisa (EVISA) — Official online eVisa portal linked by the Sierra Leone Immigration Department.
- Unified Permit (PERMIT) — Official government portal for work permits, residence permits, extensions, re-entry, renewals, verification and permit tracking.
- Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SLIEPA) — Official investment promotion agency publishing investor guidance and business-support resources.
Visa routes (6)
eVisa
Official Sierra Leone online visa route through the Immigration Department eVisa portal.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Residence Permit
Official Sierra Leone residence permit route for foreign nationals residing, studying or investing in Sierra Leone for more than 90 days.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 30 July 2026
Work Permit
Official Sierra Leone work permit route for non-citizens intending to work, provide services or engage in gainful business.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 30 July 2026
Student Residence Permit
Sierra Leone residence-permit route for foreign nationals studying in Sierra Leone for more than 90 days.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 30 July 2026
Investor Residence Permit
Sierra Leone residence-permit path for foreign investors staying in Sierra Leone for more than 90 days, supported by SLIEPA investment guidance.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 30 July 2026
Permit Extension and Re-entry
Sierra Leone Unified Permit route for extensions and re-entry linked to existing work or residence permits.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 26 July 2026
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does Republic of Sierra Leone have?+
We cover 6 Republic of Sierra Leone visa routes in these categories: visitor and short business, general residence, sponsored work, study, and investor. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which Republic of Sierra Leone visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
4 of the 6 Republic of Sierra Leone routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which Republic of Sierra Leone visas lead to permanent residence?+
The Republic of Sierra Leone routes we cover are temporary rather than direct settlement routes.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in Sierra Leone