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Sri LankaCitizenshipLast checked October 17, 2026

Dual citizenship

resumption or retention of Sri Lankan citizenship

Former Sri Lankan citizens who lost citizenship by taking another nationality can apply to resume it, and Sri Lankans about to take another nationality can apply to retain it. Applicants must fit one of categories A to G, such as age 55, a professional qualification, property or deposits in Sri Lanka, or being the spouse or child of a qualifying applicant. The main applicant fee is USD 2,000. This route is not open to foreigners with no prior Sri Lankan citizenship.

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Life in Sri Lanka

Money

3

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee

LKR

Sri Lankan Rupee

Cost of living

27

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

6–36%

Income tax (national)

Personal relief LKR 1.8 million; 36% applies to income above about LKR 4.3 million (gross of relief).

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

4.0

#132 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Dual citizenship for you Members

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Who it’s for

Former Sri Lankan citizens (and their spouses and children under 22 who were Sri Lankan) and Sri Lankans acquiring another nationality.

Eligibility

  • Former or current citizen

    A person whose Sri Lankan citizenship ceased under section 19, 20 or 21 of the Citizenship Act, No 18 of 1948, or is likely to cease. Resumption is under s.19(2); retention under s.19(3).

  • Qualifying category (one of A-F)

    You need to meet one of categories A to F, based on age, qualifications, property or a 3-year investment.

    Money or property thresholds by category

    C: Propertyland or immovable property, or above
    Rs. 2.5 million
    D: Fixed depositfor 3 years, or above
    Rs. 2.5 million
    E: Foreign currency depositNRFC/RFC/SFIDA, 3 years
    USD 25,000
    F: Bond or accountat least 3 years
    USD 25,000
    • A: you have completed age 55
    • B: diploma of at least one year or higher, or professional qualification
    • E: deposit of USD 25,000 or above in an NRFC, RFC or SFIDA account
    • F: Treasury Bond or Security Investment Account
    Official wording

    A: completed age 55. B: diploma of at least one year or higher, or professional qualification. C: land or immovable property in Sri Lanka worth Rs. 2.5 million or above. D: fixed deposit of Rs. 2.5 million or above for 3 years. E: fixed deposit of USD 25,000 or above in an NRFC/RFC/SFIDA account for 3 years. F: Treasury Bond or Security Investment Account of USD 25,000 for at least 3 years.

  • Category G - family

    Show you are the spouse or unmarried child under 22 of a qualifying applicant.

    Age limits for children

    Child's age
    Under 22
    Apply before
    21 years and 06 months
    • The qualifying applicant must be a person whose Sri Lankan citizenship ceased or is likely to cease
    • You must also be a person whose Sri Lankan citizenship ceased or is likely to cease
    Official wording

    Spouse or unmarried child under 22 of a qualifying applicant, who must themselves be a person whose Sri Lankan citizenship ceased or is likely to cease. Children must apply before age 21 years and 06 months.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Document checklistApplication with affidavit and personal particulars form; 3 colour photos
  • FeesMain applicant
  • Steps to applyComplete a separate application for each family member

The full requirements are for members

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  • 6 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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