Sri Lanka (LK)
Sri Lanka is South Asia's most beloved island destination — a tropical tear-drop off India's southern tip offering ancient Buddhist temples, colonial hill stations, spice gardens, surf beaches, and world-renowned tea.
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Region: Asia
Language: Sinhala
Currency: LKR (Rs)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 28)
Emergency: 119
Premium
Your Integration Checklist
47 tasks · 20 premium
Mandatory Optional
0 / 0 tasks completed 0%
Personalised for: you
Edit
Sign In to save your progress and personalise your checklist
No tasks in this category
Sign in or set your profile to see personalised tasks for this category.
Time: 10–30 minutes online. Approval usually within 24 hours. · Cost: USD 50 (single entry) / USD 100 (double entry). 48 nationalities receive free ETA.
Deadline: Apply before departure — not on arrival
Risk if missed: Denied boarding at your origin airport or refused entry at Colombo (CMB). No visa on arrival for most nationalities.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- ✓ Credit/debit card for USD 50 fee
- ✓ Hotel booking or accommodation address
- ✓ Return flight booking
Tip: Check if your nationality qualifies for free ETA at eta.gov.lk. Common free ETA countries include Singapore, Maldives, and some others. Note: the ETA is valid for 30 days and allows 30-day stays. Apply no more than 30 days before travel.
Local institution: Department of Immigration and Emigration (Department of Immigration and Emigration)
Time: 1–2 hours at branch. Account operational within 1–3 business days. · Cost: Free account opening. Minimum initial deposit: LKR 1,000–5,000.
Deadline: Within 2 weeks of starting employment
Risk if missed: Cannot receive salary in Sri Lanka. Cannot pay utilities or rent via bank transfer. EPF/ETF withdrawal requires a Sri Lankan bank account.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Work permit
- ✓ Employment contract or employer introduction letter
- ✓ Proof of Sri Lanka address (lease agreement)
- ✓ 2 passport photographs
- ✓ Minimum deposit: LKR 1,000–5,000
Tip: Commercial Bank (combank.net) is the best choice for expats — English-language online banking, multi-currency account option, good SWIFT transfer service. Bring all documents originals — copies alone are often insufficient. Sampath Bank is a strong alternative with good mobile banking.
Local institution: Commercial Bank / Sampath Bank (Commercial Bank of Ceylon / Sampath Bank)
Time: 30 minutes — check your first payslip · Cost: Free (your 8% contribution is from your own salary)
Deadline: Check on receipt of first payslip
Risk if missed: If employer is not contributing, your savings are not accumulating. Employer non-compliance is an offence — report to Commissioner of Labour.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Employment contract
- ✓ Payslip (to verify EPF deduction appears)
Tip: Request your EPF member account number from HR. Register on the EPF member portal at epf.cbsl.gov.lk to track your balance. On permanent departure, your full EPF + ETF balance (including employer's 12% + interest) is withdrawable — this is a significant financial asset.
Local institution: Employees' Provident Fund — CBSL (Employees' Provident Fund — Central Bank of Sri Lanka)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 hour at your Divisional Secretariat or CMC offices · Cost: LKR 500–2,000 annual licence fee
Deadline: Within 30 days of bringing your pet to your Colombo address
Risk if missed: Unregistered dog can be impounded by the CMC. Fines apply for non-registration.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Pet import permit
- ✓ Address proof
Tip: Keep your pet's vaccination records updated — a rabies booster is required annually for licence renewal. Find a vet in your neighbourhood early — flea and tick prevention is essential year-round in Sri Lanka's tropical climate.
Local institution: Colombo Municipal Council / Pradeshiya Sabha (Local government municipal authority)
Time: 1–2 days in person at IRD offices or online via RAMIS portal · Cost: Free
Deadline: Register within 30 days of starting employment or receiving Sri Lanka income
Risk if missed: Cannot file income tax return. Cannot register a business. IRD penalties for non-compliance with PAYE and self-assessment rules.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Employment contract or income proof
- ✓ Sri Lanka address proof (lease agreement or employer letter)
- ✓ Work permit
Tip: Your employer may handle TIN registration as part of onboarding for PAYE purposes — check with HR first. For self-employed/freelancers: register directly at the nearest IRD office or via ramis.ird.gov.lk.
Local institution: Inland Revenue Department (Inland Revenue Department — ird.gov.lk)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 weeks for visa extension processing · Cost: LKR 5,000–20,000 government renewal fees
Deadline: Apply at least 4–6 weeks before current visa expiry
Risk if missed: Overstay is a criminal offence — fines, detention, deportation, and multi-year entry ban.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Current visa/permit
- ✓ Employment contract renewal
- ✓ Employer letter
- ✓ Passport photographs
- ✓ Medical insurance proof
Tip: Use an immigration lawyer for complex renewals or if your employer's registration has changed. Mark your visa expiry date in your calendar with a 6-week reminder.
Local institution: Department of Immigration and Emigration (Department of Immigration and Emigration)
Time: 4–8 weeks for DAPH import permit processing · Cost: DAPH permit: LKR 5,000–10,000. Quarantine facility: LKR 3,000–8,000/day (14–21 days minimum). Total quarantine costs: LKR 42,000–168,000.
Deadline: Apply minimum 8 weeks before intended travel date
Risk if missed: Pet refused entry at CMB airport. Pet may be quarantined at your expense, held indefinitely, or euthanised if documentation is insufficient.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Completed DAPH import permit application
- ✓ Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)
- ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate (minimum 30 days before travel)
- ✓ Rabies antibody titre test result (RNATT ≥0.5 IU/mL)
- ✓ Veterinary health certificate from government-approved vet in home country
- ✓ Passport
Tip: The mandatory quarantine at Katunayake cannot be waived — this is an absolute requirement regardless of your pet's vaccination history or country of origin. Start the process at least 3–4 months before your planned arrival date to allow time for all documentation. An immigration vet/pet relocation specialist (e.g. PetAir, AirAnimal) can manage the full process.
Local institution: Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) (DAPH — daph.gov.lk)
Time: 2–8 hours to gather documents and complete the return. Use a CASL CA for first filing. · Cost: Free (self-filing). CASL CA fee: LKR 15,000–60,000 for preparation. Late filing penalty: LKR 50,000–200,000.
Deadline: November 30 each year (for April 1 – March 31 tax year)
Risk if missed: Late filing penalty: LKR 50,000–200,000. Interest on unpaid taxes: 1.5% per month. IRD audit risk.
Documents needed:
- ✓ TIN
- ✓ P&L or payslips for the full tax year
- ✓ PAYE certificates from employer
- ✓ Receipts for deductible expenses
- ✓ Foreign income documentation (if applicable)
Tip: Use a CASL-registered chartered accountant for your first Sri Lankan tax return — the RAMIS system is straightforward once you know it, but the first year is confusing. Key deduction: employee EPF contributions (8% of gross) are deductible. Foreign-sourced income while resident in Sri Lanka is potentially taxable — be transparent with your CA about all income sources.
Local institution: Inland Revenue Department (IRD — RAMIS online portal)
Time: 1–4 weeks in home country (varies by country) · Cost: USD 20–100 in home country fees + apostille fee (varies)
Deadline: Obtain before departing for Sri Lanka
Risk if missed: Work permit application cannot proceed without police clearance. Delays your start date.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Biometrics or application at home country police authority
Tip: UK nationals: obtain a Basic Disclosure from Disclosure Scotland or a DBS basic check. Australian nationals: National Police Check via AFP or Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. US nationals: FBI Identity History Summary. Allow at least 4 weeks — some countries take longer.
Local institution: Your home country police / national police authority (Home country national police / criminal records office)
Time: 4–8 weeks (standard); 2–4 weeks (BOI-registered companies) · Cost: LKR 10,000–30,000 government fees (varies by employer type). Plus professional fees if using an immigration lawyer.
Deadline: Obtain before starting work. Do not start work on tourist/ETA status.
Risk if missed: Criminal offence (working illegally in Sri Lanka). Deportation. Entry ban. Employer also faces penalties.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport (minimum 1 year validity)
- ✓ Employment contract signed by employer
- ✓ Employer's Board of Investment (BOI) or other relevant registration
- ✓ Academic and professional qualifications (originals + certified copies)
- ✓ Medical certificate from approved Sri Lankan medical centre
- ✓ Police clearance from home country (apostilled)
- ✓ Passport photographs
Tip: Work closely with your employer's HR department — they must initiate the process. BOI-registered companies (boi.lk) have a dedicated one-stop service that is significantly faster. Check that your employer is properly registered before signing a contract.
Local institution: Department of Immigration and Emigration (Department of Immigration and Emigration)
Time: 1–2 hours to arrange insurance and receive policy certificate · Cost: Third-party only: LKR 3,000–8,000/year for a car. Comprehensive: LKR 15,000–80,000/year.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vehicle certificate of registration
- ✓ Revenue licence
- ✓ Driving licence
- ✓ Passport
Tip: Comprehensive motor insurance (covering your own vehicle plus third-party) is strongly recommended given Sri Lanka's road conditions and monsoon flood risk. Ensure flood damage is covered — Colombo roads regularly flood during the May–September monsoon.
Local institution: Ceylinco Insurance / Allianz Insurance Sri Lanka (Motor Insurance Provider)
Time: 15 minutes online · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 2 weeks of arrival
Risk if missed: Embassy cannot assist you in an emergency (evacuation, hospitalisation, civil unrest) if they don't know you're in Sri Lanka.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Sri Lanka address
- ✓ Emergency contact details
Tip: UK nationals: register via GOV.UK FCDO. US nationals: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Australian nationals: Smartraveller. Canadian nationals: Registration of Canadians Abroad.
Local institution: Your home country embassy or high commission (Embassy / High Commission)
Time: 1–2 visits to the Divisional Secretariat or Registrar's office (1 hour each) · Cost: Free for first certificate. Subsequent copies: LKR 200–500.
Deadline: Within 3 months of birth (legally); within 1 month strongly recommended
Risk if missed: Complications registering after the deadline. Late registration requires additional documentation and may be refused at hospitals and schools.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Hospital birth notification form
- ✓ Parents' passports
- ✓ Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ✓ Hospital medical record of birth
Tip: Register with your home country embassy/high commission separately — this registers the birth under your country's citizenship law and enables passport application for the child. The two registrations are independent and both are important.
Local institution: Registrar General's Department (Registrar General's Department — births.gov.lk)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 visits to the DMT (theory + practical tests). Licence issued within 2–4 weeks. · Cost: LKR 2,500–5,000 government fees + LKR 1,000–2,000 medical certificate + optional driving school package LKR 15,000–40,000
Deadline: Within 3 months of arrival (IDP validity)
Risk if missed: Driving without a valid licence after IDP expiry is a criminal offence. Fine: LKR 5,000–25,000 + vehicle detention.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Current foreign driving licence
- ✓ IDP
- ✓ Medical fitness certificate from a government hospital
- ✓ 4 passport photographs
- ✓ Application fee (LKR 2,500–5,000)
Tip: The DMT Werahera is the main office — arrive early (7am opening) as queues build quickly. Some private driving schools in Colombo offer a full licence-conversion package including theory coaching and practice sessions — worth the investment.
Local institution: Department of Motor Traffic (Department of Motor Traffic (DMT), Werahera, Colombo)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–4 weeks (varies by country) · Cost: USD 20–100 per document in home country fees. Legalisation through Sri Lankan embassy: varies.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original documents to be apostilled
- ✓ Application to the competent authority (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent in your home country)
Tip: Apostille is cheaper and faster than full legalisation. Check if your country is a Hague Convention member (most are). UK apostille: FCDO, 3–15 business days. German apostille: Land-level courts. Keep certified copies of all apostilled documents — Sri Lankan authorities sometimes retain originals.
Local institution: Ministry of Foreign Affairs / competent authority in your home country (Document legalisation authority)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours at Commercial Bank branch (after LKR account is opened) · Cost: Free. Minimum deposit: USD 100 or equivalent.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Work permit
- ✓ Existing LKR account
- ✓ Source of funds declaration
Tip: A PFCA is critical for expats earning in USD or EUR — it prevents forced LKR conversion and allows strategic timing of currency exchanges. Post-2022 IMF reforms have made currency management more straightforward but a PFCA is still the most practical tool.
Local institution: Commercial Bank of Ceylon (Commercial Bank — Personal Foreign Currency Account)
Time: 15–30 minutes at the outlet · Cost: SIM card: free to LKR 200. Monthly data package (10GB): LKR 490–800.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
Tip: Dialog 4G is strongly preferred over Mobitel for Colombo and tourist areas. Buy at the Dialog outlet in the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport — avoid SIM sellers outside. Postpaid plans (LKR 1,000–3,000/month for 30–50GB data) are more cost-effective for long-term residents.
Local institution: Dialog / Mobitel (Dialog Axiata / Mobitel (SLTMobitel))
Time: 3–7 business days for installation after application · Cost: LKR 1,999–5,999/month depending on speed package
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Lease agreement
- ✓ NIC or passport number for SLT registration
Tip: Check if your landlord has an existing SLT or Dialog fibre connection that can be transferred to your name — this is faster than a new installation. Dialog Fibre is generally faster for Colombo urban areas. SLT has wider national coverage if you travel frequently.
Local institution: SLT-Mobitel / Dialog (Sri Lanka Telecom / Dialog Broadband)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 5 minutes · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ Sri Lankan SIM card
Tip: Most Colombo professional and expat communities organise events, share information, and make plans via WhatsApp groups. Ask your employer, building manager, and neighbours for their WhatsApp numbers — it is the primary mode of business and social communication in Sri Lanka.
Local institution: WhatsApp / Meta (WhatsApp)
Time: 15 minutes to download and add to calendar · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A
Tip: Sri Lanka has 25 public holidays per year including the 12 Poya Days plus Sinhala/Tamil New Year (2 days), Independence Day, Vesak (2 days), and various religious holidays. Stock alcohol at home the day before each Poya Day if needed — no purchases are possible on the day itself. Many tourist restaurants serve existing stocks discretely to known guests, but no new purchases can be made.
Local institution: Sri Lanka Government (Monthly full moon public holiday — Poya)
Time: 1 hour to arrange bottled water or 2–4 days for filter installation · Cost: Bottled: LKR 2,000–5,000/month. Filter: LKR 15,000–50,000 one-time + LKR 500–1,500/month maintenance. Water delivery: LKR 600–1,200/month.
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A
Tip: A reverse osmosis (RO) water filter is the most economical long-term solution for a family — buy from SPAR, Arpico, or order online from Daraz. Many premium apartments in Colombo 3/5/7 already have RO filters installed — check with your landlord before purchasing one.
Local institution: Nestle Pure Life / Dialog Daraz (Water filter / bottled water)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30 minutes to buy supplies · Cost: LKR 500–2,000 for initial mosquito prevention supplies
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A
Tip: Dengue symptoms: sudden high fever (39–40°C), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash. If you develop these symptoms, go to a private hospital immediately and ask for a dengue NS1 antigen test or CBC (platelet count). Lanka Hospitals and Asiri Central have 24/7 emergency dengue management. Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen if you suspect dengue — take Paracetamol only.
Local institution: Local pharmacy / supermarket (Health prevention)
Time: 30 minutes to set up banking apps · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ Sri Lankan bank account
- ✓ Smartphone
Tip: Despite growing digital payments, Sri Lanka remains significantly cash-dependent. Always carry LKR 2,000–5,000 in cash for markets, small vendors, and areas where digital payment is not accepted. ATMs are widely available in Colombo — Commercial Bank ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
Local institution: LankaQR / Commercial Bank Genie App / FriMi (LankaQR digital payments)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30 minutes to register and set up · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ TIN number
- ✓ Email address
- ✓ Mobile number
Tip: RAMIS online filing is significantly faster and more convenient than visiting IRD offices in person. Register as soon as you have your TIN. The system is available in English and processes returns faster than paper filing. Keep your login credentials secure — use a password manager.
Local institution: Inland Revenue Department — RAMIS (Revenue Administration Management Information System)
Time: 4–8 weeks from application to admission decision · Cost: USD 6,000–25,000/year school fees. Application fee: LKR 5,000–15,000. Registration fee: USD 1,000–2,500.
Deadline: Apply 6–12 months before intended start date for top schools
Risk if missed: Top international schools have waiting lists. Late applications may result in your child not starting school at the intended date.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Child's school records and report cards
- ✓ Child's birth certificate
- ✓ Child's passport
- ✓ Parent's employment letter
- ✓ Previous school reference letter
Tip: Most expat employer packages include school fee subsidies (USD 5,000–20,000/year) — negotiate this in your employment contract before arriving. CIS and AISC have the longest waiting lists — contact them as soon as you know your posting start date, even before signing your contract.
Local institution: Colombo International School / British School in Colombo / AISC (International Schools Colombo)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 hour consultation with tax advisor · Cost: LKR 5,000–15,000 for tax advice
Documents needed:
- ✓ Employment contract showing school fee benefit
- ✓ School fee invoices
Tip: A "gross-up" clause in your contract means your employer pays the tax on your school fee benefit — this is what you should negotiate for. Without gross-up, a USD 15,000/year school fee benefit can add LKR 1M+ to your annual tax bill at the 36% top rate.
Local institution: Inland Revenue Department / CASL-registered Tax Advisor (IRD / Chartered Accountant)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 days for lawyer review · Cost: LKR 5,000–15,000 for a lawyer contract review
Documents needed:
- ✓ Draft employment contract
Tip: Watch for: contracts that waive EPF (illegal), notice periods shorter than 1 month, or clauses that give the employer the right to terminate without reason. The Termination of Employment of Workmen Act provides strong protections for confirmed employees — your contract should not attempt to circumvent this.
Local institution: Bar Association of Sri Lanka / Employment Lawyer (BASL-registered employment lawyer)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hour consultation · Cost: LKR 5,000–20,000 consultation fee
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A — legal consultation
Tip: Foreign nationals in mixed marriages (one foreign spouse, one Sri Lankan) should understand which law governs their marriage and what happens to children in the event of separation. Sri Lankan courts have jurisdiction over custody matters for children habitually resident in Sri Lanka.
Local institution: Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL-registered family lawyer)
Time: 30 minutes to create and verify account · Cost: Free account. Transfer fees: 0.5–1.5% depending on amount and currency pair.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport for Wise account verification
- ✓ Email address
- ✓ Phone number
Tip: Wise transfers USD/EUR/GBP to/from Sri Lanka (LKR) are significantly cheaper than bank SWIFT. LKR outward transfers: ensure you have documentation of the source of funds (inward remittance certificate) for large amounts, as the CBSL requires documentation for transfers above certain thresholds.
Local institution: Wise (Wise.com) (Wise international money transfer)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 4–8 weeks from application to payment · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ EPF Claim Form B
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Employment termination letter
- ✓ Bank account details
Tip: Start the EPF withdrawal process 8 weeks before your intended departure — processing can take longer than expected. Keep your Sri Lankan bank account open until funds are received. Once in your account, convert to USD/EUR/GBP via PFCA and transfer internationally via Wise or your bank.
Local institution: CBSL EPF Division / Employees' Trust Fund Board (EPF and ETF withdrawal)
Time: Policy can be arranged in 1–3 days online · Cost: USD 1,000–4,000/year (LKR 300,000–1,200,000) depending on age, coverage, and provider
Deadline: Before arrival in Sri Lanka
Risk if missed: Emergency medical evacuation without insurance: LKR 1M–3M out of pocket. Private hospital for serious illness: LKR 500,000–3,000,000.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Application form
- ✓ Medical history declaration
Tip: Ensure your policy explicitly covers medical evacuation to a third country (Singapore or Bangkok — the nearest quality medical hubs). Check that Lanka Hospitals (JCI-accredited) and Asiri Central are on direct-billing network. If your employer provides group health cover, check if it includes evacuation coverage.
Local institution: AXA Health International / BUPA International / Cigna Global (International Health Insurance Provider)
Time: 30 minutes to identify and book a first appointment · Cost: LKR 2,000–5,000 per GP consultation. LKR 3,000–6,000 dental check-up.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Insurance card / policy number
- ✓ Medical records from home country (if any chronic conditions)
Tip: Ask expat colleagues or InterNations Colombo for GP recommendations — personal referrals are the most reliable. Lanka Hospitals (formerly Apollo Hospitals Colombo, JCI-accredited) at Narahenpita is the highest standard private hospital. For dental: many Colombo-based expats recommend private dentists in the Colombo 3–7 corridor. Suwasariya Ambulance: 1990.
Local institution: Private Clinic / Specialist Hospital (Private Medical Practice)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 appointments at a travel clinic before departure · Cost: Depends on home country — typically USD 100–400 for a full Sri Lanka travel vaccination course
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vaccination record / Yellow Card
- ✓ Travel itinerary (to assess malaria risk areas)
Tip: Recommended vaccinations for Sri Lanka: Hepatitis A, Typhoid (strongly recommended), Rabies (pre-exposure if working in rural areas or with animals), Japanese Encephalitis (if in rural areas during transmission season), Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (ensure up to date). Malaria: Colombo has no malaria risk; rural provinces require prophylaxis. Dengue fever is endemic and has no vaccine — use mosquito repellent (DEET) consistently.
Local institution: Private Travel Clinic / Home Country GP (Travel Vaccination Clinic)
Time: 1–4 weeks to find, negotiate, and move into an apartment · Cost: 2–3 months deposit + 1st month rent upfront. Typical: LKR 300,000–1,000,000 initial outlay.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Work permit
- ✓ Employer letter
- ✓ Bank statement (3 months)
- ✓ 2–3 months deposit in cash or bank transfer
Tip: Prioritise backup generator (essential — occasional power outages still occur) and ensure aircon is working before signing. Visit the apartment in person before committing. Best platforms: LankaPropertyWeb.com, Ikman.lk, Facebook group "Colombo Expats Housing". Short-term serviced apartments (Havelock City, Altair) are ideal for the first 1–2 months while you search for a long-term home.
Local institution: Real Estate Agent / LankaPropertyWeb (Property Portal / Real Estate Agent)
Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ Camera/phone for photos
- ✓ Meter reading record
- ✓ Signed lease agreement
Tip: Email the landlord the photos immediately from your phone — the timestamp proves the condition at move-in. Check all aircon units, fans, hot water, TV, and kitchen appliances on the first day. Test backup generator operation.
Local institution: Your landlord (Landlord / Building Management)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hour legal consultation · Cost: LKR 5,000–15,000 initial consultation
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A — legal consultation
Tip: Never pay any deposit on property without a lawyer's clean title opinion. The 100% land transfer tax for foreigners on freehold land is a near-total prohibition. Some developers market "foreign-eligible condominiums" above the 4th floor — verify this claim with your own independent lawyer before any payment.
Local institution: Bar Association of Sri Lanka / Property Lawyer (BASL-registered property lawyer)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours per year · Cost: Time only — no cost unless changing providers
Documents needed:
- ✓ All current insurance policy documents
- ✓ Updated asset list
Tip: International health insurance should be reviewed every year as premiums increase significantly with age. Shop around between AXA, BUPA, Cigna, and Allianz Care — the competitive market means switching can save hundreds of dollars per year.
Local institution: Your insurance providers (Insurance brokers / providers)
Time: Ongoing — even 15 minutes daily for 2 weeks gives basics · Cost: Free (YouTube, apps). LKR 2,000–6,000/hour for private tutor.
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A
Tip: The most impactful 5 phrases for daily Colombo life: "Ayubowan" (greeting), "Istuti" (thank you), "Api yanna" (let's go), "Keeyada?" (how much?), "Daniyaluwata" (to the right/left — learn these for tuk-tuk directions). Even basic Sinhala is appreciated enormously and instantly improves service quality.
Local institution: Private tutor / Online resources (Language learning)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3-month course, typically 2 hours per week · Cost: University course: LKR 10,000–30,000 per 3-month module. Private tutor: LKR 2,000–6,000/hour.
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A
Tip: Private tutors found through InterNations Colombo and expat Facebook groups are more flexible and effective for busy professionals than structured courses. Ask your tutor to focus on conversational Sinhala for daily life rather than formal grammar — you'll progress faster and use it immediately.
Local institution: University of Kelaniya / Private Tutor (Sinhala/Tamil Language Course)
Time: 2–4 hours with a lawyer to draft, review, and execute · Cost: LKR 3,000–15,000 for a notarially attested will
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ List of Sri Lanka assets
- ✓ Names and details of beneficiaries and executor
Tip: A notarially attested will (prepared by a licensed notary-attorney) is the most effective form in Sri Lanka. If you have assets in multiple countries, consult lawyers in both Sri Lanka and your home country — a Sri Lankan will covers Sri Lankan assets; your home country will covers assets there.
Local institution: BASL-registered Notary/Attorney (Notary Public / Conveyancing Lawyer)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours to draft and execute before a notary · Cost: LKR 3,000–10,000 (notary fee)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Details of the person being granted power of attorney
- ✓ Description of the specific powers being granted
Tip: A specific (limited) Power of Attorney for a defined purpose (e.g. property sale) is safer than a general power of attorney. Use a specific POA rather than a general one when possible. Notarial POA executed in Sri Lanka is required for most Sri Lankan legal and property matters.
Local institution: BASL-registered Notary/Attorney (Notary Public)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours to obtain certified copies at Immigration HQ · Cost: LKR 500–1,500 per certified copy (Department of Immigration fee)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original passport with all Sri Lanka entry/exit stamps
- ✓ Current work permit (original)
- ✓ Employer introduction letter on company letterhead (updated annually)
- ✓ Proof of current Sri Lanka address (lease + recent utility bill)
- ✓ 2 recent passport photographs
- ✓ TIN certificate from IRD
Tip: Store digital copies of all documents in an encrypted cloud folder (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox). Use a document scanning app (Adobe Scan, CamScanner) to create high-quality PDFs. The moment your visa is renewed or your work permit is updated, update all certified copies. Keep a physical hard-copy set in a waterproof envelope — monsoon flooding can destroy paper files in Colombo apartments.
Local institution: Department of Immigration and Emigration (Department of Immigration and Emigration — immigration.gov.lk)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours with your CA to calculate and pay · Cost: Free payment. CASL CA for calculation: LKR 5,000–15,000.
Documents needed:
- ✓ TIN
- ✓ Estimated income for the year
- ✓ Previous year tax return (for reference)
Tip: Most employees on PAYE (Pay As You Earn) through their employer have no advance tax obligation — the employer deducts and remits monthly. Advance tax applies primarily to self-employed, freelancers, and those with significant investment income beyond PAYE employment.
Local institution: Inland Revenue Department (IRD — Advance Income Tax)
Time: 10 minutes to install and set up · Cost: Free app. Tuk-tuk: LKR 150–300 for 3km. Car: LKR 300–500 for 5km.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Smartphone
- ✓ Sri Lankan phone number (or foreign number for registration)
- ✓ Payment card or cash
Tip: PickMe tuk-tuks are always cheaper than street tuk-tuks and completely solve the tourist overcharging problem. PickMe car is comparable to Uber (slightly cheaper). Top-up your PickMe wallet with LKR 2,000–3,000 for convenience. PickMe also has a premium car service for airport transfers.
Local institution: PickMe (PickMe Rides (PickMe.world))
Time: 1–2 days in your home country (before departure) · Cost: USD 10–20 from your home country automobile association
Deadline: Obtain before arrival if you plan to drive
Risk if missed: Driving without a valid licence is a criminal offence. Insurance may be invalidated without a valid licence.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Home country driving licence
- ✓ Passport photograph
- ✓ Application at your home country automobile association
Tip: Sri Lanka drives on the LEFT — this is particularly important for drivers from right-hand traffic countries (most of Europe, North America). Traffic in Colombo is heavy; consider using PickMe or Uber for city journeys and renting a self-drive vehicle for trips to the countryside.
Local institution: Your home country automobile association (Automobile Association of home country)
Time: 30 minutes (form completion) · Cost: Free
Documents needed:
- ✓ EPF Nomination Form (Form E)
- ✓ Passport copies of nominee
- ✓ Nominee relationship documentation
Tip: Update your EPF nomination whenever your family circumstances change (marriage, birth of child). The nominated person receives the EPF balance directly without going through probate — this can be critical in an emergency.
Local institution: Employees' Provident Fund — CBSL (EPF Division, Central Bank of Sri Lanka)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–3 months to build · Cost: Monthly savings from your salary
Documents needed:
- ✓ N/A
Tip: Given the LKR's historical volatility, keep your emergency fund in USD or another stable currency in your Personal Foreign Currency Account (PFCA) at Commercial Bank — this provides both an emergency fund and currency protection.
Local institution: Your bank (Personal savings account)