Work visas
Sierra Leonean Work Permit
The permit that authorises a foreign national to take up employment in Sierra Leone, applied for through the Unified Permit portal.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Work permit fees, validity periods and the precise document list are not published on an official page reviewed here; verify in the Unified Permit portal.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Sierra Leone government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Work Permit (Unified Permit system)
- Route type
- Employer-sponsored work authorisation
- Where to apply
- Unified Permit portal, unifiedpermit.gov.sl
- Administered by
- Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security with SLID
- Fee basis
- Charges differ for ECOWAS vs non-ECOWAS nationals
- Exact permit fees and validity are not published on an official page reviewed here; confirm in the portal.
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals taking up employment with an employer in Sierra Leone
- Companies sponsoring international staff for assignments in Sierra Leone
Requirements
- A confirmed job and sponsoring employer in Sierra Leone
- A valid passport and biometric registration as required by the portal
- Supporting documents (employment contract, company details) as prompted
- Payment of the applicable permit charge (ECOWAS or non-ECOWAS rate)
What you can do
- Work legally for the sponsoring employer in the specified role
- Renew online through the Unified Permit portal before expiry
How to apply
The employer and employee complete the application on unifiedpermit.gov.sl, submit the required documents, complete biometric steps where required, pay the charge and track the application to approval.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.