Residence visa

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

All categories of residence visa applicants should complete and handover the “Photo Capture Paper” along with the residence visa application and relevant documents with effect from 18th of March 2015.  This is a mandatory requirement.
Click to download

1. 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

Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit your visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
BOI

  • BOI certificate
  • Request Letter from the representing Company
  • BOI Agreement
  • Company Registration certificate
  • Recomondation from the respective Ministry
  • A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport

Project

  • 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

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about Visa Fees

What is the validity period of my Residence visa? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year or Period recomended by the respective authority.It can be renewed annually 
Two years valid Residence Visa is Issued for Directors of the Company

How can I renew my Residence visa? 
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration. 

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my 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 dependants

Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form ?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
Bank Request
Recommendation of Central Bank of Sri Lanka
A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees

What is the validity period of my Residence visa? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year or Period recomended by the respective authority.It can be renewed annually  

How can I renew my Residence visa? 
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration.  

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my 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 

Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form ?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

How can I submit my Residence visa application?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application?
Personnel attached to Non-governmental Organizations
Request of the organization
Recommendation of the Non- Governmental Organization Secretariat (NGO Secretariate) through the Ministry of Defence
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 

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees 

What is the validity period of my Residence visa ? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year or time period recomended by the line Ministry.
It can be renewed

How can I renew my Residence visa? Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration. 

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my 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 

Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my 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 

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees

What is the validity period of my Residence visa ? 
Your residence visa is valid for two (02) years. 
time period recomended by the line Ministry.
It can be renewed annually 


How can I renew my Residence visa? 
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration with the recomondation of the respective Line Ministry.

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form? 
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my 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 dependants 

Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
Form 48
Form 65
Company Request
Memorandum of association & Article of association
Recommendation of Line Ministry

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees 

What is the validity period of my Residence visa ?
Your residence visa is valid for one year. 
It can be renewed annually 

How can I renew my Residence visa ?
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration with the recomondation of the respective Line Ministry. 

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa ? 
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.   

2. Investor Category 

A. Who desires to invest monetary capital in Sri Lanka 
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
Form 48
Form 65
Memorandum of association & Article of association
Recommendation of Line Ministry & Board of Investment (BOI) 
BOI Agreements.

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa?
Please click here for information about visa fees 

What is the validity period of my Residence visa ? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year. 
It can be renewed annually 

How can I renew my Residence visa ? 
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration with the recomondation of the respective Line Ministry & BOI. 

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form ? 
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa ? 
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.

3. Religious Category
  • Members of the Clergy
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form ? 
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
Members of Clergy 
Request letter from Religious Organization
Recommendation of Line Ministry 

4. Student category
  • University  Students
  • Students in Educational Institutions approved by the State
  • Religious students
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form ?
  • Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  • Download printable versions of the Application Forms here

How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
For University Students 
recommendation from Ministry of Higher Education (Link).
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 

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees 

What is the validity period of my Residence visa ? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year or for a period recomended by the Institution/ High commission or Embassy.  
It can be renewed annually 

How can I renew my 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 recomondation of the respective Line Ministry. 

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?

  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa? 
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.   

5. Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Agreement. 
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form ?
  • Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  • Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application ?
Letter of request
Registration certificate
Marriage certificate
Birth certificates of children under 16 years of age 

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees

What is the validity period of my Residence visa? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year. 
It can be renewed annually 

How can I renew my Residence visa ? 
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigration. 

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa ?
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.

6. Ex - Sri Lankan and dependants 

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.

Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
  • Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  • Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my 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 dependants if applicable

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees

What is the validity period of my Residence visa ? 
Your residence visa is valid for one year. 
It can be renewed annually 

How can I renew my Residence visa ?
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and  Emigrationwith the recomondation of the respective Line Ministry.

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form ?
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa ? 
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document. 

7. Family Members of a Sri Lankan
  1. Foreign Spouse of a Sri Lankan
  2. Dependant children holding foreign Passports
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
How can I submit my Residence visa application ?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo. 

What are the documents I need to submit with my 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 

What are the fees applicable to my Residence visa ?
Please click here for information about visa fees 

What is the validity period of my Residence visa? 
Your residence visa is valid for two (2) years.

How can I renew my 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.   

Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form? 
  1. Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
  2. Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa ? 
Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.