Moving to Sri Lanka

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Sri Lanka depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from some regions, like the European Union, may have different entry and stay requirements compared to non-EU citizens. Common routes for long-term stays include work permits, family reunification visas, study visas, and various residence permits for investors or retirees. The specific type of visa and permit you'll need will be determined by the purpose and duration of your stay. It is crucial to verify the most current regulations and requirements directly with the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka or your nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate. Requirements can change, so always consult official government sources well in advance of your planned move.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Sri Lanka typically involves a mix of online portals, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth. Popular areas for expatriates include Colombo and its suburbs, Kandy, and coastal towns. For initial temporary accommodation, serviced apartments, guesthouses, or short-term rentals booked online are common. For long-term rentals, engaging a reputable local real estate agent can be very beneficial, as they have access to a wider range of properties and can assist with negotiations and legalities. The typical rental process involves viewing properties, agreeing on terms, and signing a lease agreement. Deposits are standard, usually equivalent to 1-3 months' rent, which is refundable at the end of the tenancy, subject to the property's condition. Ensure all terms, including maintenance responsibilities and utility connections, are clearly stipulated in the agreement before signing.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Sri Lanka is influenced by several key factors. The volume of your belongings is a primary determinant; more items mean more shipping space and higher costs. The distance of your move, whether international air freight or sea freight, also plays a significant role. The season you choose to move can affect prices, with peak moving seasons sometimes incurring higher rates. Accessibility at both your origin and destination, such as narrow streets or lack of elevators, can impact labor costs. Finally, any additional services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will contribute to the overall expense. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Declutter extensively. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
  • Research visa and immigration requirements thoroughly.
  • Obtain multiple quotes from relocation companies.
  • Start compiling important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, driver's license).
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your relocation company and services.
  • Begin the visa application process.
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or begin preparing your home for sale/rental.
  • Arrange for school transfers or new school enrollments if applicable.
  • Start packing non-essential items.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Arrange for utility disconnections at your current home and connections at your new Sri Lankan residence (electricity, water, internet).
  • Notify banks, insurance providers, and other service providers of your move.
  • Organize pet relocation if applicable, ensuring all vaccinations and permits are in order.
  • Schedule necessary medical check-ups and get prescription refills.
  • Create an inventory of all items being shipped.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm travel arrangements to Sri Lanka.
  • Pack an essentials bag for immediate needs upon arrival.
  • Back up all digital data.
  • Confirm final packing and moving dates with your relocation company.
  • Empty refrigerator/freezer and clean appliances.

For a smooth transition, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Sri Lanka: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Sri Lanka involves navigating customs procedures for your belongings. This guide simplifies the process, helping you understand what to expect when importing your household goods.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When bringing your personal and household effects into Sri Lanka, your shipment will be subject to customs inspection after your documents are accepted. Once the inspection is complete, your goods will be released for delivery.

What you'll need

• Original Passport
• Inventory List / Packing List (English only)
• Copy of Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB) with telex release
• Custom Declaration form
• Authorization Letters

Good to know

• Customs inspection is standard for all personal effects.

Diplomatic moves

If you are moving to Sri Lanka under diplomatic status, your customs clearance process is streamlined. Shipments with "A" Facility diplomatic status are exempt from physical customs inspection.

What you'll need

• Duty Free Clearance certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Inventory List / Packing List
• Air Waybill (AWB) or Original Bill of Lading (OBL) (telex release is acceptable)
• Certified Diplomatic ID Card Copy
• Certified true copy of passport
• Custom declaration form
• Authorization letter

Good to know

• Once the Embassy/Consulate provides the duty-free clearance certificate, clearance can be arranged.
• "A" Facility diplomatic shipments do not undergo physical customs inspection.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing motor vehicles into Sri Lanka is generally restricted for private individuals and often incurs significant duties and taxes. Diplomatic personnel, United Nations officials, and certain NGO organizations with a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sri Lankan Government or an official duty-free facility may import vehicles duty-free.

What you'll need

• Import control licence from the Department of Import and Export Control Sri Lanka
• Proof of Ownership
• Detailed vehicle information (make, model, etc.)
• Other documents will be prepared by your local agent, requiring your signature and company seal (if applicable).

Good to know

• It is not recommended for private individuals to import used or new vehicles as personal effects due to high duties and taxes.
• Diplomatic personal vehicle shipments are duty-free.

Pets

Bringing your pet to Sri Lanka requires careful preparation and adherence to specific health and import regulations. Customs clearance and quarantine inspection will occur upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, and your pet may need to stay at the airport animal lodge for a minimum of 24 hours to complete quarantine requirements.

What you'll need

• Copy of owner’s passport
• Copy of Air Waybill (AWB)
• International Zoo sanitary Veterinary Health Certificate
• Blood test Reports
• Vaccination Records
• Parasitic Treatment Records
• Import permit from Sri Lanka quarantine (can be arranged by your local agent)
• Import control permit (can be arranged by your local agent)

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are restricted or prohibited from import into Sri Lanka. Restricted items may be subject to duties or specific conditions, while prohibited items cannot be brought into the country at all.

• Restricted items: Alcohol (beyond permitted quantity), brand new furniture, consumer electronics (duties apply), clothes & personal belongings (duty-free with reasonable quantity), computer software (including floppy discs, music discs, tapes, all video tapes), videos, CDs (will be screened for contents), vehicles or vehicle parts.
• Prohibited items: Cash, guns & weapons, animal parts, antiques & high-value items, live plants.

Alcohol & tobacco

Sri Lankan customs allows only two bottles of wine and/or alcohol per person. Any quantity exceeding this will be considered commercial and subject to duties and taxes.

Good to know

• Only two bottles of wine and/or alcohol are permitted duty-free.
• No special documents are required for the permitted quantity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical customs clearance timeframe?
For air shipments, customs clearance takes 1-2 working days after transfer to the designated CFS (which itself takes 8-10 working days). For FCL shipments, it's 2-3 working days after discharge at Colombo port. For LCL shipments, it's 2-3 working days after transfer to the designated CFS (which takes 12-14 working days).

Are wedding trousseaux subject to special requirements?
No, there are no special requirements for wedding trousseaux.

Will my personal belongings be inspected?
Yes, all removal goods, including personal belongings, will undergo custom inspection once your documents are accepted, unless you have diplomatic status.

Can I bring brand new furniture duty-free?
Brand new furniture is considered a restricted item and may be subject to duties and taxes.

Are computer software and media items screened?
Yes, computer software, including floppy discs, music discs, tapes, and all video tapes, as well as videos and CDs, will be screened for their contents.

For more detailed information or specific inquiries about your relocation to Sri Lanka, please contact relocation123.com.

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