The Programme
About the Golden Paradise Residence Visa
What the Golden Paradise Residence Visa is, who it was built for, and how it has changed since 2022.
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On this page
Direct answer
Frequently Misunderstood
At a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | Golden Paradise Residence Visa Program |
| Validity | 10 years |
| Qualifying step | USD 200,000 GPFCA deposit at a licensed bank |
| Government fee | USD 2,000 for the full period |
| Family | Spouse and dependants on the same deposit |
| Privileges | Invest, live and study in Sri Lanka |
| Exit | Cancellation on written request releases the deposit |
CurrentVerified 2026-07-16 · View official source
Programme history
Step 1
April 2022: Launch
The Golden Paradise Residence Visa launches with a USD 100,000 minimum deposit, per the programme circular of 25 May 2022.Step 2
October 2022: Requirement doubled
The minimum investment is raised to USD 200,000, with up to 50% withdrawable after the first year. Older documents with the lower figure still circulate.Step 3
2026: Programme active
The official programme page remains live with active forms and a dedicated contact. All facts on this site verified 16 July 2026.
What residence grants
A single residence visa valid for 10 years, with four published investment routes: government-approved investments, condominium purchase, leasing land and buildings, and Sri Lanka Development Bonds.
The programme targets investors with liquid capital who want a long-term base without buying property as a precondition. The qualifying act is the deposit; everything else is optional.
What the visa is not
It is not citizenship, and it does not automatically lead to citizenship, which follows separate legislation.
It is not a guarantee: applications pass a security clearance, and the authorities decide. The terms can also change. The minimum has already been raised once.
Key Takeaway
Next Step
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Reading it as citizenship-by-investment | It is residence only, under separate law | Plan citizenship questions with counsel |
| Relying on 2022 articles | The core figure doubled in October 2022 | Check the change log and official page |
| Assuming employment rights | The current page says invest, live, study | Get written confirmation before local employment |
Tip
Frequently asked questions
Is the programme still open?
Yes. As of our last check the official page remains live, with active forms and a dedicated contact address.
Why is it called Golden Paradise?
That is the official programme name used by the Department of Immigration and Emigration; Golden Visa is the common shorthand.
Who runs the programme?
The Department of Immigration and Emigration, with the GPFCA held at Central Bank-licensed commercial banks.
The regulatory figures in this guide are checked against the official programme page of the Department of Immigration and Emigration and dated in our source register. Changes are logged publicly in the change log.
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