CBR 009 – Dual Citizenship

  1. Where to apply? Forward your application to the following respective offices, closest to your place of residence.
 

Respective area

Office & Contact Details

1 New Zealand, 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

Tele: 02-6198-3756

Fax : 02-6198-3760

E-mail : slhc.canberra@mfa.gov.lk

http://www.slhcaust.org

02  Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania

Sri Lanka Consulate General in Melbourne

Suite 536, No 1 Queens Road,
Melbourne, VIC,3004
Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9290 4200
Fax: +61 3 9867 4873

Email:mail@slcgmel.org
Web: http://www.slcgmel.org

 

  1. Who is eligible to apply for Dual Citizenship? There are two circumstances.

a) A person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased under sections 19, 20 or 21 of the Citizenship Act No. 18 of 1948;

Resumption – Section 19(2) of the said Act makes provisions in respect of a person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased due to obtaining citizenship in another country and who thereafter desires to resume the status of a citizen of Sri Lanka.

OR

b) A person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka is likely to cease:

Retention – Section 19(3) of the said Act makes provisions in respect of a person who is having a desire to obtain citizenship in another country, but intends to retain the citizenship of Sri Lanka 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 only available to those who hold citizenship or permanent residency in a single other country.


How can apply?

  • Applying at our counter: You can submit your application by visiting us in person. You must visit between Consular hours, Monday to Friday 9.30 am – 1.30 pm. Please check our website for any public holiday closure prior to visiting us.

It is mandatory for you to submit your original documents at the counter. It will be returned to you on the same day, after the processing of your application.

  • Submitting application via post:

This can be submitted via post, and the following instructions must be strictly followed:

You do not have to send your original documents by post.

Certification of Sri Lankan Government Issued Documents: The 6th page of the application form and two copies of all supporting documents must be certified (with an official stamp) by an authorized certification body in your country of residence. Acceptable certifiers include Lawyers, Doctors, Justices of the Peace, Police Officers, or Pharmacists.

Authentication of Other Government Issued Documents: All non-Sri Lankan government-issued documents must be authenticated by the relevant government authority:

  • Australian Documents: Must be authenticated by the Australian Passport Office or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
  • New Zealand Documents: Must be authenticated by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.
  • Documents from Other Countries: Must be authenticated by the relevant embassy or consulate in Australia.

Ensure that all documents meet these requirements to avoid delays in processing your application.


How to Fill the Application:

  1. Complete in BLOCK LETTERS: All sections of the application must be filled in capital letters for clarity.
  2. Tick the Appropriate Category: Choose either “Resumption” or “Retention” based on your situation.
  3. Select Eligible Category: Tick the relevant category for the main applicant (1A – 1F) and for the spouse or dependent (1G), as appropriate. Ensure you refer to the supporting documents required for each category.
  4. Cut Off Inapplicable Words: Where an asterisk (*) appears, remove or cross out any words that are not applicable to your situation.
  5. Inapplicable Fields: For any field that does not apply to you, write “NOT APPLICABLE” or “NOT RELEVANT.”
  6. Name Changes: A Name Change Certificate (authenticated by the relevant government authority)

  1. Steps to be taken and checklist for Dual Citizenship application

  Description Important Remarks
1.      General guidelines for the Application Process Application Form– Compulsory
2.      To be completed in “BLOCK CAPITALS”
3.      Delete inapplicable word/s
4.      Mention if any part is “Not relevant”
5.      Each member of the family has to submit a separate application along with 3 passport size colour photographs. Affix one of those photographs in the top right hand corner of the first page of the application.
6.     
  • The main applicant who belongs to one of the categories mentioned in section 1 of the application (A to F) can apply for dual citizenship. Please mark (√) in the relevant cage.
  • Spouse and dependent(s) must mark category “G” on the application.

Special Note – Unmarried Children (Applications submitted after reaching the age of 21 years & 6 months will not be entertained under this category)

 

Note: The requirements under each category are given separately under No. 04 below.

7.      All applicants are requested to submit their applications with a covering letter providing full name of the applicant, postal address, contact numbers and email address.

If required, applicants will be contacted through these contact details.

8.      The statement in the application should be supported by an affidavit (page 6) made by the applicant before a justice of the peace or a Commissioner of Oaths.

When submitting application in person, Affidavit could be certified by the officials of the High Commission or consulate offices.

Applicants who are unable to submit their applications to the High Commission in person can forward their application by post. Those applications must be duly certified with rubber stamp by the Sri Lanka Honorary Consuls in respective regions.

9.      Contact details of Honorary Consuls:

Adelaide, Australia

Dr.CharithaPerera

Honorary Consul for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka  in Adelaide, South Australia
596, The Parade,
Auldana, SA 5072, Australia

Mobile: 0412 552 541
Home: 08 8333 0764
Email:charitha_perera@hotmail.com

 

Perth, Western Australia

Mr. Roshana (Rosh) Jalagge

Honorary Consul for  the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka  in Perth, Western Australia
43, Old Perth Road,
Bassendean, WA 6054

Tel:   08 9279 9988
Fax: 08 9279  9889
Mobile: 0419 966 583

Hony. Consul Email : rosh@slconsulatewa.com.au
Secretary : lahiru@slconsulatewa.com.au
Administration : administration@slconsulatewa.com.au

Web : www.slconsulatewa.com.au

 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Mr P. M. N. Bandara
Honorary Consul for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Papua New Guinea

School of Business and Public Policy
University of Papua New Guinea
P.O. Box 320 Uni.P.O.
NCD, Papua New Guinea

Tel: Residence ( after hrs.) : +675 326 1090
Mobile : +675 7687 5850
Email address: bandarap@upng.ac.pg

 

10.    Applicable Fees Application processing fee

  • consular fee for attesting your documents at the High Commission

( If you directly submit your documents to the Dept. of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo you do not have to pay this fee)

11. Citizenship fee

  • Total fees for granting the dual citizenship will be determined by the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka, upon completion of the entire process.
  • The applicant will be notified of this amount and the payment method directly to be settledby the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka
  • The current specified fees are:
  • Main applicant – USD 2000.00
  • Spouse of the applicant – USD 500.00 
  • Unmarried children bellow 22 years of age – USD 500.00 for each child
12.    Payment method
  •  If the applicant physically visits the High Commission or Consulate offices, he/she can pay by Cash.

Note: Credit/ATM/Debit cards AND personal or Company cheques will not be accepted.

  • If the applicant desires to pay by a Money order,  direct bank transfer, please contact the High Commission or consulate for prior instructions.

Note: If the applicant sends Money orders or directly credit money into the High Commission or consulate bank accounts, without prior instructions, the responsibility lies with the applicant for any loss/shortage or delay.

13.    “Common documents” to be submitted Two photo copies of the duly filled application form and three passport size colour photographs.
14.    Original Birth Certificate of the applicant with 02 photocopies (Birth Certificates issued by the Registrar General, District Registrar, Divisional Registrar will be accepted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka. Therefore, photocopies certified by other parties and translations will not be accepted.)

If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration, the Original Citizenship certificate with 02 photocopies.

15.    If applicant is married, original Marriage Certificate with 02 photo copies [Translations will not be accepted]
16.    Documents in the case of –Resumption (In addition to the above “Common documents” Original Foreign Citizenship Certificate with 02 photo copies, authenticated by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). (In the event of New Zealanders,the documents should be authenticated by the Department of Internal Affairs)
17.    Foreign Passport with copies of Bio data page and 02 copies of Alteration and Observation pages, authenticated by DFAT.(In the event of New Zealanders,the documents should be authenticated by the Department of Internal Affairs)
18.    Original Police Clearance report not older than 3 months, with 02 photo copies.
19.    Previous Sri Lankan Passport, [if available] with 02 photo copies of Bio data page and copies of Alteration and Observation pages.
20.    Check List – Resumption of Sri Lankan Nationality – Section 19 (2)
21.    Documents in the case of –Retention (In addition to the above “Common documents” Current Sri Lanka Passport and 02 photo copies of Bio data page and copies of Alteration and Observation pages.
22.    Permanent Residence Visa Grant notification – 2 copies
23.    Original Police Clearance report not older than 3 months, with one photo copy.
24.    Check List – Retention of Sri Lankan Nationality – Section 19 (3)
25.    Special Notes (Important)

 

  • 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;
  • High Commission will attest the documents and return the originals to the applicant
  • If the applicant needs to send/receive documents (by express courier service or speed post etc) on an urgent basis, he/she must organise them independently.
  • The High Commission is unable to take any responsibility for documents lost or delayed in the post/courier.

  1. Application categories and supporting evidence in respective categories

The applicant must choose a category for applying for dual citizenship. These categories are given in page 01 & 02 of the Dual Citizenship application under “Eligible categories for Dual Citizenship”.

  Category Supporting evidence
  A.    As an applicant above the age of 55 years
  • Original birth certificate and 02 photocopies
  B.    As an applicant who fulfils the Academic/professional qualification criteria (minimum one year diploma or higher or any professional qualification)
  • Original Educational/Professional qualification certificates with 02 photo copies each.
  • If the application is submitted under Professional category on qualification obtained in Australia, such educational/Professional certificates should be submitted with the authentication from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia. [DFAT] Please note that authentication endorsement from the DFAT is required on a photo copy of the certificate and not on the original certificate.( In the event of New Zealanders,the documents should be authenticated by the Department of Internal Affairs )
  • If academic qualification has been obtained from a foreign institution (other than Sri Lanka or Australia), authentication by the relevant government authority is required

Note : The High Commission charges the prescribed consular fee for attestation of the above certificates. [AUD 100.00 per certificate]

  C.    As an applicant who owns assets/immovable properties in Sri Lanka worth above Rs. 2.5 million or above.
  • Original Documentary proof of applicant’s assets should be submitted Eg; land or other immovable properties(*) in Sri Lanka worth of Rs.2.5million or above – certified copy of deed, original valuation report and title report with pedigree report for the same not older than 3 months should be submitted. Land or other immovable properties should be under the applicant’s name.(* In case the property is a gift, the Gift Deed should have been registered under the name of the applicant 10 years prior to the date of application for Dual Citizenship.)
  D.    As an applicant who has a fixed deposit of Rs. 2.5 million or above for a minimum of 03 year period in any commercial bank approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
  • Original letter of Confirmation from the bank stating that the deposit of Rs.2.5 million or above under the applicant’s name will not be withdrawn from the relevant account for a period of 3 years for obtaining dual citizenship and a copy of the Fixed Deposit Certificate should be submitted. Fixed Deposit Account should be under the applicant’s name.Important:

    – The Original of the certificate of Fixed Deposit should be presented at the Consulate Counter with a photocopy

    – The confirmation letter issued by the bank should be addressed to the “Controller General, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo. The letter should explicitly confirm that the deposit is held for a minimum period of three (3) years.

  E.    As an applicant who has  a fixed deposit of USD 25,000.00 or above for a minimum of 03 year period under Non Resident Foreign Currency Account (NRFC), Resident Foreign Currency account (RFC) of Senior Foreign Invest Deposit Account (SFIDA) in any of the commercial bank approved by the central Bank of Sri Lanka
  • Original letter of Confirmation by the bank stating that the deposit of USD 25,000 or above under the applicant’s name will not be withdrawn from the relevant account for a period of 3 years for obtaining dual citizenship should be submitted. Fixed Deposit Account should be under the applicant’s name.Important:

    -The Original of the certificate of Fixed Deposit should be presented at the Consulate Counter with a photocopy

    -The confirmation letter issued by the bank should be addressed to the “Controller General, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo. The letter should explicitly confirm that the deposit is held for a minimum period of three (3) years.

  F.    As an applicant who has invested USD 25,000.00 or above for a minimum of 03 year period under Treasury Bonds (TB) or Security Investment Account (SIA)
  • Original letter of confirmation by the relevant authority confirming that the investment valued of USD 25,000 made by the applicant will not be withdrawn prior to maturity for obtaining dual citizenship should be submitted.
  G.   Qualifying by way of the spouse of the applicant or as an unmarried child under the age of 21 years and 6 months of the applicant. A spouse of children eligible under this provision shall be limited to a person whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased under sections 19, 20 or 21 of the Citizenship Act No. 18 of 1948 or a person whose citizenship in Sri Lanka is likely to cease.
  • Spouse: Original marriage certificate with a photocopy
  • Child: Original birth certificate of unmarried child born in Sri Lanka, with photocopy or a copy of the Citizenship certificate issued under section 5[2] of the Citizenship Act No. 18 of 1948 for unmarried child born outside Sri Lanka.

If Spouse/Dependants apply separately:

  • Submit an authorization letter from the main applicant (mother, father, or spouse) and a copy of their Dual Citizenship Certificate.
  • If the main applicant applied through another application, authorization won’t be granted. Contact the Department of Immigration & Emigration for clarification.
  • No authorization letter is needed if the application is submitted together with the main applicant’s application.

How to Check the Status of Your Application:

Once the High Commission accepts your application, it will be forwarded to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka, and you will be informed of your reference via email to the Main applicant’s email.

The Department will then send an acknowledgment of receipt to your email.

To check the status of your application, visit the following link:
Application Status

Use the reference number issued by the High Commission along with your date of birth.


Collection of the Dual Citizenship Certificate:

Dual Citizenship certificates are issued only in Colombo. If you are unable to collect the certificate in person, you can nominate someone to collect it on your behalf. To do this, you must inform the Department of Immigration in writing, authorizing the nominated person to collect the certificate for you.

Contact Details:

Citizenship Division

Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka

T: +94 1153 290 000 Ext.9475

Hotline: +94707101030

Email: accit@immigration.gov.lk

Register with the High Commission

The Sri Lankan High Commission in Canberra would like to keep in touch with Sri Lankans and persons of Sri Lankan origin living in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and other Pacific Islands as well as Sri Lankan community organisations in those countries.

If you are a current/former Sri Lankan or an office bearer of a Sri Lankan community organisation we invite you to register with the High Commission.

Register

Address

Sri Lanka High Commission
61, Hampton Circuit
Yarralumla
ACT 2600

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