Overseas Birth Registration for Children born outside Sri Lanka to Sri Lankan parents

To whom is this applicable ?


Children born outside Sri Lanka to Sri Lankan parents (At least one of the parents should be a Sri Lankan) needs to be registered at this department within one year of birth for the confirmation of the child’s citizenship. A certificate for the Registration of Birth is issued to the applicant.

What will happen if I fail to register the birth of my child within one year ?

A fine will be imposed in the event of failure to register the birth of a child within a period of one year from the date of birth.

What are the documents required to be handed over with the completed application form ?

1. Birth Certificate of the child issued by the country where the birth took place. (If the original Birth Certificate is not in English, an English translation should be attached.)

2. Consular Birth Certificate issued by the Registration General Department of Sri Lanka OR a letter issued from the nearest Sri Lankan Mission including following details;

* Name of the child

* Date of birth

* Sex

* Father’s Name

* Nationality of father

* Mother’s Maiden Name

* Nationality of mother

3. Birth Certificates of parents

4. If the applicant (father or mother) is a Sri Lankan citizen by registration, the relevant certificate

5. Marriage Certificate of parents

6. Travel Documents and Visas held by parents to prove residence abroad at the time of the child's birth

7. Declaration that the applicant (father/mother) has not acquired citizenship of a country other than Sri Lanka at the time of the child's birth

Note: [2-7 of above documents should be submitted with photocopies along with the original]

Where can I obtain an Application Form ?

1. Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Ananda Rajakaruna Mw, Colombo 10.

2. Sri Lankan Mission in the country of residence.

3. To download a printable version of application click here

Citizenship Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration will process the applications and mail the certificates to the respective Sri Lankan Mission for onward transmission to the applicant.

For more info:http://www.immigration.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149&Itemid=188&lang=en