A continuous multi-stage vertically sequenced gasification process for conversion of solid carbonaceous fuel material into low tar syngas in a gasifier comprising: i) a pyrolysis zone, ii) a partial oxidation zone located vertically downstream of the pyrolysis zone, and separated from the pyrolysis zone via a separation member comprising a plurality of upwardly angled vents; iii) a reduction zone located vertically downstream of the partial oxidation zone and comprising an angled perforated floor, one or more openings located centrally relative to the perforated floor, and a centrally located deflector; characterized in that the floor being sloped downward and inward toward the one or more openings, wherein the perforated floor is configured, by sizing of perforations therein, to primarily allow passage of syngas therethrough, and to inhibit passage of the pyrolysis residue obtainable in the pyrolysis zone, wherein the slope of the perforated floor is greater than zero degrees and less than 60 degrees; said process comprising the steps of: a) feeding the carbonaceous fuel material through the upper portion of the pyrolysis zone vertically downward towards the lower portion of the pyrolysis zone, while pyrolyzing the fuel into pyrolysis vapours comprising hydrocarbon material, and raw pyrolysis residue comprising char and ash; b) optionally adding a first oxidant to the lower portion of the pyrolysis zone to achieve a temperature greater than 200 °C; c) directing the pyrolysis vapours to the partial oxidation zone, and directing the pyrolysis residue downwardly to the reduction zone via the separation member, wherein the vents of the separation member are upwardly angled to allow the pyrolysis vapours into the partial oxidation zone, and to inhibit passage of the raw pyrolysis residue into the partial oxidation zone; d) adding a second oxidant in the partial oxidation zone to achieve a temperature sufficient to reform the pyrolysis vapours into raw syngas containing significantly reduced levels of tar; e) forming a pyrolysis residue bed having a uniform depth from the raw pyrolysis residue formed in step c) on the floor of the reduction zone; f) passing the raw syngas from step d) downward through the raw pyrolysis residue bed formed in step e), and carrying out an endothermic reaction between CO 2 and/or H 2 O in the raw syngas and carbon of the char in the pyrolysis residue bed, while controlling the reduction zone pressure drop, resident time and flow space velocity of the raw syngas during the endothermic reaction to form substantially tar free syngas and a decarbonized pyrolysis residue; g) passing the substantially tar free syngas from step f), in upward counter-current flow, to heat the pyrolysis zone and subsequently cool the substantially tar free syngas; h) collecting the substantially tar free syngas; and i) collecting the decarbonized pyrolysis residue from the bottom of gasifier. i) a pyrolysis zone, ii) a partial oxidation zone located vertically downstream of the pyrolysis zone, and separated from the pyrolysis zone via a separation member comprising a plurality of upwardly angled vents; iii) a reduction zone located vertically downstream of the partial oxidation zone and comprising an angled perforated floor, one or more openings located centrally relative to the perforated floor, and a centrally located deflector; characterized in that the floor being sloped downward and inward toward the one or more openings, wherein the perforated floor is configured, by sizing of perforations therein, to primarily allow passage of syngas therethrough, and to inhibit passage of the pyrolysis residue obtainable in the pyrolysis zone, wherein the slope of the perforated floor is greater than zero degrees and less than 60 degrees; a) feeding the carbonaceous fuel material through the upper portion of the pyrolysis zone vertically downward towards the lower portion of the pyrolysis zone, while pyrolyzing the fuel into pyrolysis vapours comprising hydrocarbon material, and raw pyrolysis residue comprising char and ash; b) optionally adding a first oxidant to the lower portion of the pyrolysis zone to achieve a temperature greater than 200 °C; c) directing the pyrolysis vapours to the partial oxidation zone, and directing the pyrolysis residue downwardly to the reduction zone via the separation member, wherein the vents of the separation member are upwardly angled to allow the pyrolysis vapours into the partial oxidation zone, and to inhibit passage of the raw pyrolysis residue into the partial oxidation zone; d) adding a second oxidant in the partial oxidation zone to achieve a temperature sufficient to reform the pyrolysis vapours into raw syngas containing significantly reduced levels of tar; e) forming a pyrolysis residue bed having a uniform depth from the raw pyrolysis residue formed in step c) on the floor of the reduction zone; f) passing the raw syngas from step d) downward through the raw pyrolysis residue bed formed in step e), and carrying out an endothermic reaction between CO 2 and/or H 2 O in the raw syngas and carbon of the char in the pyrolysis residue bed, while controlling the reduction zone pressure drop, resident time and flow space velocity of the raw syngas during the endothermic reaction to form substantially tar free syngas and a decarbonized pyrolysis residue; g) passing the substantially tar free syngas from step f), in upward counter-current flow, to heat the pyrolysis zone and subsequently cool the substantially tar free syngas; h) collecting the substantially tar free syngas; and i) collecting the decarbonized pyrolysis residue from the bottom of gasifier.