Government Releases Work Permit Categories and Fees for Foreign Nationals

The Government of Sierra Leone has officially launched the Unified Permits Platform, introducing a new, standardised price structure for all foreign workers and residents effective this January, 2026. The new platform introduces a digital method in applying for work permits in the West African country.

The transition, led by the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security in coordination with the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, replaces the old manual system with a fully automated portal.

New Categorised Fee Structure include Category A for all foreigners, non-ECOWAS foreigners in the Formal Sector (includes institutional employees, partners, and self-employed professionals) costing $1,500.

Category B is designed for ECOWAS citizens in the formal sector and is valued at $1,000 and Category C for Non-ECOWAS Africans in the informal sector. They are also expected to pay $1,000.

Additionally, Category D, caters for foreigners on Government Contracts, NGOs, and Religious Missions. Foreigners under this categories are expected to pay $220. The final Category is E which caters for ECOWAS citizens in the informal sector like petty traders and general work permits. Individuals under this category are expected to pay $500.

The new platform is designed to eliminate the “human factor” that previously slowed down permit approvals. By moving the process online, the government said that they plan to reduce fraud ensuring that every permit will now be linked to a digital record, making it easier for labor inspectors to verify status on-site.

Sierra Leone Immigration also encourage applicants to upload documents, pay fees, and track their application status remotely through the online platform, adding that this will enable strengthened data. The Government added that the new system is integrated with the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) to ensure all foreign residents are accounted for.