Employment Visa
Our comprehensive Employment visa services help skilled professionals, temporary workers, and employers navigate the complexities of employment-based immigration.
Whether you're a skilled worker seeking employment opportunities, a company looking to hire foreign talent, or an individual with a job offer, our expert consultants will guide you through every step of the work visa application process.
Eligibility
Anyone seeking employment in Sri Lanka must obtain an Entry Visa before traveling. This visa is approved only by the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions abroad do not issue Employment Visas unless prior approval is granted.
Under no circumstances should employment seekers enter Sri Lanka using the Online ETA, Tourist Visa, or Business Visa. Changing visa types after arrival is strictly prohibited.
Employment Visa is required for:
- Professionals & expatriates working on government or BOI-approved projects
- Employees in banks and their dependants
- Volunteers and NGO staff
- Employees in diplomatic missions, UN, or inter-governmental organizations
- Private sector employees
- Artists performing regularly in clubs/hotels
- Foreign coaches and sports personnel
- Specialist foreign chefs
Application Procedure
The Employment Visa process has 3 main steps:
- Obtain Entry Visa approval from the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
- Visit the nearest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission to get Entry Visa endorsed.
- After arrival, visit the Department of Immigration to receive Employment Visa endorsement.
Step-by-step:
- Secure a job offer from a Sri Lankan employer.
- Employer applies for Entry Visa approval in Colombo.
- The Department notifies the nearest Sri Lanka Mission.
- The applicant visits the Mission to get the Entry Visa on the passport.
- Travel to Sri Lanka — entry granted for a limited period.
- Visit the Department in Colombo to get the final Employment Visa stamp.
Do not travel on a Tourist or Business visa. You cannot change visa type once in Sri Lanka.
Documents Required for Entry Visa Approval
- Completed visa application form
- Employment confirmation letter from the Sri Lankan employer
- Business registration and project documents (if applicable)
- Visa recommendation letter from Ministry, BOI, or relevant institution
- Copy of the passport data page
Visa Fee
Government Fee: Rs. 20,000.00 per year
(Subject to change based on immigration policy)
How to Apply
Submit applications at one of the following centers:
- ETA via online services - Click Here
- ETA at Immigration Services Center in Colombo - Click Here
Please visit our Immigration Services Center located in Colombo.
Call our helpdesk at +94 777 777 777 or email your request to [email protected].
Our trained team offers full support — from preparing documents to getting visa endorsement after arrival. Optional services like door-to-door processing are also available.
Service fee is case-based and will be confirmed before application submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about work visas
The processing time for Employment visa applications varies depending on several factors, including the visa category, your country of origin, and current application volumes. Typically, processing times range from a few weeks to several months. Our consultants provide accurate time estimates based on your specific circumstances and keep you informed throughout the process.
Many Employment visa categories allow for accompanying family members, including spouses/partners and dependent children. Depending on the specific visa type, your family members may be eligible for dependent visas that permit them to join you. In many cases, spouses/partners may also be eligible to work, and children can attend school. Our consultants can advise on the specific provisions for family members under your particular work visa category.
Changing employers while on a Employment visa typically requires a new Employment permit or an amendment to your existing visa. The specific requirements vary depending on the visa category and the immigration policies of the country. In some cases, you may need to submit a completely new application, while in others, a simpler notification or amendment process may be sufficient. It's important to address this properly before beginning employment with a new employer. Our consultants can guide you through this process to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Many countries offer pathways from Employment visas to permanent residency for skilled workers who have contributed to the economy and integrated into society. The specific requirements vary but typically include a minimum period of employment, continued need for your skills, language proficiency, and meeting health and character requirements. Some work visa categories are specifically designed as stepping stones to permanent residency, while others may require transitioning to different visa categories. Our consultants can help you understand the permanent residency pathways available to you based on your work visa category and personal circumstances.
Common documents required for Employment visa applications include:
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Educational credentials and certificates
- Professional qualifications and licenses
- Employment references and resume/CV
- Language proficiency test results
- Labor market impact assessment (if applicable)
- Medical examination results
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of financial means
The specific documentation requirements vary by visa category and country. Our consultants provide detailed document checklists tailored to your specific application.
Ready to Start Your Immigration Journey?
Contact our expert consultants today for a personalized assessment of your immigration options.