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Residence visas for Sri Lanka

Staying longer than a holiday means a residence visa from the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Most last a year and are renewed annually.

Last checked 23 Oct 2026 4 min read
  • USD100/yr

    Former Sri Lankan citizens

  • USD200/yr

    Employees and investors

  • Free

    Foreign spouse of a citizen

  • USD500/yr

    Digital nomads

Which residence visa fits you?

Visa fees

Yearly visa fees from the Department’s fee list.

  • Former Sri Lankan citizensAlso covers their spouse and children. Category RV-2.
    USD 100
    per year
    Read the guide
  • Children of Sri Lankan parentsHolding a foreign passport. Category RV-9.
    USD 150
    per year
    Visa fees
  • Foreign spouse of a Sri LankanCategory RV-5. Their dependent children pay USD 150.
    Free
    visa fee
    Visa fees
  • Employees, investors and studentsAlso medical, NGO and religious work. Category RV-1.
    USD 200
    per year
    immigration.gov.lk
  • Digital nomadsRemote work for clients abroad. Category RV-10.
    USD 500
    per year
    Read the guide
  • Golden Paradise VisaUSD 200,000 deposit. Ten years paid upfront.
    USD 200
    per year
    Read the guide
  • My Dream HomeExtensions only.
    Closed
    immigration.gov.lk
  • Resident Guest SchemeExtensions only.
    Closed
    immigration.gov.lk

How do I get one?

immigration.gov.lk
  1. Pick your category

    Your citizenship history, family or work decides it.

  2. Gather your papers

    Plus any recommendation your category needs, such as one from your employer or a ministry.

  3. Apply in Battaramulla

    At the Residence Visa Division, Suhurupaya.

  4. Renew each year

    Most residence visas are valid for a year, or the period recommended, and renewed annually.

What if my visa runs out?

Visa fees

Penalties set by Gazette No. 2337/10 of 21 June 2023.

  • Fee only

    Up to 7 days late

  • USD250

    7 to 14 days late, plus the fee

  • USD500

    Over 14 days late

Apply to renew before your visa ends and you pay nothing extra.

Frequently asked questions

I used to be Sri Lankan. Can I live there without dual citizenship?

Yes. Former citizens can hold a residence visa, category RV-2, for USD 100 a year. It also covers a spouse and children.

How much is a visa for my foreign spouse?

The residence visa for a foreign spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen has no visa fee. Their dependent children pay USD 150 a year.

Is the My Dream Home visa still open?

Only for extensions. New applicants can look at the Golden Paradise Visa instead.

How long is a residence visa valid?

Usually one year, or the period your recommending body asks for. Most are renewed every year.

Official sources

Learn more on official sites

The pages this guide is based on.

Related guides