Dual Citizenship of Sri Lanka

What is Dual Citizenship?
Under usual circumstances, when a Sri Lankan acquires the citizenship of another country, he/she automatically loses his/her Sri Lankan citizenship. However it is possible for an individual to -

1. Retain Sri Lankan citizenship when acquiring the citizenship of a foreign country. This is called ‘Retention of Citizenship’.
2. Resume Sri Lankan citizenship at a later point of time; after losing it when acquiring the citizenship of a foreign country. This is called ‘Resumption of Citizenship’.

An individual who has citizenship in both Sri Lanka and a foreign country is considered a dual citizen of Sri Lanka.

Retention of Sri Lankan Citizenship

How can I apply for retention of Sri Lankan citizenship ?
You can apply for dual citizenship in Sri Lanka prior to obtaining the citizenship of another country, if –

1. You are Sri Lankan by descent or by registration
2. You are holding a permanent resident status of another country
3. You wish to apply for the citizenship of that country


Resumption of Sri Lankan citizenship

How can I apply for resumption of Sri Lankan citizenship ?
You can resume your Sri Lankan citizenship after obtaining the citizenship of another country. You will not be a Sri Lankan citizen from the time you obtained the citizenship of another country to the time of resumption of your Sri Lankan citizenship.

Click here to learn about the legal provisions of obtaining dual citizenship in Sri Lanka by retention or resumption.


Renunciation of Sri Lankan Citizenship

Who can request for renunciation of Sri Lankan Citizenship ?
A Sri Lankan of full age (22 years) and sound mind, who is eligible to obtain the citizenship of another country,
Please click here for more information about the legal provisions regarding the citizenship of Sri Lanka.


Who can apply For Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship ?

1. An ex - Sri Lankan holding the citizenship of a foreign country
2. A Sri Lankan qualified to receive citizenship of a foreign country and who may contribute to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka can apply for dual citizenship.

List of Countries where Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship is accepted
Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, United States of America, Canada

Can the family members of the main applicant apply too ?

Yes. The main applicant’s spouse and unmarried children below 18 years of age may also apply for Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship with the main applicant. Additional fee per member will be charged.
(See Citizenship Fee Table)

What are the Documents Required to be Submitted with the Application

1. Original Birth Certificate of the Applicant.
2. If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration, the relevant certificate.
3. If the applicant is married, the Marriage Certificate.
4. Foreign Citizenship Certificate, Foreign Travel Document or Permanent Residence Visa of the Applicant.
5. Applicant’s most recent Sri Lankan passport, previous Sri Lankan Passports (if any) or an affidavit stating non-availability of a Sri Lankan Passport.(Please submit photocopies of the above documents along with the originals.)

Additional Compulsory Documents Required under Each Category

* Professional Category

To be considered for the Professional Category the Applicant must possess a Degree or Post Graduate Qualifications from a recognized institute.

* Wealth Category

To be considered for the Wealth Category Applicant must possesses an immovable property or properties in Sri Lanka valued at not less than LKR 2.5 million

1. Originals of the documentary proof confirming the applicant’s ownership of Lands or other immovable properties in Sri Lanka valued at or above LKR. 2.5 Million and copies.
2. Originals of Deeds and copies
3. Original Valuation report, and Title Report obtained within two months. from the date of application.

* Fixed Deposit Category

To be considered for this category Applicant must maintain a fixed deposit of not less than LKR 2.5 million for a minimum period of one year.

1. Originals of the documentary proof for maintaining a Fixed Deposit of an amount not less than LKR 2.5 million, for a minimum period of one year from the date of application, in any commercial bank in Sri Lanka.
2. Original fixed deposit certificate and a copy.
3. A letter from the respective bank confirming the fixed eposit.

* Senior Citizen Category

To be considered under this category the Applicant must be over 55 years of age at the time of application.

1. Original birth certificate and a copy

* NRFC/RFC/SFIDA category

If the applicant is willing to invest in a Non-Resident Foreign Currency (NRFC), Resident Foreign Currency (RFC) or Special Foreign Investment Deposit Accounts (SFIDA), he/she can apply for dual citizenship. Relevant supporting documents must be submitted with the duly completed Application Form.

1. A letter stating the willingness of the applicant to invest in one of the above mentioned accounts. The relevant deposits shall be frozen as follows from the date of approval, in any commercial bank in Sri Lanka

For more info: http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147&Itemid=186&lang=en