CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES
See below a selection of countries offering residency and citizenship investment programmes.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, an island nation known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, offers potential to high-net-worth investors seeking a second residency or citizenship. The country boasts a strategic location, a vibrant economy, and attractive investment opportunities in sectors like tourism, real estate, and technology. The allure of a tropical lifestyle, favourable tax policies, and a growing luxury property market make Sri Lanka an intriguing option for those willing to navigate its complexities and contribute to its development.
SRI LANKA CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
Sri Lanka does not offer a formal citizenship by investment programme and investors seeking direct citizenship will need to look elsewhere for such options, potentially in Europe or the Caribbean. Alternatives exist like the Malta Citizenship by Investment Programme which offers European citizenship and excellent visa-free travel through a strong passport. Or for those investors with considerable resources Switzerland or Austria both offer some form of residency through investment, albeit through substantial sums.
SRI LANKA RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
Sri Lanka provides residency permits ranging from two to ten years for foreign investors who allocate between $75,000 and $500,000 across diverse asset categories like bank deposits, condominiums, local enterprises, public stocks, or government bonds. The Independent Means Visa, also known as the Resident Guest Scheme, grants residency for 2 to 5 years to individuals showing a monthly income exceeding $1,500. Although permanent residency isn’t available, the Resident Guest Scheme serves as a pathway to citizenship after 5 years of residency, offering a route for those seeking long-term settlement in the country.
SRI LANKA PASSPORT STRENGTH AND RANKING
Sri Lanka’s passport holds limited travel privileges, granting visa-free entry to merely 58 nations and occupying a low position at 175th on La Vida’s Global Passport Ranking. In contrast, several other citizenship by investment programmes provide access to stronger passports. For instance, Dominica citizenship is one of the most affordable options. It leads to a passport ranked 65th in the world, significantly surpassing Sri Lanka’s passport with visa-free access to 153 destinations worldwide. A more attractive option for those seeking enhanced global mobility.
