A Residence Visa is a permit for a non-Sri Lankan to obtain residence facilities for special purposes. It is issued to persons of non-Sri Lankan nationality to whom it has been decided to extend residence facilities for the purpose of investment or otherwise, in circumstances where the prescribed authority is satisfied that their stay in Sri Lanka and the pursuit of their vocations are not prejudicial to the best interests of the population.
Important
To obtain a Residence Visa, it is necessary to arrive in Sri Lanka on an Entry Visa issued by a Sri Lankan Mission abroad with the concurrence of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. The fact that you wish to apply for Sri Lankan Residence Visa has to be mentioned when obtaining the entry visa and necessary supporting documents has to be submitted.
Visit Visas can’t be considered for conversion into Residence
There are 08 sub-categories which comes under Residence visas –
Employment Category
- IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY
A) Project Professional personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the state Expatriate personnel employed in projects under Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka
to obtain Residence visa application forms-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit your visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
For BOI (Board of Investment)-
- BOI certificate
- Request Letter from the representing Company
- BOI Agreement
- Company Registration certificate
- Recommendation from the respective Ministry
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
For Projects-
- Project Office Request
- Recommendation of Line Ministry OR Recommendation of Dept. of External Resources
- Agreement of Project
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
Fees applicable to Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
validity period of Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year or Period recommended by the respective authority. It can be renewed annually
Two years valid Residence Visa is issued for Directors of the Company
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Residence visa renewal Application Forms available at-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa
your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
B. Personnel employed at Banks and their dependents
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit Residence visa application-
You can submit the visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Bank Request
-Recommendation of Central Bank of Sri Lanka
-A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
-Your residence visa is valid for one year or Period recommended by the respective authority.
-It can be renewed annually
To renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Residence visa renewal Application Forms available at-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
C. Volunteers/ Personnel attached to Non-Governmental Organizations
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Personnel attached to Non-governmental Organizations
–Request of the organization
–Recommendation of the Non- Governmental Organization Secretariat (NGO Secretariat) through
The Ministry of Defense
–Work permit issued by the Ministry of Defense
–If provided for, the agreement or Memorandum of Understanding signed between Sri Lanka and
The country concerned.
Volunteers
-Request of the organization
-Recommendation of the line ministry
-If provided for, the agreement signed between Sri Lanka and the country in concern
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year or time period recommended by the line Ministry.
It can be renewed
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
D. Personnel employed in a Project, institution or organization under Diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Request of the institution
-Recommendation of the Ministry of External Affairs or relevant line ministry
-If provided for, the agreement or agreement signed between Sri Lanka and the country in concern
fees applicable to my Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for two (02) years or Time period recommended by the line Ministry.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew of the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
E. Personnel employ in a Private Company and their dependents
to obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application –
-Form 48
-Form 65
-Company Request
-Memorandum of association & Article of association
-Recommendation of Line Ministry
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew of the Residence visa-
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.
to obtain Residence visa application forms-
Investor Category
- Who desire to invest monetary capital in Sri Lanka
- Who engage in business activities in Sri Lanka
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT INVESTOR CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Form 48
-Form 65
-Memorandum of association & Article of association
-Recommendation of Line Ministry & Board of Investment (BOI)
-BOI Agreements.
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry & BOI.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Religious Category
- Members of the Clergy
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT RELIGIOUS CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
-You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Request letter from Religious Organization
-Recommendation of Line Ministry
Student Category
- University Students
- Students in Educational Institutions approved by the State
- Other Institutions
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT STUDENT CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
For University Students
-recommendation from Ministry of Higher Education Please visit the web site of the Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka. https://www.mohe.gov.lk/
-Letter from the university
For Other Students & guardians of students, under 16 years of age
-A request letter from the Academic institution
-Recommendation from the relevant Embassy / High Commission
-Encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person
For religious Students
-A request letter from the religious organization
-Recommendation from the line ministry
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year or for a period recommended by the Institution/ High commission or Embassy.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
-For University Students
-For Other Students & guardians of students under 16 years of age
>A request letter from the Academic institution
>Recommendation from the relevant Embassy / High Commission
>Encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person
>Current year performance report of the student
-For religious Students
>Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration
And Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo-Lanka Agreement
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IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT REGISTERED INDIANS COVERED BY THE 1954 INDO-LANKA AGREEMENT CATEGORY
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Letter of request
Registration certificate
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates of children under 16 years of age
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
To obtain a Residence visa renewal application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Ex- Sri Lankans and their dependents
Residence visa request under this category will only be entertained upon continuous stay of 03 months from the date of final arrival to Sri Lanka only.
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
-You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
-Birth certificates or Birth registration under section 5(2) of the Citizenship Act
-Citizenship certificates if citizen by registration
-Marriage certificate if applicable
-Birth certificates of dependents if applicable
Fees applicable to the Residence visa-
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed annually
to renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with the recommendation of the respective Line Ministry.
To obtain a Residence visa renewal application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Family Members of a Sri Lankan
- Spouses
- Children holding foreign nationality.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT FAMILY MEMBERS OF A SRI LANKANCATEGORY
There are two category in this regard.
- Foreign Spouse of a Sri Lankan
- Dependent children holding foreign Passports
To obtain a Residence visa application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
To submit the Residence visa application-
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
Documents need to submit with the Residence visa application-
Spouses
Residence visa request under this category will only be considered after 06 months of
Marriage life and upon continuous stay of 03 months from the date of final arrival to Sri
Lanka following the fulfillment of necessary documentary proof.
-Marriage certificate attested by a competent authority in Sri Lanka or abroad in support of the marriage
-Birth certificate of Sri Lankan spouse and if the person is citizen by registration, Documents to prove
-citizenship certificate.
-Passport or National Identity Card of Sri Lankan spouse.
-If divorced, divorce decree if ex-spouse deceased, death certificate
-Consent of Sri Lankan spouse
Children if not Sri Lankan
-Birth certificates of children
-Passport of applicant
Please click the following link for information about Visa Fees
Validity period of the Residence visa-
Your residence visa is valid for two (2) years
To renew the Residence visa-
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration with a Letter of consent from Sri Lankan spouse.
To obtain a Residence visa renewal application form-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- Download printable versions of the Application Forms,
Other conditions applicable to renew the Residence visa-
Intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of the applicants travel document.
Diplomatic and Official visa
| Sri Lankan Diplomatic & Official passport holders are privileged to obtain on arrival gratis visa (Free of charge basis) for the following countries for their official and private visits. |
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| Country | Type of Passport | Duration of the Visa period |
| Socialist Republic of Vietnam | Diplomatic, Official | 90 Days |
| Republic of Cuba | Diplomatic | 90 Days |
| Republic of Indonesia | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 30 Days |
| Union of Myanmar | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 30 Days |
| Islamic Republic of Pakistan | Diplomatic, Official | 30 Days |
| Federative Republic of Brazil | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 90 Days |
| Republic of Chile | Diplomatic, Official | 90 Days |
| Republic of Seychelles | Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary | 60 days at each visit and cumulative duration of 90 days in a year |
| Peoples Republic of China (PRC) | Diplomatic, Official, Service, Public Affairs | 30 days |
| Kingdom of Thailand | Diplomatic, Official | 90 days |
| Republic of Kenya | Diplomatic, Official | 30 days |
| Republic of Belarus | Diplomatic, Official | 30 days |
| Islamic Republic of Iran | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 30 days |
| Republic of Maldives | Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary | Exemption of Ninety days Visa fee |
| Republic of Singapore | Diplomatic, Official, Ordinary | 30 days |
| Republic of India | Diplomatic, Official | 30 days |
| Russian Federation | Diplomatic, Official, Service | 30 days |
| Republic of Philippines | Diplomatic, Official | 30 days |
| Government of Georgia | Diplomatic, Official / Service | Not exceeding 90 days in any 180 days period |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region | Valid passport holders of HKSAR | 30 days |
| Republic of Kazakhstan | Diplomatic, Service | 30 days |
| Republic of Romania | Diplomatic | Not exceeding 90 days in any 180 days period |
| Bangladesh | Diplomatic, Official | 30 days |