USD 100,000 for a 5-year visa or USD 200,000 for a 10-year visa. Investment must be within the Colombo Port City special economic zone.
⏱️ Duration
5-year visa (USD 100,000, renewable) or 10-year visa (USD 200,000, renewable)
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse and children. Spouse may work within Port City with a separate employment visa. USD 200/year per person including dependants.
🛂 Citizenship Path
No direct pathway
The visa provides temporary residency; Sri Lanka does not offer permanent residency; no direct pathway to citizenship is available through this program
The Colombo Port City Investor Visa is a long-term residence visa for foreign investors who make substantial financial commitments within the Colombo Port City special economic zone. Established under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) Act of 2021, the program is administered jointly by the CPCEC and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Investors benefit from a preferential "green channel" processing system and access to the zone's special tax regime, making it distinct from Sri Lanka's other investor visa programs. The minimum investment is USD 100,000 for a 5-year visa or USD 200,000 for a 10-year visa, with an annual fee of just USD 200 per person.
Requirements
Qualifying investment within the Colombo Port City economic zone
Minimum USD 100,000 for a 5-year visa or USD 200,000 for a 10-year visa
Police clearance certificate
Medical screening with negative results for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and filariasis
Healthcare plan from a recognized private hospital in Sri Lanka covering emergency care, outpatient care, and conditions identified during health assessment
Valid passport
Required Documents
Completed application form
Police clearance certificate
Medical documentation including negative screenings for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and filariasis
Healthcare plan from a recognized private hospital in Sri Lanka
Passport copy
Evidence of qualifying investment within Colombo Port City
Duration & Renewal
The visa is available in two tiers: 5 years with a minimum USD 100,000 investment, or 10 years with a minimum USD 200,000 investment. Both options are renewable. The annual visa fee is USD 200 per person.
Family Members
Spouse and children are eligible for dependent visas under the same program. The spouse may apply for a separate employment visa to work within Port City. All dependants must meet the same health screening requirements and maintain healthcare plans. The USD 200 annual fee applies per person, including dependants.
Tax Implications
Colombo Port City operates under a special tax regime established by the CPCEC Act, which includes potential tax exemptions for businesses and investors within the zone. Visa holders must comply with both Sri Lankan tax laws and Port City-specific regulations.
Application Process
The application process involves six steps:
The investing entity (Authorised Person) registers with Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration through the CPCEC
The applicant submits a visa request with supporting documents to [email protected]
The CPCEC reviews the application and recommends a landing endorsement to the Department of Immigration
The Department of Immigration reviews and processes the approval
Upon approval, the USD 200 annual fee is paid
The landing endorsement is issued, and the holder must obtain a residence visa within 30 days of arrival
Fee: USD 200 per year per person
Important Considerations
Investments must be directed specifically within the Colombo Port City zone to qualify. The Port City is a 269-hectare reclaimed land development adjacent to Colombo's central business district, governed by its own regulatory framework. Sri Lanka does not offer permanent residency, and there is no direct pathway to citizenship through this program. Standard overstay penalties apply: USD 250 for 7-14 days and USD 500 for overstays exceeding 14 days.