Dual Citizenship Sri Lanka : immigration.gov.lk

Organisation : Department of Immigration & Emigration
Facility Name : Dual Citizenship
Country : Sri Lanka
Website : https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=4

What is Dual Citizenship?

A person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased under section 19, 20 or 21 of the Citizenship Act, No 18 of 1948 or a person whose Citizenship of Sri Lanka is likely to cease.

Related / Similar Facility : Sri Lanka Medical Visa

** Resumption – Section 19(2) of the said Act makes provisions in respect of a person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased due to obtaining of citizenship in another country and who there after desire to resume the status of a Citizenship of Sri Lanka.
(or)
** Retention – Section 19(3) of the said Act makes provisions in respect of person who is having a desire to obtain Citizenship in another country, while intends to retain the Citizenship of Sri Lanka.

How To Apply For Dual Citizenship in Sri Lanka?

The duly perfected applications should be submitted directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration or to the Sri Lanka Overseas Mission by the applicant. The applications submitted through Sri Lanka Overseas Mission should be sent along with the documents specified in Paragraph 03 above which should be authenticated by Head of the Diplomatic Mission or senior officer in rank of Third Secretary or above in the which the applicant has acquired citizenship / permanent residence.

The applications and the documents should authenticated by the Deputy or Assistant Controller of Citizenship Division when the applicants are handed over to the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration. All the documents other than in English, Sinhala or Tamil should be submitted along with the English translation of the same.

Department Address:
The Controller General,
Department of Immigration and Emigration,
Citizenship Division,
“Suhurupaya”,
Sri Subhuthipura Road,
Battaramulla,
Sri Lanka.

Email : accit [AT] immigration.gov.lk

Instructions To Fill The Application:
** To be completed in “BLOCK CAPITALS”.
** Delete inapplicable word or words wherever * appears in the application.
** Please mention “ Not relevant” if particular information is not applicable.
** Each member of family has to submit a separate application along with 3 passport size colour photographs. Affix one of these photographs in the top right hand corner of the first page of the application.
** Any applicant who belongs to one of the categories mentioned in Section 1 of the application (A to G) can apply for Dual Citizenship. Please mark (√ ) in the relevant cage.
** The statement in the application should be supported by an affidavit (page 6) made by the applicant before a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner of Oaths.
** Computer Data Sheet should be completed in “ BLOCK CAPITALS”.

Documents Required For Dual Citizenship

1. Applicant’s original Birth Certificate or a certified copy of it. ** (If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration, the relevant certificate or a copy of it.)
2. If the applicant is married, the marriage certificate or a certified copy of it.

3.An applicant submitting application for Resumption under section 19(2) (A person whose Sri Lankan Citizenship ceased due to obtaining of citizenship in another country) should submit following documents :-

** Certified copy of foreign Citizenship Certificate;
** Certified copy of Bio data page and observation page of the Foreign passport;
** A recent Police clearance report from the country of foreign citizenship not older than 3 months (only applicants above 16 years should submit the police report)
** Certified copy of Bio data page and observation page of the previous Sri Lankan passport(if available)

(OR)

An applicant submitting application for Retention under section 19(3) (A person who is having desire to obtain citizenship in another country, while intends to retain the citizenship of Sri Lanka) should submit following documents,
** Certified copy of Bio data page and the observation page of the current Sri Lankan passport.
** Certified copy of permanent residence visa of the foreign country.
** A recent Police clearance report obtained from the country of permanent residence during the last 3 months. English translation should be submitted, if the certificate is issued in any other language other than English language. (applicants above 16 years should submit the police report)

4. If applying under age category (1.A) – Completion of the age of 55 years Original birth certificate or certified copy of it.

5. If applying under Professional category (1.B) applicant’s Educational / Professional certificates or a certified copy of it. (minimum one year Diploma or higher, or any other professional qualification.) ()

6. If applying under the Assets / Properties category (1.C) original documentary proof of applicant’s assets such as; land or other immovable properties in Sri Lanka worth of Rs. 2.5 million or above a certified copy of deed, (If applying using a gift deed, it should be a deed registed 10 years back from the date of application.) original valuation report and title repot with pedigree for the same not older than 3 months should be also submitted. Valuation report should be prepared by a registered valuer who has registered at the Department of Valuation.

7. If applying under Fixed Deposit of Rs. 2.5 million or above category (1.D) a confirmation letter from the bank mentioning that deposit will not be withdrawn before a period of 3 years for obtaining dual citizenship.

8. If applying under fixed deposit of USD 25,000 or above category (1.E) in a NRFC/RFC/SFIDA account in a Commercial Bank approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka for a period of 3 years, the relevant fixed deposit certificate should be submitted for obtaining dual citizenship.

9. If applying under Treasury Bond (TB) or Security Investment Account (SIA) valued of USD 25,000 for minimum 3 years period – category (1.F) a certificate from the relevant Authority confirming the investment will not be withdrawn prior to maturity for obtaining dual citizenship.

Fee For Dual Citizenship

Note:
The relevant fee will be charged from the applicant after obtaining the approval of the Minister. The Department will notify the applicant through e-mail to make the payment and relevant fee should be paid in cash or Credit / Debit Card (in Sri Lankan rupee) to the shroff, Citizenship Division, 4th floor, Department of Immigration and Emigration, “Suhurupaya”, Battaramulla or online payment can be done using the payment link provided on the e-mail (in US Dollars)

How To Collect Certificate ?

Applicant will be notified through e-mail to collect the Certificate from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Additional Simplified Procedure

Applying for dual citizenship in Sri Lanka involves several steps and specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Eligibility:
Sri Lanka allows dual citizenship for individuals who fall under specific categories.

These include:
** Born in Sri Lanka: If you were born in Sri Lanka but acquired another citizenship through descent or other means.
** Sri Lankan parent: If one of your parents is a Sri Lankan citizen by birth, descent, or registration.
** Resident with investments: If you hold permanent residency in Sri Lanka and have investments exceeding Rs. 2.5 million in property or fixed deposits.
** Other categories: There are other categories like marriage to a Sri Lankan citizen, residing in Sri Lanka for a significant period, etc. Check the official guidelines for details.

Application Process:
1. Gather documents: You’ll need various documents depending on your eligibility category. These typically include:
** Completed application form
** Passport copies (current and previous, if applicable)
** Birth certificate
** Proof of Sri Lankan parentage (if applicable)
** Proof of residency and investments (if applicable)
** Police clearance certificate from your current residence country
** Affidavit and other supporting documents

2. Submit application: Submit your application and documents to the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) in Sri Lanka or the Sri Lankan embassy/consulate in your country.

3. Interview and processing: You may be called for an interview and your application will be processed by the DIE. This can take several months.

4. Payment of fees: If approved, you’ll need to pay the dual citizenship fee before receiving your certificate.