Sierra Leone — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
9,077,691 people · Capital: Freetown · Western Africa
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Sierra Leone is located in Western Africa, with a population of 9,077,691. Its currency is the Leone. Our database tracks 2 visa pathways for Sierra Leone, each linked to a named source.
See also: Sierra Leone country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (2)
Sponsored Employment (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit | — | — | — | 7d |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Permit | €1,046/mo | €262 | 12 mo | 7d |
Cost of Living
| Item | Sierra Leone | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €180 | €1,200 | -85% |
| Rent (3BR) | €320 | €2,000 | -84% |
| Groceries | €65 | €350 | -81% |
| Transport | €25 | €80 | -69% |
| Utilities | €55 | €150 | -63% |
| Dining (meal) | €4 | €15 | -73% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €5,500 |
| Education | €5,000 |
| Engineering | €14,500 |
| Finance | €12,000 |
| Healthcare | €7,000 |
| Hospitality | €3,500 |
| IT | €18,000 |
| Retail | €2,500 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (IT)
- Nurse (Healthcare)
- Electrician (Construction)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourah Bay College | — | 12 | €2,500 |
| University of Sierra Leone | — | 8 | €2,200 |
| Njala University | — | 6 | €1,800 |
| Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology | — | 5 | €1,600 |
| Freetown Teachers College | — | 4 | €1,400 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 2 of the 2 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- unifiedpermit.gov.sl · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Sierra Leone have?
Our database tracks 2 visa pathways for Sierra Leone across 2 categories, the largest being Sponsored Employment, General Residence. Each entry links directly to an official government source.
What is the minimum income for the Residence Permit?
The Residence Permit lists a minimum income of EUR 1,046 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-24).
What is the average salary in Sierra Leone?
The average gross salary in Sierra Leone is EUR 72,707 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 28 per month.
How much does rent cost in Sierra Leone?
A one-bedroom apartment in Sierra Leone averages EUR 180 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 320 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Sierra Leone?
The top personal income tax rate in Sierra Leone is 15%. The standard VAT rate is 15%.
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