SignPass: Your Passport to Sovereign Countries and Network States

Starting with the First-Ever Sierra Leone Permanent Residency Registered Onchain

LJ Huang
Sign
4 min readJun 3, 2024

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The Passport for Digital Nomads and Global Citizens

The rise of the digital nomad lifestyle is transforming how we work, live and think about the world. People are moving to Thailand, El Salvador, Singapore, Dubai, Japan, and Sierra Leone for their favorable tax regimes, supportive remote working cultures, and progressive crypto regulations. Pop-up cities like Prospera and Zuzalu and organizations building network states also attract those working at the frontiers of tech, science and society to come together and collaborate.

SignPass’s mission is to provide seamless convenience to this growing community through innovative, onchain verifiable IDs that are compatible with existing passport systems. Specifically, all SignPass credentials will be cryptographically registered onto the blockchain via Sign Protocol. Each holder will also receive a physical ID card that both have compatibility with the ICAO standards for machine-readable passports (MRPs), and unique QR codes that link to the blockchain record. Anyone who needs to verify the validity of their SignPass can simply scan the QR code. This system not only ensures security and transparency but is also designed to integrate smoothly with international passport standards.

The First Onchain PR Program in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is leading the charge of digital transformation as the first country to support the onchain registered Permanent Residency (PR) program. Since 2020, the government has implemented strategies to revitalize the economy, attract global human capital, and encourage economic diversification. We are excited to work with the Sierra Leone government to provide SignPass holders with significant freedom in financial activities and priority access to benefits regionally and globally.

There are a number of benefits for Sierra Leone digital PRs, including:

  • Freely enter, live and work in Sierra Leone
  • Open access to local banking services
  • Eligibility to apply for global brokerage accounts
  • Register companies and business in Sierra Leone
  • Apply for citizenship after meeting the residency requirements

To apply for SignPass and Sierra Leone’s PR is a straightforward, digital-first process. Applicants will submit their information and undergo a screening process. After passing the verification process, applications will be individually reviewed by Sierra Leone officials. Successful applicants will be granted PR status with an onchain credential and a physical PR card. The program is overseen by the Office of Sierra Leone Digital Innovation in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and managed by Sign Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Future Roadmap of SignPass

Looking ahead, SignPass takes inspiration from the Network State and is poised to expand its services to a global scale through the following three ways:

Global Visa and PRs

  • Expansion of Partner Countries: We will broaden the network of countries that support digital PRs and visas via SignPass.
  • Establishment of Alliance Hubs: We will develop strategic hubs in key cities around the world, such as Singapore and the UAE, to support SignPass holders who are traveling or relocating there.
  • Integration with Pop-up Cities and Villages: We will integrate communities such as Prospera and Zuzalu to provide more access and benefits for SignPass holders.

Enhanced Services in Practical Operations

  • Simplified Business Registration: Offer streamlined processes for business registration across multiple jurisdictions, making it easier for entrepreneurs to set up and manage global operations.
  • Open Financial Access: Integrate with banking and financial services to provide seamless financial transactions and access to banking products worldwide.
  • Global Networks and Regional Gatherings: Facilitate networking events and regional gatherings to help digital nomads connect, share resources, and forge community ties.

Network States Stewarded by Sign Foundation

  • Sign Foundation: Committed to bridging clients and governments, offering tailored services to SignPass holders, keeping them informed about the latest developments and benefits, and ensuring each client receives the most optimal solution.
  • Collaboration with Governments: Work closely with governmental bodies to ensure the SignPass system meets all regulatory requirements and is recognized as a legitimate form of identification.
  • Partnerships with Intergovernmental Organizations: Engage with organizations like the UN to explore and set new standards for digital identities and global mobility, ensuring that SignPass is at the forefront of policy discussions and development.
  • Physical Passports by Network States: While maintaining its digital-first approach, we will explore the potential for issuing a physical passport that complements the digital ID, aiming to enhance the usability and global acceptance of SignPass globally.

Join Us!

We invite you to become part of this exciting journey, whether as a SignPass holder or as a contributor using your unique skills and expertise. SignPass is more than a digital ID; it’s a movement towards a more interconnected and accessible world.

Please note that the sale is only available to non-US residents, and residents of non-restricted jurisdictions.

Visit our website for more information.

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