Visa Services in Sri Lanka Immigration matters in Sri Lanka taken to high grounds in the recent past with visa for Sri Lanka, immigration and work in the country is reviewed. All the foreigners who wish to obtain residence visa in Sri Lanka are now required to have prior approval from controller immigration and emigration. On receipt of Sri Lankan visa documents, the migration Lanka Services will process the Sri Lankan visas for foreigners. The migration to Sri Lanka confirms that all foreigners entering Sri Lankan must obtain entry visa before entering to the country. Please note that Sri Lankan visit visas are not good enough to apply for Sri Lankan residence visa. It is also the international practice not to permit visit visa to be converted to residence visa for Sri Lanka. Migration Lanka Services is the only registered company in Sri Lanka for foreigners to obtain all types of Sri Lankan visas. Migration Lanka Services offers documentation services, business visas, multiple visas and all other type of Sri Lankan visas. We offer any type of Sri Lanka visa services to foreigners Our company has been serving the expatriate community in Sri Lanka and for years. We provide business consultancy, legal services and visa service. If you want to start a business as a foreigner in Sri Lanka, we can help and guide with every step you need to take. We guide you from starting up to the opening of your business and thereafter. We help you getting a working permit, firm's license (PT, PMA) or a business visa, and provide all other information needed for successful investment in our beautiful country Sri Lanka. We are experts in visa regulations in Sri Lanka and can help you with retirement in Sri Lanka, various business visa, all expatriate documents, social visa, re-entry or exit permits. Our law office is ready to help you with all legal issues you may encounter while you stay or do business in Sri Lanka. We are a member of the A.A.I, the Advocate Association in Sri Lanka. Our lawyers are familiar with the problems foreigners may run into, either abroad doing business here, or in Sri Lanka Our services: " Working permit - visa KITAS " Multiple entry business visa " Single business visa " Social visas " Exit & re-entry permits " Visa extensions " Expatriate documents " Firm's licence , PT, PMA " Passport and travel documents " Immigration consultancy " Foreign company consultancy " Foreign Travel Agent consultancy Lawyer and Notary " On our website you will find most visa procedures and services in detail, if you however, don't find the answers to you questions on our site, please ask us via the email page, we will be glad to help you in anyway we can! Also when you are out of Indonesia at this moment. Exemptions from the Requirement of Having Visas Certain categories of non Sri Lankans are exempt from the requirement to hold visas for the purpose of entry into Sri Lanka. The following table gives a summary of the legal exemptions:- Category Provision of I & E Act not Operative Conditions of Exemption (a) Every person is the holder of a valid Identity Certificate (IC) No visa required for entry IC is issued under 37 regulation of I & E 1956 and if such IC bears an endorsement authorizing his entry into Sri Lanka (b) Every person under 16 years of age child whose particulars are entered in a value passport of the parents. No visa required for entry If such parent is in possession of a visa or has been exempted from the requirement of having visas for entry into Sri Lanka. (c) Every person who is a bona fide tourist and who is a citizen of the countries specially listed by order of the Minister. No visa required for entry If such a person is in possession of a valid passport and where so required by the law of the country to which he is ultimately bound, a visa for the country (d) Every person who, being a passenger on board a ship, desires to enter Sri Lanka for the duration of the stay of that ship in an approved port. No visa required for entry If such a person is in possession of a valid passport and where so required by the law of the country to which he is ultimately bound, a visa for the country (e) Every person who ceased to be a citizen of Sri Lanka by decent by reason of his having failed to renounce the citizenship of any other country. No visa required for entry If such a person is in possession of a valid passport or document of identify issued by the Govt. of the country of which he is a citizen. (f) Every person who is a member the Naval, Military or Air Force of the Republic of India. No visa required for entry If such person is in possession of a valid passport or a document of identity and a valid movement order issued by the Government of India. (g) Every person who, for any period is duly accredited to the Government of Sri Lanka by the Government of another country, or is sent to Sri Lanka on a special mission by the Government of another country. Parts III, IV, V, VI and VII. If such person is in possession of a valid passport. (h) Every person who is any expert, adviser, technician or official whose salary or principal emolument is not payable by the Government of Sri Lanka and who is brought to Sri Lanka by the Government of Sri Lanka through any Specialized Agency of the United Nations Organization, or under the Point Four Assistance Programme of the Government of the United States of America, or through the Colombo Plan Organization (including its Technical Assistance Bureau), or any similar organization approved by the Minister. Parts III, IV, V, VI, VII If such person is in possession of a valid passport. (i) Every person who is any trainee from abroad, his wife and every dependant child, who is sent to Sri Lanka under any of the Technical Co-operation Programmes of the UNO and its Specialised Agencies or any similar organization approved by the Minister. Parts III, IV, V, VI, and VII If such person is in possession of a valid passport. (j) Every person who has entered or is under an agreement to enter the service of the Government of Sri Lanka. Parts III, IV and VII If such a person is in possession of a valid passport except where the wife and each such child are exempted from the requirement of having valid passports. (k) Every member of the official staff or household of any person referred to in category (g),(h), (i), (j) above Parts III, IV, V, VI and VII If such a person is in possession of a valid passport issued by the same Government as the one that issued the passport of the person in category (g) concerned. (l) The wife or every dependent child of any person in category (g), (h),(i),(j),(k) above Parts III, IV, V, VI and VII If such wife and each such child possess valid passports or documents of identity issued by the same government as the one that issued their husband's / father's passport, except where they are exempted from the requirement of having valid passports. 24.7 Visa Classifications Visas are of five kinds. 24.7.1 Residence visa i. Ordinary Residence Visa ii. Visas to registered persons under the special Resident Guest Scheme. 24.7.2 Visit visa i. Tourist visa ii. Other purpose visit visa iii. Multiple entry visit visa 24.7.3 Transit visa 24.7.4 Entry visa 24.7.5 Gratis visa 24.7.1 Residence Visa A residence visa is a permit to obtain a residence facilities for special purposes for a non-Sri Lankan. It is issued to persons of non Sri Lankans nationality to whom it has been decided to extend residence facilities for the purpose of investment or otherwise, in circumstances where the prescribed authority is satisfied that their stay in Sri Lanka and the pursuit of their avocations are not prejudicial to the best interests of the permanent population. 24.7.1.1 Manner of Issue A Residence Visa can be issued in any one or combination of the following. 1. Rubber Stamp endorsement on a visa page of the holder's passport. 2. A photographic document giving the name of the holder, affixing a photograph and specimen signature. 3. As a self-adhesive, machine-printed and machine readable sticker. 24.7.1.2 Conditions of Residence Visa It shall be a condition of every Residence Visa that the prescribed authority may provide. (a) that the holder there of shall not engage in any employment, whether paid or unpaid or any trade or business, during his stay in Sri Lanka; or (b) that the holder there of shall not engage in any employment, trade or business other than that specified in the visa, without the express written permission of the prescribed authority. (22, I & E Regulations 1956) (c) that this visa does not ensure permission to land which is in the discretion of the authorities at the port of arrival. (d) that the period of validity of this visa. (e) that the any number of journeys to Sri Lanka during the period of validity of the visa. 24.7.1.3. Revocation or restriction of a Residence Visa Residence Visas are issued at the sole discretion of the issuing authority, (20(1), I & E and can be withdrawn cancelled or restricted at the absolute discretion of the issuing authority (20(1), I & E Regulations1956) While the authority to issue or refuse a Residence Visa cannot be canvassed in a Court of law, cancellation or restriction can be challenged in the form of a writ on the grounds of failure to observe the principles of natural justice. When, therefore, it is decided to cancel, curtail or restrict a Residence Visa already issued, action should be taken on the following lines. (a) The applicant should be summoned. (b) He should be failed the reasons for the proposed action and shown the documentary evidence on which the decision was based. (c) The Residence Visa holder should be asked to explain his position in writing. (d) The issuing authority should over rule the objection and proceed to take action as decided. 24.7.1.4 Types of Residence Visas (i) Ordinary Residence visa (ii) Visas to registered persons under the Special Resident Guest Scheme. 24.7.1.4 (i) Ordinary Residence Visa This Residence Visa is issued to non-Sri Lankans to whom it has been decided to extend such facilities for several purposes mentioned under Residence visa. 24.7.1.4 (i).i Visa Issuing Authority Ordinary Residence Visa is issued only by the Controller of Immigration & Emigration and his Additionals, Deputies and Assistants. 24.7.1.4 (i).ii Considerable Categories for Residence Visa 1. Investors and their dependents. 2. Expatriate personnel who work in Projects/Company under Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka (can apply for their dependents 3. Expatriate personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the State (can apply for their dependents also) 4. Expatriate personnel whose services are required for Private recognized organizations (can apply for their dependents also). 5. Expatriate personnel who work in Bank (can apply for their dependents also) 6. Members of the clergy. 7. Religious workers and religious students. 8. Foreign students in the Universities. 9. Students of Educational Institutions approved by the State. 10. Students of the other Institutions. 11. Ex-Sri Lankans and their dependents. 12. Registered Indians and their dependents 13. Spouses of Sri Lankans and their dependents 14. Volunteers 15. Personnel attached to Non Government Organizations (NGO) 16. Children of Sri Lankan born abroad holding foreign nationality. 17. Expatriate personnel whose services are required for the Projects, Institutions or Organisations under Diplomatic Mission in Sri Lanka (can apply for their Dependents.) 24.7.1.4 (i).iii Period of Validity The controller of Immigration and Emigration can issue a Residence visa up to a maximum of 2 years. But initially ordinary residence visa is issued for one year for all above categories except spouses of Sri Lankans & their dependents. 24.7.1.4 Spouses of Sri Lankans and their dependents for Six months visit visa may be granted initially and geniuses of documents and purpose are investigated. If the marriage is genuineness Residence Visa may be granted. 24.7.1.4.(i).iv Visa Fee, Tax & Required Documents The following table gives a summary of the visa fee, tax and required documents for Residence Visa. Category Required Documents Visa Fee Rs. Tax (Rs.) 1. Investors & their dependents Form 48, form 65, Memorandum & Article of Association, BOI Agreements 5000.00 10000.00 2. Expatriate & their dependents (BOI Company) BOI Certificate, BOI Recommendation, Company Request Free under 16 years age child 3. Expatriate & their dependents. (Project) Project Office Request, Line Ministry Recommendation or Department of External Resources Recommendation 5000.00 Free under 10000.00 16 years age child 4. Expatriate & their dependents. (Private company) Form 48, form 65, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Company Request, Line Ministry Recommendation. 5000.00 Free under 10000.00 16 years age child 5. Expatriate & their dependents (Bank) Bank Request, Central Bank of Sri Lanka Recommendation 5000.00 Free under 10000.00 10 years age child 6. Members of the clergy Organization Request, Line Ministry Recommendation Free Nil 7. Religious workers & /religious students Letter of Organization, Recommendation of Line Ministry 5000.00 10000.00 8. Foreign Students in University Letter of the University, Recommendation of the Ministry of Higher Education Free Nil 9. Students of Educational Institution approved by the State and their Guardians of under 16 years age students. Letter of the Institution, Letter of the particular embassy in Sri Lanka & Encashment receipt to the value of US$ 1500/= for a year 2500.00 5000.00 10. Students of the other Institutions and their Guardi- and of under 16 years age students Letter of the Institution, Letter of the Particular embassy in Sri Lanka & Encashment receipt to the value of US$ 1500- for a year. 5000.00 10000.00 11. Ex Sri Lanka & their dependents Birth certificates of the applicant and the Dependents. Marriage Certificate. 2500.00 Free under 5000.00 16 years age child 12. Registered Indians & their dependents Registration Certificate, Marriage certificate, Birth certificate of the children under 16 years age Letter of Request. 2500.00 Free under 5000.00 16 years age child 13. Spouses of Sri Lankan & their children Marriage certificate, Birth certificates of children, Birth certificate of Sri Lankan spouse, Personal Identity card of Sri Lankan spouse. In the case of a divorce, the divorce decree. Consent of Sri Lankans spouse. Free Nil 14. Volunteers Request of the Organization & Recommendation of Line Ministry. If provided for the agreement signed between Sri Lanka & other country. 5000.00 Free 10000.00 Nil 15. Personnel attached to Non Government Organizations (NGO) Request of the Organization & Recommendation of the NGO Secretariat through the Ministry of Social Welfare, work permit. If provided for the agreement signed between Sri Lanka & other country. 5000.00 Free 10000.00 Nil 16. Children of Sri Lankan born abroad holding a foreign nationality Not registered as Sri Lankan Registered as Sri Lankan Birth certificate & request of Parents. Birth registration Certi- ficate under 5(2) citizenship Act. (Under 16 years age) (Above 16 years age) (Under 18 years age) (Above 18 years age) Free 5000.00 Visa 2500.00 Nil 10000.00 exempt 5000.00 17. Expatriate personnel whose service are required for the Projects, Insti- tutions or Organi zations under Diplomatic Mission in Sri Lanka (can apply for their Dependents) Request of the Institution, Recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Relevant Line Ministry. If provided for the agreement signed between Sri Lanka & other country. 5000.00 Free 10000.00 Nil How to apply for Residence Visa 24.7.1.4.(i).v.(i) Step 1 - Apply Entry Visa (see Entry Visa page ...... ) (1) For applying an Entry Visa required documents of organizations and their copies are submitted to the prescribed authority of the visa division by the relevant organization, institution, or company described considerable categories in para 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,14,15 and 17 of 24.7.1.4(i).iv above. (2) If documents are in order the prescribed authority considers the documents putting the signature, date & time on the copies and send them to the residence visa receiving counter. If documents are not in order the prescribed authority calls the documents or rejects them with concurrence of the controller of Immigration & Emigration. (3) Receiving clerk checks the documents and issued acknowledgement and sends them to the relevant subject clerk. (4) The subject clerk goes through the documents and opens a file and enters data to the computer system. (5) The data are considered by the system the file number is generated. The file number and minutes are put in the file by the subject clerk and it is forwarded to the prescribed authority for the approval (6) The prescribed authority checks each and every document and interviews the organization representative. If every thing is satisfied the prescribed authority approval is sent by a fax to the particular Sri Lanka Mission abroad for issuing an Entry Visa for particular Resident Visa expected person, with a copy to Local Authority subject to the following. If there is no Sri Lanka Mission in that particular country the approval is sent to the Immigration & Emigration entry point in the particular port in Sri Lanka after making the payment of fax fee or visa fee - (i) Genuineness of the reasons. (ii) Has not overstayed his visa on a previous visit. (iii) Applicant is not a person wanted by Interpol or other law enforcement authority. (iv) His name is not in the Black List and Stop List. (7) Fax fee for Entry Visa sent to the Sri Lanka Mission abroad is for the payment of such sum of money as the prescribed authority may determine. If there is no Sri Lanka Mission abroad in particular country the Landing Endorsement approval shall be faxed to the port of entry at the approved port in Sri Lanka after making the visa fee in schedule 'B' in Appendix. ii. (8) Every Entry Visa endorsement shall be substantially in Form "E2' set out in the Appendix iii. hereto as may be appropriate to the case. (9) The particular Residence Visa seeking person is interviewed by the Sri Lanka Mission in abroad or by the prescribed authority of a particular Port of entry at Immigration & Emigration in Sri Lanka and the Entry Visa is issued of maximum period of 30 days under their satisfaction of following: (i) Entry Visa application Form 'B' given in Appendix. I. (ii) National passport of the applicant. (iii) Four photographs of the applicant (bust size approximately 3.5x4.5 cm) (iv) Finger prints of applicant if necessary. (v) Any other documents if the prescribed authority needed. (vi) Genuineness of the reason. (vii) Qualifications of the applicant for the purpose of Residence Visa. (viii) Has not overstayed his visa on a previous visit. (ix) Applicant is not a person wanted by Interpol or other law enforcement authority. (x) His name is not in the Black List or Stop List in database. (10) The person arrives with an Entry Visa, the Immigration & Emigration officials at the Port of entry may grant a landing endorsement on the passport to land Sri Lanka subject to the following. (i) Genuineness of the reasons. (ii) Has not overstayed his visa on a previous visit. (iii) Applicant is not a person wanted by Interpol or other low enforcement authority. (iv) His name is not in Black list or Stop list.