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Sunday, December 3, 2023

Navigating Work Permit Requirements in Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, Sri Lanka has become an attractive destination for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking employment opportunities and business ventures. However, navigating the intricacies of the country's work permit requirements is essential for a seamless entry and stay. This article provides a detailed exploration of the work permit requirements in Sri Lanka, including the necessary documentation, application procedures, and associated fees.

Work Permit Requirements

Before delving into the specifics, it is crucial to understand that every employment visa applicant must possess an Entry visa before traveling to Sri Lanka. The processing of employment entry visas occurs exclusively in Colombo through the Department of Immigration. No employment entry visa will be issued without prior approval from the immigration department, and under no circumstances are employment seekers allowed to enter Sri Lanka with a tourist visa.

Organizations Requiring Employment Visa

Several categories of individuals are required to obtain an employment visa when seeking employment in Sri Lanka. These include individuals working in Banks, Non-Government Organizations, Private Companies, Volunteers, those employed in projects under the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka, and individuals working in diplomatic missions.

Other Categories Requiring Employment Visa

Beyond the standard organizational requirements, there are additional categories of personnel that necessitate an employment visa:

·         Foreigners employed as coaches for sports clubs or national teams.

·         Foreign artists participating in performances at clubs, hotels, or other organizations.

·         Foreign specialists employed as chefs.

Visa Application Procedures

The visa application process involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition into employment in Sri Lanka:

Obtain Entry visa approval from Colombo Immigration Departments.

Collect the visa approval from the Sri Lankan embassy in your home country.

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, obtain the Employment Visa endorsement from the Colombo Immigration Departments.

Documents Required for Entry Visa

To initiate the visa application process, applicants must submit the following documents:·         

  1. Visa application form
  2. Conformation letter from the employer in Sri Lanka (the conformation letter must should state terms and conditions of the employment)
  3. Document of business registration and the agreements and projects document.
  4. Recommendation letter for visa, that is issued the Board of Investments.
  5. Copy of your passport main page.

·         Copy of the passport's main page.

Who Can Apply for Employment Visa?

The employment visa is open to a range of individuals, including skilled professionals, employees of non-government or private companies, dependents of personnel, expatriates, embassy staff, government agency employees, and United Nations staff.

Types of Visa and Fees

Sri Lanka offers four main types of visas, each with its own fee structure:

·         Business visa

·         Tourist Visa

·         Multiple Entry Visa

12-month validity

Three times than normal Fee

10000

         Tourist visa/visit visa

Visit visa for 3 months

Normal fee

No tax

Visit visa for 3 to 6 months

Normal fee

10000

Visit visa for 6 to 9 months

Normal fee

10000

  Transit visa

For Transit Visa please - Click here to find more information. 

·         Resident visa

The fees for multiple-entry visas, tourist visas, transit visas, and resident visas vary, with additional taxes applicable in certain cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a work permit in Sri Lanka is a well-defined process that, if followed diligently, can lead to a smooth transition into employment or business ventures. While the requirements may seem extensive, the process is streamlined and reasonable, especially when compared to other countries. Foreign investors looking to establish businesses in Sri Lanka can find the process relatively straightforward, with reasonable fees.

For further information on starting a business in Sri Lanka, including company registration, business license requirements, income tax returns, and more, interested parties can explore additional resources and services provided by local authorities and agencies. Overall, with the right documentation and adherence to procedures, obtaining a work permit in Sri Lanka can be a rewarding experience. 

Related information is as follows

·         Do you want to know more on how to register a company in Sri Lanka?

·         Some small business ideas in Sri Lanka are discussed to start by low investment.

 

 

 

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