Sri Lankan Citizenship for UK Citizens: Types, Dual Citizenship, Documents and Steps

Types of Sri Lankan Citizenship

Citizenship in Sri Lanka can be obtained through several pathways:

1. Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

Individuals born outside Sri Lanka may qualify for citizenship by descent if at least one parent was a Sri Lankan citizen at the time of their birth, as outlined under Section 5(2) of the Citizenship Act, No. 18 of 1948. To retain this citizenship status, the birth must be registered with a Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka. This registration should ideally occur at birth but must be completed before the individual turns 22. Failure to do so may result in loss of entitlement to citizenship, unless an exemption is granted under special circumstances.

2. Citizenship by Registration—Naturalisation and Other Pathways

Non-citizens can become Sri Lankan citizens through registration under several conditions:

Marriage Route:
A foreign national married to a Sri Lankan citizen may apply for citizenship by registration after fulfilling a minimum period of legal residence in Sri Lanka and meeting other administrative requirements. The applicant must demonstrate continued cohabitation and the authenticity of the marriage, alongside fulfilling general good character and legal residence criteria.

Naturalisation and Long-Term Residence:
Foreign nationals who have resided in Sri Lanka for a substantial period—often under the Resident Guest Scheme or with permanent residence status—may apply for naturalisation. This process requires proof of long-term lawful residence, financial stability, integration into Sri Lankan society, and good character.

Legal Framework:
Applications for citizenship by registration are considered under Sections 11 and 13 of the Citizenship Act, No. 18 of 1948, subject to discretionary approval by the Minister in charge of immigration and citizenship.

3. Dual Citizenship (Retention and Resumption)

Sri Lanka permits dual citizenship under two categories:

• Retention: For Sri Lankan citizens who acquire another nationality and wish to retain their Sri Lankan citizenship. This requires a formal declaration to the Minister; otherwise, citizenship may be lost.
• Resumption: For individuals who previously lost Sri Lankan citizenship by acquiring a foreign nationality and now wish to resume it.

Eligibility Categories (A–G):
Applicants must fall into at least one of the following categories:

A. Age 55 years or above

B. Professional qualification or academic expertise useful to Sri Lanka

C. Property ownership in Sri Lanka valued at Rs. 50 million or more

D. Fixed deposit of Rs. 2.5 million (or USD 25,000 equivalent) in a Sri Lankan bank, locked for 3 years

E. Investment in Treasury Bonds (TBs) or Securities Investment Account (SIA) for a minimum of 3 years

F. Spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen

G. Unmarried child under the age of 22 of a Sri Lankan citizen

Fees:

• USD 2,000 – Main applicant
• USD 500 – Each accompanying spouse or child

UK High Commission Processing:
Applicants residing in the UK must submit their application to the Sri Lankan High Commission in London. An in-person interview may be required as part of the assessment process.

For the latest guidelines and application forms, visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration – Dual Citizenship Section.

Benefits of Sri Lankan Citizenship (and Dual Citizenship) for UK Applicants?

For comparison, see visa requirements for UK citizens visiting Canada or UK citizens visiting the US

Overview of Sri Lankan citizenship requirements for UK nationals

UK nationals seeking Sri Lankan citizenship, either through registration or dual citizenship, must meet specific legal and procedural requirements set by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka. The requirements differ depending on the route (e.g. by descent, marriage, investment, or resumption of citizenship), but generally include the following:

• Residency Requirements: In most cases, applicants must have lived in Sri Lanka legally for a minimum period, commonly 5 years under long-term visas (such as the Resident Guest Scheme) before applying for naturalisation or registration. This must be supported by valid residence permits.
• Legal Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Language Proficiency: There is no formal English or Sinhala/Tamil language test currently required for citizenship. However, the ability to communicate effectively in one of Sri Lanka’s official languages (Sinhala, Tamil, or English) is generally expected during interviews or documentation processes.
• Proof of Identity: A valid UK passport is mandatory. Additional documents, such as a birth certificate, national ID (if applicable), or previous Sri Lankan documents (for those resuming citizenship), may also be required.
• Criminal Background Check: Applicants must present a police clearance certificate from the UK (or any other country of residence in the past 10 years). Sri Lankan authorities may also conduct local background checks to confirm good character and lawful conduct.
• Financial Stability: While there is no fixed income threshold, applicants, especially under the dual citizenship or investment categories, must prove financial self-sufficiency. This may include bank statements, pension proof, property ownership, or other assets in Sri Lanka or abroad.
• Citizenship Knowledge or Cultural Test: Sri Lanka does not require a formal citizenship test like the UK’s “Life in the UK” test. However, applicants may need to attend an interview and demonstrate an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Documents Required for Sri Lankan Citizenship Application

Essential documents include:

• Completed Application Form: Dual Citizenship Form DC/A or  Citizenship by Registration Form B/C/R (as applicable)
• Valid Passport (Current and Expired): Photocopies of all relevant pages, including visa/residence permits.
• Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy (translated into English if not already in English).
• Marriage Certificate (if applying as a spouse of a Sri Lankan citizen). Must be certified and translated if not in English.
• Sri Lankan Citizenship Certificate (if resuming citizenship) or parents’/grandparent’s certificate for descent-based applications.
• Police Clearance Certificate: From the UK or any country where the applicant has lived in the past 10 years.
• Affidavit of Dual Nationality: A signed declaration when applying for dual citizenship.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos (usually two or three), meeting Sri Lankan immigration specs.
• Proof of Financial Stability: Bank statements, proof of pension, property deeds, or fixed deposit certificates (especially for those applying under the age, professional, or investment categories).
• Professional/Academic Qualifications (if applying under skilled category). Certified copies of diplomas, degrees, and professional memberships.
• Proof of Residency Status Abroad: Residence card, settled status, or indefinite leave to remain (if applicable).
• Nationality Certificate (if any): A document confirming your foreign citizenship.
• Payment Receipt for Application Fee: Proof of payment for processing fees, which vary depending on the category (e.g., USD 250–500+).

Step-by-Step for Sri Lanka Citizenship Application Process

Steps include:

Determine Your Eligibility

Identify which route you qualify for:

• By Descent (if you have a Sri Lankan parent or grandparent)
• By Registration (e.g. through marriage or long-term residency)
• Dual Citizenship (if you’re a former Sri Lankan citizen or a child of one)
• Resumption of Citizenship (if you previously renounced Sri Lankan citizenship)

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents, including:

• Valid passport(s)
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Police clearance
• Proof of financial standing
• Citizenship or residence proof from another country
• Translations and legalisations, if needed

Complete the Relevant Application Form

Download and fill out the correct form:

• Form DC/A for Dual Citizenship
• Form B/C/R for other citizenship routes

Pay Application Fee (UK processing fee) & Final Dual Citizenship Fee after Approval 

Pay the application processing fee at an approved bank or online (depending on the embassy/high commission). Fees vary based on your category (e.g. dual citizenship, descent, spouse, investment). Keep the payment receipt as proof, it must be submitted with your application.

Submit Your Application

You can submit your documents:

• In person at the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.
• Or via a Sri Lankan embassy or high commission abroad (e.g. London, Sydney, etc.). All original documents and certified copies must be included.

Attend the Interview (If Required)

Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview or provide biometric data, especially for dual citizenship or naturalisation. You may be assessed on your connection to Sri Lanka, financial stability, or intent to maintain ties.

Wait for Processing

Application review typically takes 4+ months, but this may vary depending on the category and the country of submission. During this time, background checks and document verification will be carried out.

Receive Approval Letter or Certificate

If successful, you will receive a Certificate of Citizenship or Dual Citizenship, along with instructions for taking the Oath of Allegiance (if applicable). 

Take the Oath of Allegiance (If Required)

Some applicants (especially for dual citizenship) must take an official oath before receiving final documents. This may be done at the Immigration Office in Colombo or at your nearest Sri Lankan mission abroad.

Collect Your Certificate and Finalise Status

Once the oath is taken (if applicable), you’ll receive your Sri Lankan citizenship certificate. Dual citizens may also be eligible to receive a Sri Lankan passport or endorsement.

Certified & Notarised Translations for Sri Lanka Citizenship

If you're applying for Sri Lankan citizenship and your original documents are not in English, providing certified translations is essential. All foreign-language documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearances, or educational records, must be accurately translated into English and certified to meet the standards set by the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration.

At Translayte, we offer certified translation services for all required documents, ensuring they meet the official acceptance criteria in Sri Lanka. Our translations are professionally done, legally valid, and delivered with a certificate of accuracy for use in your application.

• Fast turnaround
• UK & Sri Lanka compliant
• Official certification included

Learn more about our certified translation services.

Status: Track Your Dual Citizenship Application

You can check the progress of your dual citizenship application online via the official status tracker: Track Application Status – Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Where to Apply: London High Commission vs. Colombo

Applicants residing in the UK must apply through the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, where in-person interviews are typically required, and fees are handled in GBP. Those applying from Sri Lanka or other countries can submit directly to the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo, where appointments are subject to local scheduling and payments are made in LKR. Always confirm requirements with the respective office before submitting your application.

Tips for a Successful Citizenship Application 

Ensure success by:

• Completing documents accurately: Double-check all forms and submissions.
• Consulting with legal experts: Seek advice for tailored guidance.
• Preparing for the test and interview: Utilize study guides and practice tests to enhance readiness.

Sri Lanka Citizenship Cost

Estimated expenses may include:

Upload documents for an instant translation quote.

What to Do If You Are Denied Sri Lankan Citizenship?

• Review the Rejection Notice Carefully: The Department of Immigration and Emigration will typically issue a written notice stating the reason(s) for rejection, such as incomplete documentation, ineligibility, lack of ties to Sri Lanka, or failure to meet financial or residency criteria. Understanding the reason is crucial for your next steps.
• Identify the Application Type: Know whether you applied under dual citizenship (retention/resumption), naturalisation, citizenship by descent, or citizenship by marriage or registration. This affects your appeal or reapplication process.
• Check for Administrative Errors: Sometimes applications are rejected due to missing documents or clerical issues. If you believe an error occurred, contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration or the Sri Lankan Embassy/High Commission where you submitted your application.
• Request Clarification or Reconsideration: You may write to the authorities requesting a review or reconsideration, particularly if the issue was caused by missing documentation or unclear eligibility criteria. Attach corrected or updated documents if relevant.
• Consider Legal Advice: If your application was complex (e.g. involving statelessness, long-term residence, or renounced citizenship), consult an immigration lawyer or legal advisor familiar with Sri Lankan nationality law. They can help evaluate whether an appeal or reapplication is your best option.
• Correct the Issues and Reapply: Determine whether an appeal or reapplication is the best course of action for you.
  In many cases, you can reapply after correcting the issue, such as obtaining missing documents, securing police clearance, or updating financial proof. There’s no official limit on reapplications unless your ineligibility is permanent.
• Stay Informed of Policy Updates: Sri Lanka occasionally revises its citizenship laws or fee structures. If your rejection was due to outdated rules, keep track of any new eligibility pathways that may apply to you in the future.