- USD2,000
Main applicant
- USD500
Spouse or child under 22
- 7
Ways to qualify
- 6
Steps to apply
Do I need resumption or retention?
immigration.gov.lk- ResumptionAlready a foreign citizen
Get Sri Lankan citizenship back. Section 19(2) of the Citizenship Act.
- RetentionAbout to become one
Keep it when you naturalise. Section 19(3).
Who can apply?
Application form (PDF)Meet any one of these.
- A55+
Aged 55 or over
- BDiploma
One-year diploma or professional qualification
- CRs.2.5M
Property in Sri Lanka worth at least this
- DRs.2.5M
Fixed deposit for 3 years
- EUSD25k
NRFC, RFC or SFIDA deposit for 3 years
- FUSD25k
Treasury bonds or SIA for 3 years
- GFamily
Spouse or unmarried child under 22 of an applicant
The fine print
Category G covers a spouse or child only if their own Sri Lankan citizenship has ended, or is likely to. Children must apply before they turn 21 years and 6 months. For category C, the property valuation and title report must be less than 3 months old and done by a registered valuer.
How do I apply?
Online from 29 Oct- Check your category
Pick resumption or retention, and one category from A to G.
- Certify your documents
At the Citizenship Division in Battaramulla, or by a Third Secretary or senior officer at a Sri Lanka mission.
- Sign the affidavit
Page 6 of the form, before a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.
- Submit
At Suhurupaya, Battaramulla, at a mission abroad, or online from 29 Oct 2026.
- Minister approves
You are told the application is approved and how to pay.
- Pay and collect
Your citizenship starts on the day you pay.
What documents do I need?
immigration.gov.lkSend certified copies. Add an English translation for anything in another language.
Everyone4 items
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate, if married
- 3 passport-size colour photos per person
- Signed affidavit (page 6 of the form)
Resumption: already a foreign citizen3 items
- Foreign citizenship certificate
- Foreign passport bio-data pages
- Police report under 12 months old (16 and over)
Retention: about to become one3 items
- Current Sri Lankan passport pages
- Foreign permanent residence visa
- Police report under 3 months old (16 and over)
Proof of your category1 item
- For example a degree certificate, a deed and valuation report, or a bank letter for your deposit
How much does dual citizenship cost?
immigration.gov.lk- USD2,000
Main applicant
- USD500
Spouse
- USD500
Child under 22
Pay only after approval. A certified copy of the certificate costs Rs. 2,000.
Frequently asked questions
How much does dual citizenship cost?
USD 2,000 for the main applicant, and USD 500 each for a spouse or an unmarried child under 22. You pay only after the Minister approves your application.
Can I apply from outside Sri Lanka?
Yes. Apply through the Sri Lanka embassy or high commission in the country where you live. The mission certifies your documents and sends the application on.
When does dual citizenship take effect?
On the date you pay the fee.
Can I apply online?
From 29 October 2026, applications to the Head Office can be made online. You then hand in your original documents at an appointment.
Can my children get dual citizenship?
Unmarried children under 22 can apply under category G, if their Sri Lankan citizenship has ended or is likely to. They must apply before age 21 years and 6 months.
Learn more on official sites
The pages this guide is based on.