The moment you get your foreign citizenship—whether it’s British, Australian, or Canadian—you face a difficult choice.

Do you surrender your Sri Lankan passport and technically become a “foreigner” in your own motherland? Or do you fight the paperwork to keep both?

For years, many Sri Lankans gave up their citizenship because the process was too confusing or expensive. But in 2025, with the cost of visas rising and the desire to retire back home growing, Dual Citizenship is the hottest topic in the diaspora.

Here is the no-nonsense guide to how it works, how much it really costs (it’s gone up), and whether it’s worth the investment.

1. The Two Paths: Retention vs. Resumption

 

First, you need to know which box you fit into. The application form (“Form S”) asks this immediately.

• Retention (Section 19.3): You are about to become a foreign citizen, but you haven’t received the new passport yet. You want to “Retain” (keep) your Sri Lankan citizenship before you lose it.

• Resumption (Section 19.2): You are already a foreign citizen. You technically lost your Sri Lankan citizenship the day you got your new passport. Now, you want to “Resume” (get back) what you lost.

Most readers of this blog will fall into the “Resumption” category.

2. The Cost: The $2,000 Reality Check

 

Let’s rip the band-aid off. It is not cheap.

As of late 2024/2025, the government fees are pegged to the US Dollar:

• Main Applicant: $2,000 USD (Approx. Rs. 600,000+)

• Spouse: $500 USD

• Dependent Child (Under 22): $500 USD each.

Note: You usually pay this after approval. Do not send cash with your application.

3. Are You Eligible? (The 3 Main Routes)

 

You can’t just “buy” it. You must qualify under one of 7 categories. Here are the 3 most common ones used by expats:

Category A: The “Over 55” Route If you are over 55 years old, you automatically qualify. No degree or assets needed. This is the easiest path for retirees.

Category B: The “Professional” Route If you have a Degree, Diploma (1 year+), or a recognized professional qualification (like CIMA, ACCA, or MBBS). You will need to submit your original degree certificate.

Category C: The “Assets” Route If you own land or property in Sri Lanka worth at least Rs. 2.5 Million. You need deeds, valuation reports, and title reports not older than 3 months.

• Pro Tip: This involves a lot of paperwork. Use the “Professional” route if you can—it’s faster.

4. The Process: A Paperwork Marathon

 

1. Prepare Documents: You need Originals and English Translations of Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, and Police Reports from both countries (Sri Lanka and your current home).

2. Submit: You can hand it over at the Head Office in Battaramulla (Suhurupaya) or your local High Commission (London, Canberra, etc.).

3. The Wait: Processing time is currently 3 to 6 months.

4. The Payment: Once approved, you get a letter asking for the payment.

5. The Certificate: You attend a ceremony (or collect it) to get your official Dual Citizenship Certificate.

5. The “Math”: Is It Actually Worth $2,000?

 

$2,000 is a lot of money. You could buy a lot of tickets to Colombo for that price. So, should you just stick to Tourist Visas?

Stick to Tourist Visas IF:

• You only visit Sri Lanka once every 3 years for a short holiday.

• You have no intention of buying land or inheriting property.

Get Dual Citizenship IF:

• You want to inherit property: As a foreigner, buying or inheriting land often attracts a 100% tax or is legally restricted. Dual Citizens can buy land just like any local.

• You want to stay long-term: No more visa runs. No more ETA fees.

• You want to work: You can work in Sri Lanka without a work permit.

• Banking: You can hold standard savings accounts with higher interest rates (though NRFC accounts are often better for tax).

Final Verdict

 

If you plan to retire in Sri Lanka or own a home there, the $2,000 fee is a one-time investment that saves you headaches for decades. If you are just visiting for weddings? Save the money and buy an ETA.