Dual Citizenship

1. Where to Apply

Forward the application to the respective office closest to the applicant's place of residence.

Respective Area	Office and Contact Details
Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Samoa; Western Australia (WA), Northern Territory (NT), Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD)	Sri Lanka High Commission 61, Hampton Circuit, Yarralumla 2600, ACT, Australia Tel: 02 6198 3756 Fax: 02 6198 3760 Email: slhc.canberra@mfa.gov.lk
Victoria (VIC), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS)	Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne Suites 9.02, 432, St'Klida Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia Tel: +61 3 9290 4200 Fax: +61 3 9867 4873 Email:mail@slcgmel.org Web: http://www.slcgmel.org

2. Eligibility to Apply for Dual Citizenship

There are two circumstances under which a person may apply:

Type	Who may apply	Legal basis / explanation
Resumption	A person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased under sections 19, 20 or 21 of the Citizenship Act No. 18 of 1948.	Section 19(2) provides for a person whose Sri Lankan citizenship ceased due to obtaining citizenship in another country and who now wishes to resume Sri Lankan citizenship.
Retention	A person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka is likely to cease.	Section 19(3) provides for a person who intends to obtain citizenship in another country but wishes to retain Sri Lankan citizenship as well.

Special note: Individuals holding citizenship in two or more countries are not eligible to apply for dual citizenship with Sri Lanka. Dual citizenship is available only to those who hold citizenship or permanent residency in a single other country.

3. How to Apply

Applying at the Counter

· Submit the application by visiting the relevant office in person .For Appointment.

· Consular hours: Monday to Thursday, 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Check the website for public holiday closures before visiting.

· Original documents must be submitted at the counter. They will be returned on the same day after processing of the application.

Submitting the Application by Post

· The application may be submitted by post if the instructions are strictly followed.

· Do not send original documents by post.

· Certification of Sri Lankan government-issued documents: page 6 of the application form and all supporting documents must be certified, with official stamp, by an authorized certification body in the country of residence. Acceptable certifiers include lawyers, doctors, Justices of the Peace, police officers, or pharmacists.

· Authentication of non-Sri Lankan government-issued documents: Australian documents must be authenticated by the Australian Passport Office or DFAT; documents from other countries must be authenticated by the relevant embassy or consulate in Australia.

4. How to Fill the Application

1. Complete all sections in BLOCK LETTERS / BLOCK CAPITALS.

2. Tick the appropriate category: Resumption or Retention.

3. Select the eligible category for the main applicant (1A-1F) and for spouse or dependent (1G), as relevant.

4. Where an asterisk (*) appears, cut off / delete any words that are not applicable.

5. For any field that does not apply, write "NOT APPLICABLE" or "NOT RELEVANT".

6. If there has been a name change, provide a Name Change Certificate authenticated by the relevant government authority.

5. Steps and Checklist for Dual Citizenship Application

No.	Description	Important Remarks
1	Application form	Use the Dual Citizenship Application Form. This is compulsory.
2	Block capitals	Complete the application in BLOCK CAPITALS.
3	Delete inapplicable words	Delete inapplicable word/s where required.
4	Not relevant sections	Mention if any part is "Not relevant".
5	Separate applications and photographs	Each family member must submit a separate application with 3 passport-size colour photographs. Affix one photograph in the top right-hand corner of the first page.
6	Eligible category	The main applicant must mark the relevant category from A to F. Spouse and dependents must mark category G. Special note: unmarried children applications submitted after the age of 21 years and 6 months will not be entertained under this category.
7	Covering letter	Submit a covering letter with the applicant's full name, postal address, contact numbers and email address. Applicants may be contacted using these details.
8	Affidavit	The statement in the application must be supported by an affidavit on page 6 made before a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.
9	Certification when applying by post	If not submitting in person, the application must be duly certified with rubber stamp by the relevant Sri Lanka Honorary Consul / authorized certification body as instructed.
10	Applicable fees	Pay the application processing / attestation fees as applicable. If submitting directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, the High Commission attestation fee is not payable.
11	Citizenship fee	The Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka determines the total dual citizenship granting fees after completion of the process. The applicant will be notified directly by the Department.
12	Payment method	Credit / ATM / debit cards and Cash are accepted for physical visits. Personal or company cheques are not accepted. For money order or direct bank transfer, contact the High Commission or Consulate before payment.
13	Common documents	Two photocopies of the completed application form and three passport-size colour photographs.
14	Birth / Citizenship certificate	Original birth certificate with photocopy. If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration, provide the original citizenship certificate with a photocopy.
15	Marriage certificate	If married, provide the original marriage certificate with a photocopy. Translations will not be accepted.
16	Resumption documents	In addition to common documents: original foreign citizenship certificate with photocopy, authenticated by DFAT for Australia.
17	Foreign passport	Foreign passport with copy of bio data page and copy of alteration and observation pages, authenticated by DFAT / Department of Internal Affairs as relevant.
18	Police clearance	Original police clearance report from the country of residence, not older than 3 months, with a photocopy. Australian applicants can use the AFP National Police Check link.
19	Previous Sri Lankan passport	Previous Sri Lankan passport, if available, with photocopy of bio data page and copy of alteration and observation pages.
20	Resumption checklist	Use the Check List - Resumption of Sri Lankan Nationality Section 19(2).
21	Retention documents	In addition to common documents: current Sri Lankan passport and photocopy of bio data page and copy of alteration and observation pages.
22	Permanent residence visa grant	Permanent Residence Visa Grant notification – [ VEVO Required]
23	Retention police clearance	Original police clearance report not older than 3 months, with one photocopy.
24	Retention checklist	Use the Check List - Retention of Sri Lankan Nationality Section 19(3).

6. Fees and Payment Notes

Citizenship Fee - Current Specified Fees

Applicant Type	Current Specified Fee
Main applicant	USD 2,000.00
Spouse of the applicant	USD 500.00
Unmarried children below 22 years of age	USD 500.00 for each child

These fees are determined by the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka. The applicant will be informed of the final amount and payment method directly by the Department.

Application Processing Fee Charged by SLHC / Canberra

Description (for each person)	Resumption (AUD)	Retention (AUD)
Application processing fee (Affidavit)	100	100
Police report	100	100
For foreign documents	100	-
Category A - Birth Certificate	18	18
Category B - For each Education Certificate	18	18
Category C - Assets / immovable properties (deeds, valuation report, title report etc.)	69	64
Category D - Certificate of Fixed Deposit (SLRS)	69	64
Category E - Certificate of Fixed Deposit (USD)	69	64
Category F - Treasury Bond / SIA (Security Investment Account)	69	64
Category G - Qualifying by way of spouse of the applicant	-	-

Payment Notes

· If the applicant physically visits the High Commission or Consulate offices, payment can be made by cash or credit / ATM / debit cards.

· Personal or company cheques will not be accepted.

· For money order or direct bank transfer, contact the High Commission or Consulate for prior instructions.

· If money orders are sent or money is directly credited to the High Commission or Consulate bank accounts without prior instructions, responsibility for any loss, shortage or delay lies with the applicant.

7. Special Notes

· Fees will not be refunded under any circumstance after issuance of an official receipt.

· Translations will not be accepted as originals.

· All photocopies should be on A4 size paper.

· The High Commission will attest the documents and return the originals to the applicant.

· If the applicant needs to send or receive documents by express courier service, speed post or similar urgent service, this must be organized independently by the applicant.

· The High Commission is unable to take responsibility for documents lost or delayed in the post or courier.

8. Application Categories and Supporting Evidence

The applicant must choose a category for applying for dual citizenship. These categories are given in pages 1 and 2 of the Dual Citizenship application under "Eligible categories for Dual Citizenship".

Category	Basis	Supporting Evidence
A	Applicant above / exceeding the age of 55 years	Original birth certificate and photocopy
B	Academic / professional qualification criteria	Original educational / professional qualification certificates with photocopy each. For qualifications obtained in Australia, certificates should be authenticated by DFAT; DFAT authentication is required on a photocopy, not on the original. Foreign institution qualifications other than Sri Lanka or Australia require authentication by the relevant government authority. Prescribed consular attestation fee applies per certificate.
C	Assets / immovable properties in Sri Lanka worth Rs. 2.5 million or above	Original documentary proof, such as certified copy of deed, original valuation report and title report with pedigree report not older than 3 months. Property must be in the applicant's name. If the property is a gift, the Gift Deed should have been registered in the applicant's name 10 years before the date of application.
D	Fixed deposit of Rs. 2.5 million or above for a minimum of 3 years in an approved commercial bank	Original bank confirmation letter stating that the deposit will not be withdrawn for 3 years for obtaining dual citizenship, plus a copy of the fixed deposit certificate. The account must be in the applicant's name. The bank letter should be addressed to the Controller General, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
E	Fixed deposit of USD 25,000 or above for a minimum of 3 years under NRFC, RFC or SFIDA in an approved commercial bank	Original bank confirmation letter stating that the USD 25,000 or above deposit will not be withdrawn for 3 years. The fixed deposit account must be in the applicant's name and the letter should be addressed to the Controller General, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo.
F	Investment of USD 25,000 or above for a minimum of 3 years under Treasury Bonds (TB) or Security Investment Account (SIA)	Original confirmation from the relevant authority confirming that the USD 25,000 investment will not be withdrawn prior to maturity for obtaining dual citizenship.
G	Spouse of the applicant or unmarried child under the required age limit	Spouse: original marriage certificate with a photocopy. Child: original birth certificate of unmarried child born in Sri Lanka with photocopy, or citizenship certificate issued under section 5(2) for an unmarried child born outside Sri Lanka.

If Spouse / Dependents Apply Separately

· Submit an authorization letter from the main applicant (mother, father or spouse) and a copy of the main applicant's Dual Citizenship Certificate.

· If the main applicant applied through another application, authorization will not be granted. Contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration for clarification.

· No authorization letter is required if the application is submitted together with the main applicant's application.

9. How to Check the Status of the Application

· After the High Commission accepts the application, it will be forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka.

· The main applicant will be informed of the reference number by email.

· The Department will send an acknowledgment of receipt to the applicant's email.

· To check status, use the reference number issued by the High Commission along with the date of birth.

Status link: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/DualCitVisaStatus/index.faces

10. Collection of Dual Citizenship Certificate

Dual Citizenship certificates are issued only in Colombo. If the applicant cannot collect the certificate in person, the applicant may nominate another person to collect it. The applicant must inform the Department of Immigration in writing and authorize the nominated person to collect the certificate.

11. Citizenship Division Contact Details

Citizenship Division Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94 1153 290 000 Ext. 9475 Hotline: +94 707 101 030 Email: accit@immigration.gov.lk

12. Register with the High Commission

The Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra invites current and former Sri Lankans, persons of Sri Lankan origin living in Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and other Pacific Islands, and Sri Lankan community organisations in those countries to register with the High Commission.

Quick Links

· Sri Lanka High Commission Canberra: https://www.slhcaust.org

· Consulate General Melbourne: https://www.slcgmel.org

· Dual Citizenship Application Form: https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Dual-Citizenship-application-2024.pdf

· Application Processing Fee PDF: https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Dual-Processing-fee-w.e.f.-2nd-Jan-2023.pdf

· Resumption Checklist PDF: https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Resumption.pdf

· Retention Checklist PDF: https://www.slhcaust.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Retention.pdf

· AFP National Police Check: https://afpnationalpolicechecks.converga.com.au/

· Application Status: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/DualCitVisaStatus/index.faces

ශ්‍රී ලංකා ප්‍රජාතාන්ත්‍රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජයේ මහ කොමසාරිස් කාර්යාලය, කැන්බරා, ඕස්ට්‍රේලියාව

இலங்கை ஜனநாயக சோஷலிசக் குடியரசின் உயர்ஸ்தானிகராலயம், கன்பரா, ஆஸ்திரேலியா

The High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Canberra, Australia

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