Your guide to living in Sri Lanka.  Visas, citizenship and more.

What is it like living in Sri Lanka?

Tourism in Sri Lanka is growing remarkably fast and so is the number of people calling this country their new home. In 2009, the civil war that lasted for over 25 years finally came to an end and this was the beginning of an exciting new era for the country and an opportunity for the rest of the world to explore its beauty.

It is not just tourism that is growing quickly in Sri Lanka, the country’s economy has moved quickly from being fragile to being stable. The government is taking action to create a healthy business climate and stimulate growth. Food, transport and housing are a lot cheaper in Sri Lanka than in most other places in the world, expect to pay around $200 for a one bedroom apartment in the city and about half that much for an apartment outside the city.

Apart from the capital city Colombo, where many expats live, there are plenty of beautiful places to settle. From forests and beaches to tea plantations and small towns, Sri Lanka has a place to call home for everyone. Many locals speak English, making communication easier and getting around is not a problem either with well-developed infrastructure. Many ‘Western’ facilities are available, especially in Colombo, and a lot of expats emphasise how easy it is to get used to the way of life in the country.