Visa Types
Sri Lanka Work Visa Essentials
Apply to work in Sri Lanka extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Sri Lanka Work 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 work 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
Employment Category
- Project Professional personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the government and their dependents
- Expatriate personnel employed in projects under Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka and their dependents
Board of Investment (BOI)
BOI certificate
Request Letter from the representing Company/Institute
BOI Agreement
Company Registration certificate
Details of the Board of Directors of the Company
Article of Association of the Company
Recommendation from BOI
A copy of the Bio Data Page of applicant’s passport
Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
Passport/s
Project Professional personnel
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
Passports
What are the documents I need to submit with my Residence visa application?
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- Request Letter from the representing Company/Institute
- Company Registration Certificate
- Details of the Board of Directors of the Company
- Article of Association of the Company
- Recommendation from the Line Ministry
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of applicant’s passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
- Passport/s
- Memorandum of association & Article of association
- Recommendation of Line Ministry
- A copy of the Bio Data Page of Your passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
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
How can I submit my Residence visa application?
You can submit visa application to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
A. How can I renew my Residence visa?
Applications for the extension should be made to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Battaramulla.
Where can I get a Residence visa renewal Application Form?
- Head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo Head Office.
- 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 dependents
Where can I obtain a Residence visa application form?
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Battaramulla.
- 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 and 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 applicant’s passport
- Health Protection plan (Can get through the www.health.gov.lk/IHU)
- Passports
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 recommended 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?
-
- Head office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo.
- 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. Personnel employ in a Private Sector Company and their dependents
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
D. What are the other conditions applicable to renewal of my Residence visa?
E. Your intended stay in Sri Lanka should end at least two months before the expiry date of your travel document.