Residence visa is issued to non-Sri Lankans 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 vocations are not prejudicial to the best interests of Sri Lanka.
To obtain a residence visa, the applicant must enter Sri Lanka on an entry visa issued by a Sri Lanka diplomatic mission abroad. Entry visa will be issued by the Embassy only upon approval by the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. The applicant must clearly state that he/she wishes to apply for a residence visa when applying for the entry visa and submit the necessary supporting documents.
A tourist visa cannot be converted into a residence visa.
Documents required
- Entry visa application (download)
- Valid passport (The validity of the passport must be at least six months beyond the date of entry into Sri Lanka)
- Two photographs (standard photo format)
- A copy of the entry visa approval notice from the Department of Immigration & Emigration of Sri Lanka
- Air ticket
The Prescribed Fee
- Entry visa fee - Relevant country fee
Processing Time
01 - 02 business days (only when the entry visa approval notice is available)
Submission of applications
You can submit the application to the consular division of this Mission by post or by hand. The Consular Division is open from Monday to Friday between 09 am to 01 pm EST. The physical and mailing address is as follows:
Consular Division
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
820, 2nd Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10017
Payment Options
Payments should be done at this Mission by cash / money orders / bank drafts /cheques.
Money orders / Certified cheques should be made payable to the “Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, New York”.
Card payments are not acceptable.
Return of the documents
You will be informed once the visa is processed and the passport is ready to collect. You may provide cash receipt issued to collect the passport.
If you are unable to collect the passport personally you should authorize your representative in writing to collect the passport on your behalf. The representative should provide an authorization letter along with the cash receipt, and his / her photo identification.
For inquiries and further assistance;
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, New York
Consular Division
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
820 2nd Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10017
+1 212 986 - 7040 (Ext: 118)
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka
Controller (Visa and Border Management)
Department of Immigration and Emigration
“Suhurupaya”, Sri Subhuthipura Road,
Battaramulla
Sri Lanka
+94 11-53 29400 (Ext. 9400)
+94 11-532 9000 (Hotline)