Country Overview
Economic Overview
Currency: LKR — ~309 per USD (Feb 2026) Inflation: ~1.2% current CPI (January 2026, est.) · ~17% 5yr avg (elevated by 2022–2023 economic crisis; current trend is near-zero)
Property & Ownership
Freehold ownership: No Mechanism: Foreigners can buy condominium units (freehold) and obtain land/buildings on long‑term lease; investment via Golden Paradise also permitted. Restricted zones: Heritage (e.g., Galle Fort UNESCO site) and coastal setback zones require special approvals. Recent changes: 2018 amendments liberalized condominium sales and lease taxation; exact details not captured.
Visa & Residency Options
Tourist ETA (Short Visit Visa)
- PR path: No
- Extendable to a total of 270 days (30 + 60 + 90 + 90) via in‑person or online extensions through the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
My Dream Home (Retirement/Independent Means)
- Min income: USD 1,500 principal (USD 750 per dependent)/month USD
- Investment: USD 15,000 fixed deposit
- PR path: No
- Extension only for existing visa holders; requires medical insurance, police clearance and periodic bank statements.
Golden Paradise Residence Visa
- Investment: USD 200,000 (or USD 100,000 with USD 50,000 minimum balance from year 2)
- PR path: No
- Deposit in a Golden Paradise Foreign Currency Account; up to 50 % of the investment may be withdrawn after the first year. Family members eligible.
Investor/BOI‑Linked Residence Visa
- Investment: Varies; consult BOI/DI&E
- PR path: No
- Thresholds and renewal conditions are not consolidated on the captured pages; direct inquiry with DI&E or the Board of Investment is required.
Digital Nomad Visa
- PR path: N/A
- No dedicated digital‑nomad visa page found; long‑stay visitors generally use the tourist ETA with extensions.
Social Security & Tax
SSA benefits portable: Qualified Totalization agreement: None — SSA agreements overview