he Government yesterday issued Sri Lanka’s first residence visa under the newly introduced Individual Investor Category, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment through long-term residency opportunities.
The visa was granted to German national Dr. Prey Drechsel, with Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala presenting the official documentation.
The programme, introduced through the amended Immigration and Emigration Regulations of November 2023, allows foreign nationals to obtain a five-year visa with an investment of USD 100,000, or a 10-year visa with USD 200,000.
All investments under the scheme must be deposited in a Visa Programme Foreign Currency Account (VPFCA) with a licensed Sri Lankan bank.
Authorities said the initiative is part of wider efforts to strengthen investor confidence, bring in foreign capital, and position Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for long-term investment and residency.
