Certification Of
Official Documents
The Government of Sierra Leone requires that all documents submitted as part of an application are certified true copies of the originals.
To simplify this process, we provide a FREE document certification service for all GO-FOR-GOLD Program applicants. This service is carried out by our appointed legal partner, Farage Andrews Law Practice.
GO-FOR-GOLD Managed Certification
We do it free, fast, and with zero risk to you.
- No cost – included for all partners and applicants
- Digital submission – no printing, no couriers - documents uploaded via our secure AI-powered Application Hub.
- GO-FOR-GOLD handles all compliance - ensuring delivery of certified, and notarised, documents as part of the application
- Zero partner liability - our team, with our notary, ensure there are no errors or invalid documents
- Fastest path - to approval & commission release
- No delays - no back-and-forth with missing documents, delayed couriers, or lost documents.
- End-to-end oversight by our legal & compliance teams
A licensed notary from their team meet with each applicant aged 18 or above via one Zoom call to verify and certify that all uploaded documents are true copies of the originals.
For Fast-Track Citizenship Applications, applicants aged 18 or above will also be required to swear the Oath of Allegiance, and S9 Document during the same Zoom session. Additional affidavits, like Legal Change of Name, as required are also dealt with on this call. Our external legal partner's notary then couriers the documents to our Sierra Leone team for submission.
The cost of this hassle-free, safe and end-to-end service is included in our program fees.
Partner/Applicant Managed Certification
Available for partners and applicants comfortable self-managing extended compliance steps.
Official Partners and Applicants may choose to arrange their own documents using an external notary, and then courier the original documents to us.
- Requires original hard-copy documents, certified by an attorney
- Must be couriered to our offices in Hong Kong (no digital copies allowed)
- GO-FOR-GOLD must forward originals to Sierra Leone for validation and submission
- Each step adds 7–21 working days depending on courier, and only begins at full document submission.
- Any missing or incorrect doc causes full restart of the process
- The Official Partner / Applicant assumes full liability for accuracy & authenticity
- Timelines cannot be guaranteed due to submission and courier delays
Please expect that electing to provide self-certified documents could delay the application process between 2-4 weeks
If you choose this option, all required documents must be submitted in the correct notarised and certified format, including:
- The Sworn Oath of Allegiance
- The s9 Declaration
- All identity, civil status, and supporting documents required for submission.
By selecting this option, you confirm that every required document will be provided in full, correctly certified, and compliant with program standards, and that GO-FOR-GOLD cannot be held responsible for incorrectly submitted documentation, missing documents, or unnecessary delays.
GO-FOR-GOLD List of Required Documents
Passport Details Page - All Applicants
This is the primary identity document for every applicant. We require a clear, colour scan of the details page showing the photo, full names, passport number, date of birth, date of issue/expiry, and issuing authority.
Why it matters: This page anchors the identity verification process, forms part of our KYC obligations, and is used to confirm the applicant’s eligibility for all subsequent steps.
What partners should check: Full page visible, no glare, no fingers, no shadows, no edges cropped.
Why it matters: This page anchors the identity verification process, forms part of our KYC obligations, and is used to confirm the applicant’s eligibility for all subsequent steps.
What partners should check: Full page visible, no glare, no fingers, no shadows, no edges cropped.
Birth Certificate(s) - Children & Parents
Birth certificates help establish the applicant’s family structure and lineage.
Who needs this:
Who needs this:
- All dependent children
- Parents, where applicable for specific benefit structures
Why it matters: Used to verify ages, legal parentage, and eligibility as dependants.
Notes: If names differ due to marriage, adoption, or cultural naming practices, ensure the chain of supporting documents is uploaded (e.g., name change affidavit).
Passport-Sized Photos - All Applicants
2 x recent, high-resolution passport-quality photographs of each applicant.
Purpose: Used for identity records, card issuance, and sometimes required for external verification processes.
Specs:
Purpose: Used for identity records, card issuance, and sometimes required for external verification processes.
Specs:
- Neutral background
- No reflections or heavy shadows
- Face clearly visible
- Colour only
Common issues: Selfies, filters, backgrounds with clutter, poor lighting.
Proof of Address - Main Applicant
A recent (within the last 3 months) document confirming the applicant’s physical address.
Acceptable documents: Utility bill, bank statement, rates invoice, lease agreement, or official government letter. (A bank statement can be used as Proof of Address AND Source of Funds)
Purpose: Supports KYC compliance and is often required for third-party due diligence.
Partners should check:
Acceptable documents: Utility bill, bank statement, rates invoice, lease agreement, or official government letter. (A bank statement can be used as Proof of Address AND Source of Funds)
Purpose: Supports KYC compliance and is often required for third-party due diligence.
Partners should check:
- Name matches the passport
- Address is complete
- Document is recent and clearly dated.
CV / Resume - Main Applicant
A short, factual summary of the applicant’s professional background.
Purpose:
Purpose:
- Helps the due-diligence team understand the applicant’s career, industry exposure, and global footprint
- Supports risk assessment and eligibility screening
Format: 1–2 pages, chronological, no embellishment required.
Partners should check: Names, dates, and companies are consistent with the rest of the application documents.
- An up-to-date LinkedIn Profile also stands as a CV
Digital Passport Signature/s
A clean, digital capture of the Main Applicant’s (and all dependants age 18 and over) signature, matching the signature in their passport.
Why it matters: Used on official forms and for identity verification in downstream processes.
Guidance:
Why it matters: Used on official forms and for identity verification in downstream processes.
Guidance:
- Must be taken on a blank white sheet
- Use a dark pen
- No shadows or photographed “pages curled up”
- Upload as a crisp JPG or PNG
Source of Funds - Main Applicant
A recent, stamped or verifiable bank statement covering the relevant period requested.
Purpose: Demonstrates the legitimate origin of the funds used in the application — essential for AML and compliance checks.
Important: We do not need commentary or justification; the account must simply show activity consistent with the funds being used.
Partners should check:
Purpose: Demonstrates the legitimate origin of the funds used in the application — essential for AML and compliance checks.
Important: We do not need commentary or justification; the account must simply show activity consistent with the funds being used.
Partners should check:
- Name matches passport
- Statement is complete and legible
- Pages are in order
- No screenshots unless formally downloaded from a banking app with visible metadata
Marriage Certificate(s)
Required wherever marital status is declared as “married”, or if there is a legal spouse/s included in the application. Also applies to all married dependants .
Why it matters: Establishes legal relationship status and the eligibility of dependants.
Certification: A clear, certified copy where possible — especially for older certificates or handwritten originals.
Partners should check: Full certificate visible, no cropped borders, legible signatures and seals.
Why it matters: Establishes legal relationship status and the eligibility of dependants.
Certification: A clear, certified copy where possible — especially for older certificates or handwritten originals.
Partners should check: Full certificate visible, no cropped borders, legible signatures and seals.
De facto partnership recognition:
A letter signed by both partners and certified by our in-house Notary as a true copy. If the applicant and their partner live separately, each must provide a certified true copy of proof of address (for example, a recent utility bill). If they live together, they must provide a copy of a document showing both names at the same address, which will be certified along with other documents..