Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka · residence general
Residence Visa (Approved-Project / BOI Professional)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For you if you are a professional whose services are needed on a government-approved or Board of Investment project: this residence visa lets you (and your dependents) live in Sri Lanka for the life of the project.
- Processing time
- Indicative only. Applications are processed at the Department of Immigration and Emigration, with recommendation from the project or BOI authority; confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only. Government fees apply and depend on the visa period; refer to the official Department of Immigration and Emigration page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Generally tied to the project or the period recommended by a competent authority, and renewable while that continues.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
This residence visa covers professional and expatriate personnel whose services are required for projects approved by the government, and expatriates employed on projects under the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, together with their dependents. It is the residence-visa category most often used when a recognised project or BOI enterprise needs to bring in foreign staff. The visa is generally tied to the project or the period a competent authority recommends, and is renewable while that continues. It sits within the Department of Immigration and Emigration's residence-visa framework. Good to know: like all Sri Lankan residence visas it is renewable temporary residence, not permanent residence - the country has no permanent-residence or citizenship-by-residence pathway.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Your services are required for a project approved by the government, or you are employed on a Board of Investment (BOI) project.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- ✓The project or BOI authority recommends or supports your residence visa.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- ✓You hold the relevant employment or assignment documents for the project.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- ✓You meet good-character and supporting-document requirements.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
Common blockers
- !No qualifying approved project or BOI enterprise behind the application.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- !Missing the recommendation from the project or BOI authority.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- !Expecting permanent residence - the category is renewable temporary residence only.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and completed visa application.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- ·Project or BOI documentation confirming your role.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- ·Recommendation or approval from the relevant project or BOI authority.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
- ·Relationship documents for any accompanying dependents.Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the project is government-approved or a BOI enterprise that can recommend your visa.
Build the evidence pack
Obtain the project or BOI recommendation and your assignment documents.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the residence visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
After approval
Renew the residence visa for the life of the project as required.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Residence Visa (Approved-Project / BOI Professional) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Residence Visa (Approved-Project / BOI Professional).
Department of Immigration and Emigration (Sri Lanka) · verified
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Related routes
Residence Visa (Employment Category)
For you if a Sri Lankan employer or approved project needs your services: the employment-category residence visa lets foreign professionals live and work in Sri Lanka, usually a year at a time and renewable.
Residence Visa (Investor Category)
For you if you are putting capital into a business or venture in Sri Lanka: the investor-category residence visa lets you reside in the country while you set up and run your approved investment.
Visit Visa (Business Purpose)
For you if you are visiting Sri Lanka for short business activities like meetings or conferences: the business-purpose visit visa covers commercial trips - but it is not for taking up employment.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the standard work visa?+
They overlap, because both sit within the employment side of the residence-visa framework. This category is specifically built around professionals on government-approved projects and expatriates on Board of Investment (BOI) projects, with the project or BOI authority recommending the visa. The broader employment-category residence visa also covers staff of banks, private companies and other institutions. Confirm which sub-category fits your role on the official page.
Can project personnel settle permanently in Sri Lanka?+
No. This residence visa is tied to the approved project and is renewable while the project continues, but Sri Lanka does not offer a permanent-residence or citizenship-by-residence pathway. When the project ends, the residence basis ends, so it is a temporary route rather than a road to settlement.
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