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. In addition, a notarised Oath of Allegiance, S9 Declaration, and Deed Poll (if a Legal Change of Name is required), for part of the document submission pack.
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. Official Partners (or direct applicants) upload their documents, and are then contacted to arrange certification after Due Diligence.
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.
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
A recent (within the last 3 months) document confirming the main applicant’s physical address. In addition, anybody over the age of 18, who does not reside with the Main Applicant is also required to provide a Proof of Address.
Acceptable documents: Utility bill, bank statement, rates invoice, lease agreement, or official government letter.
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.
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
Bank Statement - Main Applicant
A recent, stamped or verifiable bank statement covering the relevant period requested.
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..