Golden Paradise Residence Visa

The Golden Paradise Residence Visa is a special long-term residence visa launched by the Government of Sri Lanka in May 2022. The program offers 5-year and 10-year residence visas to foreign investors who deposit funds into a Golden Paradise Foreign Currency Account (GPFCA) at a licensed commercial bank. It confers authorization to invest, live, and study in Sri Lanka, positioning it as both a residency and lifestyle program. After the first year, investors may withdraw up to 50% of the deposit to deploy into approved investments including government projects, condominiums, leasehold property, and Sri Lanka Development Bonds.

• Minimum deposit of USD 100,000 (5-year visa) or USD 200,000 (10-year visa) in a Golden Paradise Foreign Currency Account
• Deposit must be made within 10 days of account opening to activate interest accruals
• Minimum account balance of USD 50,000 must be maintained from the second year onwards
• Police clearance certificate from home or domicile country (for main applicant and spouse)
• Medical clearance from an authorized local hospital (free of malaria, filariasis, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS)
• Valid passport

• Valid passport and biodata page photocopy
• Medical clearance report from an authorized local hospital
• Police clearance certificate from home or domicile country
• Confirmation of GPFCA deposit from the licensed commercial bank
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates of dependent children
• Two photographs (3.5 x 4.5 cm) of applicant and each dependant

The 10-year visa requires a USD 200,000 deposit with a total visa fee of USD 2,000 for the full period. The 5-year visa requires a USD 100,000 deposit. After the first year, investors may withdraw up to 50% of the minimum investment amount to deploy into approved categories: government-approved investments, condominium property, lands and buildings on a lease basis, and Sri Lanka Development Bonds.

Spouse and children below 16 years of the main applicant are eligible. Marriage certificates and birth certificates must be provided. Police clearance is required for the spouse. Medical clearance is required for all family members. The investment is released upon cancellation of the visa for the holder, spouse, and all dependants.

Visa holders must comply with Sri Lanka's tax laws. Specific tax treatment depends on the holder's residency status and applicable double taxation agreements.

Applicants must first open a Golden Paradise Foreign Currency Account (GPFCA) at a licensed commercial bank recognized by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The minimum deposit must be made within 10 days of account opening -- failing this, the account will be converted to cancelled status and no interest will accrue. Once the bank confirms the deposit, the visa application is submitted through the online portal or in person at the Department of Immigration.

Fee: USD 2,000 for a 10-year visa (full period); USD 200 per year per dependant

Applications can be submitted online at eservices.immigration.gov.lk or in person at the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Foreigners cannot purchase freehold land in Sri Lanka but may acquire condominiums and lease land for up to 99 years. Sri Lanka does not offer permanent residency, and there is no direct pathway to citizenship through this program. Dependant children must be below 16 years of age. Any material changes in circumstances must be reported to the Department of Immigration within 2 months.