Guide to Residency in Sri Lanka

Obtaining a residency visa in Sri Lanka is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Sri Lanka gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

Please note that the following instructions are a general guide and the actual process may vary. It is important to consult with the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka or a legal expert for the most current and detailed information. Here is a general outline of the steps you might take to obtain residency status in Sri Lanka: ```html

• Research Visa Categories
  • Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka at http://www.immigration.gov.lk/ to understand different visa categories.
  • Identify which visa category fits your purpose of stay, such as employment, investment, or family ties.
• Prepare Necessary Documentation
  • Gather personal documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Obtain police clearance from your home country and any other country you have lived in for the past five years.
  • Prepare financial documents to prove your financial stability.
• Apply for an Entry Visa
  • Complete the visa application form, which can be downloaded from the Department of Immigration and Emigration website.
  • Submit the application form along with the required documentation to the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, or apply online if available.
• Enter Sri Lanka
  • Once your entry visa is approved, travel to Sri Lanka.
  • Keep all travel and immigration documents handy for presentation to immigration officials upon arrival.
• Apply for a Residence Visa
  • After entering Sri Lanka, apply for a Residence Visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
  • Choose the appropriate Residence Visa category based on your situation (e.g., Employment, Investor, Student, Family).
  • Fill out the Residence Visa application form and submit it with the required documents, such as your Entry Visa, proof of employment or investment, and any other supporting documents.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Inland Revenue Department's website at https://www.ird.gov.lk/ to learn about the tax registration process.
  • Complete the Taxpayer Registration Form (available online or at the Inland Revenue Department office).
  • Submit the form along with identification documents and proof of address in Sri Lanka.
• Attend Interviews or Appointments
  • Be prepared to attend any interviews or appointments required by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
  • Provide additional information or documentation if requested.
• Receive Your Residence Visa
  • Once your application is approved, you will receive your Residence Visa, which may be a sticker in your passport or a separate document.
  • Check the validity of your Residence Visa and be aware of any conditions or restrictions.
• Renew Your Visa as Needed
  • Keep track of the expiration date of your Residence Visa.
  • Apply for renewal before your current visa expires, following the same process as the initial application.

``` Always ensure that you are following the most current guidelines and procedures by checking with the official sources or consulting with a legal expert in Sri Lankan immigration law.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Sri Lanka?

"To apply for a visa to Sri Lanka, travelers must submit an online application form and provide a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the visa will be issued and sent to the applicant. To apply for residency in Sri Lanka, applicants must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds, and a valid work permit. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the residency permit will be issued and sent to the applicant," commented one member living in Sri Lanka.