- 99years
Longest lease for a foreigner
- 100%
Of a condo price, paid upfront from abroad
- 50%
Foreign shareholding that counts as foreign
What does the law say?
Act No. 38 of 2014 (PDF)- Section 2No freehold land
Land can’t be transferred to a foreigner, a foreign company, or a company that is 50% or more foreign owned.
- LeasesUp to 99 years
Foreigners can lease land for up to 99 years.
- CondominiumsApartments are allowed
If the full price is paid upfront by money sent from abroad, before the deed is signed.
- Section 3Dual citizens are exempt
A dual citizen can buy land like any Sri Lankan citizen.
What changed since 2014?
Amendment No. 21 of 2018 (PDF)Two amendments, No. 3 of 2017 and No. 21 of 2018, eased the original Act. The Land Lease Tax is no longer charged on leases signed on or after 1 January 2016, and the condominium rule above was set out.
In the Act, a foreigner is anyone who is not a citizen of Sri Lanka.
Before you sign anything
rgd.gov.lk- Ask a Sri Lankan lawyer to check the title and draw up the deed or lease
- Deeds are registered at the land registry, run by the Registrar General’s Department
- Send the money through a bank so you have a record of the remittance
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy land in Sri Lanka?
Not freehold. Under the Land (Restrictions on Alienation) Act No. 38 of 2014, land can’t be transferred to a foreigner. You can lease land for up to 99 years.
Can a foreigner buy an apartment?
Yes, a condominium parcel, if the whole price is paid upfront by inward foreign remittance before the deed is signed.
Can I buy land if I have dual citizenship?
Yes. Dual citizens are exempt from the restriction, so you can buy land as a citizen.
Can my foreign company buy land?
Not if 50% or more of its shares are held by foreigners.
Learn more on official sites
The pages this guide is based on.