Visa Types
Sri Lanka Permanent Residency Path
How you can immigrate to Sri Lanka, how to protect yourself from Fraud and what to expect after you arrive in Sri Lanka.
Key Points for Sri Lanka PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
No, biometrics are not required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Sri Lanka visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Sri Lanka Study visa.
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
Head office of the Department of Immigration and 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 is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
Your residence visa is valid for one year or time period recommended by the line Ministry or academic institution. It can be renewed.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Sri Lanka?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Please click here for information about visa fees
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to Sri Lanka, it is crucial to determine the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, education, or employment.
- Different visa categories exist for Sri Lanka, each with specific requirements and conditions, so it is essential to identify the correct visa type to ensure a successful application.
- To obtain accurate and up-to-date information on visa types and requirements, it is advisable to consult the official website of the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration or reach out to the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your country.
Before applying for a visa, it is important to gather the necessary information and documents. This includes a valid passport with sufficient validity, personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, and contact information, as well as travel details including the intended date of arrival and purpose of the visit. Having these documents ready will help facilitate a smooth visa application process.
You can obtain a Residence visa application form the Head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
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 that mentioned in the particular residence visa category, 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.
- Investor Category
- Religious Category
- Educational Category
- Personnel attached to Non-Governmental Organizations/International Non-Governmental Organizations
- Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo –Lanka Agreement.
- Ex – Sri Lankan and dependents
- Family Members of a Sri Lankan (Spouse & Dependants)
- Diplomatic and Official visa
- Medical Visa
- Court Visa
- My Dream Home Visa Programme
- Resident Guest Scheme Visa Programme
Submit an Application:
You can obtain a Residence visa application form the Head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
Download printable versions of the Application Forms here
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 will not be considered for conversion into following 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 categories of Residence visa
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Here is some general information about the Sri Lanka residence visa process:
There are various categories of residence visas available, each with its own requirements.
- To apply for a residence visa, you must first obtain an entry visa from a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission abroad.
- Once you have entered Sri Lanka on an entry visa, you can apply for a residence visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
- The application process for a residence visa can be lengthy, so it is important to start the process well in advance of your planned travel.
- The required documentation for a residence visa application will vary depending on the category of visa you are applying for.
- In general, you will need to provide the required documentation:
Here are some of the different categories of residence visas available in Sri Lanka:
- Investor Visa: This visa is for individuals who invest at least US$250,000 in a Sri Lankan business.
- Professional Visa: This visa is for professionals who have been offered a job in Sri Lanka.
- Residence Visa for Retirees: This visa is for individuals who are over the age of 55 and who have a monthly income of at least US$1,000.
- Residence Visa for Spouses and Dependents: This visa is for the spouses and dependents of individuals who hold a residence visa in Sri Lanka.
For more information about residence visas in Sri Lanka, please visit the website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration: https://www.immigration.gov.lk/