Permanent Residence Visa in Sri Lanka in 2026

Sri Lanka's Permanent Residence Visa (PRV) is a defined status, not a general reward for investment or years of temporary residence.

Main qualifying groups

The current Immigration guideline identifies people of Sri Lankan descent or whose Sri Lankan citizenship ceased under specified Citizenship Act provisions, qualifying non-Sri Lankan spouses of Sri Lankan citizens, certain surviving spouses, qualifying spouses of former Sri Lankans, and children within the published rules.

For the principal foreign-spouse category, the marriage must have subsisted for more than five years at the time of application.

PR card and rights

The Department states that the PRV card can be valid for a maximum of 10 years and is renewable. Subject to other Sri Lankan laws, PR status supports entry and remaining in Sri Lanka, access to public services, lawful occupation, lawful business activity and property rights.

The status remains conditional and can cease or be cancelled in circumstances specified by the regulations. Investment alone does not create PR. Compare the Investor Visa, Spouse Residence Visa, and Ex-Sri Lankan Residence Visa.

Official rules can change. Check the cited authority before acting and use the legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Sri Lanka