Residence & citizenship
Sri Lankan Dual Citizenship
The route for former or current Sri Lankan citizens to hold Sri Lankan citizenship alongside another nationality, through resumption or retention under the Citizenship Act.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Fee figures (USD 2,000 / USD 500) and the qualifying thresholds (Rs. 2.5M property/deposit, USD 25K investment, age 55+) are drawn from the official guidance but should be re-verified as they are subject to change.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Sri Lanka government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Dual Citizenship (resumption / retention)
- Route type
- Citizenship
- Legal basis
- Sections 19–21, Citizenship Act No. 18 of 1948
- Fee
- USD 2,000 main applicant; USD 500 spouse; USD 500 unmarried child under 22
- From the official guidance; confirm current amount
- Qualifying routes
- Age 55+, profession, property (Rs. 2.5M+), deposits/investments (Rs. 2.5M or USD 25K+), or family member
Who it is for
- Former Sri Lankans who lost citizenship by taking another nationality (resumption)
- Sri Lankans about to acquire a foreign nationality who wish to keep their status (retention)
- Qualifying spouses and unmarried children under 22
Requirements
- Completed application per family member
- Three passport photographs
- Affidavit before a Justice of the Peace / Commissioner of Oaths
- Police clearance report (applicants aged 16+)
- Certified copies of birth, marriage, passport and citizenship documents
- Evidence of the qualifying criterion (age, property, deposit, profession, etc.)
How to apply
- Confirm which pathway (resumption or retention) applies
- Gather and authenticate the required documents
- Submit to the Citizenship Division in Battaramulla or a Sri Lankan overseas mission
- Pay the applicable per-person fee
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Sri Lankan visas
- SETTLEMENTRETIREESLONG STAYMy Dream Home ProgrammeA long-stay residence programme allowing eligible foreign nationals, typically retirees, to live in Sri Lanka for extended renewable periods.View visa details
- SETTLEMENTCITIZENSHIPBY DESCENTSri Lankan CitizenshipSri Lankan citizenship by descent and registration, plus the special statutory provisions for particular resident populations, administered under the Citizenship Act.View visa details
