Residence visa - education category
students, volunteers, interns
University students, students at government-approved institutions, volunteers and interns can get a residence visa in the education category. University students need a recommendation from the Ministry of Higher Education. Other students need a letter from the institution, an embassy recommendation and bank encashment receipts. The visa is valid for one year or the period recommended and can be renewed.
1 entry rule for Sri Lanka based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over who have visited or transited (12h+) a yellow fever risk country need a valid certificate on arrival. Without one: may be quarantined until the certificate becomes valid; the Immigration page says those without it will not be allowed to enter.
Quarantine Unit, Ministry of Health Sri Lanka: FAQs Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka: Yellow fever vaccination certificate WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
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).
Living
1
Happiness
#132 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign students at Sri Lankan universities or approved institutions, one guardian of a student under 16, volunteers and interns.
Eligibility
University studentsUniversity students
Need a recommendation from the Ministry of Higher Education and a letter from the university.
Other students and guardiansStudents at other approved institutions and one guardian of a student under 16
- $ 1500
- bank encashment receipts to the value of US
Need a request letter from the institution, a recommendation from the relevant embassy or high commission, and bank encashment receipts to the value of US$ 1500/- for a year per person.
VolunteersVolunteers
Need a request letter from the volunteer organisation and a line ministry recommendation.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistLetter from the university or academic institution
- FeesResidence visa - students (Residence Visa 1)
- Steps to applyGet admission and the institution's request letter
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Sri Lanka
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Sri Lanka
- Visit & tourismTourist visa via Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), with extensions
- Work permitsResidence visa - employment category
- Permanent residencePermanent Residence Visa
- FamilyResidence visa for the foreign spouse and children of a Sri Lankan citizen
- Status in-countryDigital Nomad Visa
- Investors & entrepreneursResidence visa - investor category
