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Sri LankaFamilyLast checked October 17, 2026

Residence visa for the foreign spouse and children of a Sri Lankan citizen

The foreign spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen can get a residence visa once the marriage has lasted more than six months. The first visa is for 1 year and free of charge. It is then extended 2 years at a time until 5 years, and 5 years at a time after that. The Sri Lankan spouse must attend an interview.

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1 entry rule for Sri Lanka based on recent travel

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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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Who it’s for

Foreign spouses of Sri Lankan citizens and their dependent children.

Eligibility

  • Marriage length

    Show that your marriage to a Sri Lankan citizen has lasted more than six months at the time you apply.

    Official wording

    Non-Sri Lankan spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen whose marriage has subsisted for more than six months at the time of applying.

  • Children

    Each dependent child of the foreign spouse is covered, and a visa fee applies from age 16 until age 22.

    • Fee age range: 16 up to 22
    Official wording

    Each dependent child of the foreign spouse. A visa fee applies from age 16 until age 22.

  • Spouse categories with work approval

    Some spouses can get a separate one-year visa with approval for employment, costing USD 100 a year.

    USD 100

    One-year visa with work approval

    • Widowed spouse who has not remarried
    • Spouse living in Sri Lanka continuously for not less than ten years
    • Spouse with children under eighteen who lives separately
    Official wording

    Separate one-year visas (USD 100 a year) with approval for employment exist for a widowed spouse who has not remarried, a spouse living in Sri Lanka continuously for not less than ten years, and a spouse with children under eighteen who lives separately.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Document checklistMarriage certificate attested by a competent authority
  • FeesSpouse of a Sri Lankan citizen (Residence Visa 5)
  • Steps to applyGather the marriage and identity documents and the Sri Lankan spouse's consent

The full requirements are for members

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  • 7 documents
  • 3 fees
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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