Dual Citizenship Guidelines & Procedures
Official statutory instructions and procedural criteria for applicants seeking resumption or retention of Sri Lankan citizenship status under the Citizenship Act, No. 18 of 1948.
Dual Citizenship is Applicable to:
Dual Citizenship is applicable to 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.
Resumption of Citizenship
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 thereafter desires to resume the status of a Citizen of Sri Lanka.
Retention of Citizenship
Section 19(3) of the said Act makes provisions in respect of a person who is having a desire to obtain citizenship in another country, while intending to retain the citizenship of Sri Lanka.
Instructions to Fill the Application
Block Capitals
The application must be completed in full using “BLOCK CAPITALS” only.
Inapplicable Words
Delete inapplicable word or words wherever an asterisk (*) appears in the application form.
“Not Relevant”
Please explicitly state “Not relevant” if any particular cage or question is not applicable to you.
Photographs & Family Members
Each family member must submit a separate application along with 3 passport size colour photographs. Affix one photograph to the top right corner of page 1.
Mark Relevant Cage (A to G)
Any applicant who belongs to one of the categories in Section 1 of the form (A to G) can apply. Mark (✓) in the relevant cage.
Affidavit (Page 6)
Statements in the application must be supported by an affidavit (page 6) attested by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.
The Personal Particular form must be completed in “BLOCK CAPITALS”. All details requested in the application must be fully filled in; incomplete applications will be rejected by the CNI office.
Documents Required for Dual Citizenship
Baseline Mandatory Documents (All Applicants)
- • Applicant’s original Birth Certificate or a certified copy thereof (See note 01). (If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration, the relevant certificate or a copy of it.)
- • Marriage Certificate or certified copy if the applicant is married (See note 01).
Documents for Resumption Applicants:
- Certified copy of Foreign Citizenship Certificate (See note 01).
- Certified copy of Bio-data page and observation page of the Foreign passport (See note 01).
- Recent Police clearance report from the country of foreign citizenship not older than 12 months (only applicants above 16 years must submit).
- Certified copy of Bio-data page and observation page of the previous Sri Lankan passport (if available) (See note 01).
Documents for Retention Applicants:
- Certified copy of Bio-data page and observation page of current Sri Lankan passport (See note 01).
- Certified copy of Permanent Residence (PR) visa of the foreign country (See note 01).
- Recent Police clearance report obtained from country of permanent residence during the last 3 months. English translation must be submitted if in another language (applicants above 16 years).
Category-Specific Eligibility Documentation (Choose 1.A to 1.G):
Section 1 CategoriesCompletion of 55 Years
Original birth certificate or certified copy confirming completion of 55 years of age (See note 01).
Educational / Professional Qualifications
Educational or professional certificates or certified copy (minimum one-year Diploma or higher, or recognized professional qualification) (See note 01).
Land or Immovable Properties
Documentary proof of immovable property worth Rs. 2.5 Million or above. Certified deed (if gift deed, registered 10+ years back), original valuation report by valuer registered with Dept of Valuation, and title report with pedigree ≤ 3 months.
Fixed Deposit of Rs. 2.5 Million+
In an approved commercial bank by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. A confirmation letter from the bank stating deposit will not be withdrawn before a period of 3 years.
USD 25,000+ Account (3 Years)
Fixed deposit in a NRFC / RFC / SFIDA account in a commercial bank approved by CBSL for a 3-year term. Relevant fixed deposit certificate must be submitted.
Treasury Bond / SIA (USD 25,000+)
Treasury Bond (TB) or Security Investment Account (SIA) valued at USD 25,000 for minimum 3 years. Certificate from relevant authority confirming investment will not be withdrawn prior to maturity.
Spouse of Applicant or Unmarried Child Under the Age of 22 Years
Applicable if the main applicant has completed any qualification from A to F. Documents required:
Original Marriage Certificate or certified copy thereof (See note 01).
If born in Sri Lanka: original Birth Certificate or certified copy. If born abroad: Consular Birth Certificate and Citizenship Certificate under Section 5(2). Both parents' SL passports and foreign visa.
Applications must be submitted prior to completion of age 21 years and 06 months. Applications of applicants who have completed 21 years and 06 months will not be entertained under this category (effective from 01.07.2019). Eligible spouses and children shall be limited to persons whose citizenship has ceased or is likely to cease under sections 19, 20 or 21.
Note 01: Certification, Translation & Bilateral Countries
- • Authorized Certifiers: Documents could only be certified by the Deputy / Assistant Controller (Citizenship) of the Department of Immigration and Emigration or by a Senior Officer of a Sri Lanka Overseas Mission in rank not less than Third Secretary.
- • Translations are not Originals: Translated documents are not considered as the Original documents (e.g. English translations of Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Police Reports, etc.). All documents in languages other than English, Sinhala, or Tamil must be accompanied by an official English translation.
- • Recognized Bilateral Countries (No Restriction Letter Needed): Australia, Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Republic of Vanuatu, Ireland, Belgium, Russia, Germany, Poland.
- • Other Countries: If applying with a country other than the above list, the applicant must submit a document issued by the government of that country confirming there is no legal restriction regarding dual citizenship.
Submission of Application
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.
Applications submitted through Sri Lanka Overseas Missions should be sent along with the documents specified in Paragraph 03 above and must be authenticated by the Head of the Diplomatic Mission or a senior officer of rank Third Secretary or above in the country where the applicant has acquired citizenship or permanent residence.
When handed over to the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, the application and original documents must be authenticated by the Deputy or Assistant Controller of the Citizenship Division.
All documents in languages other than English, Sinhala, or Tamil must be submitted with an authenticated English translation.
Department Headquarters
The Controller General
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Citizenship Division, 4th Floor
“Suhurupaya”, Sri Subhuthipura Road,
Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.
Official Inquiries & Submissions Email:
accit@immigration.gov.lkDual Citizenship Fee Structure
Main Applicant
Spouse of Applicant
Unmarried Child < 22 Years
Certified Copies of Certificates
Payment Collection Procedure:
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.
Paid in cash or Credit / Debit Card (in US Dollars) to the shroff, Citizenship Division, 4th Floor, Department of Immigration and Emigration, "Suhurupaya", Battaramulla.
Online payment can be completed securely using the official payment link provided in the notification e-mail (in US Dollars).
How to Collect the Certificate?
Applicant will be notified through e-mail to collect the Certificate from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.