Leaving Sri Lanka
Useful Information

Arranging Your Visa / Work Permit

Unless you are a resident in the country you are moving to, you will most likely require a visa or work permit. If you are going over on a work contract, contact the appropriate administration department of your company to see whether they will arrange the necessary documents for you. Otherwise, you may need to contact the visa department at the embassy of the country you are moving to and find out how to obtain the appropriate documents.

Visa and work permit applications can take some time to prepare, so you should start looking into it about a year before your departure. You should also make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months at the time of your move.

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Driving Overseas

You will probably need an international licence to allow you to drive as soon as you arrive. Please contact the Department of Motor Traffic regarding international licences.

Don't forget: When using your international licence abroad, it needs to be accompanied by your licence issued by the country of permanent residency at all times.

Once you arrive at your new destination, you should check with the local transportation authority to find out how to apply for a local licence

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Finding the Right Place to Live

Finding the right place to live can be quite difficult, especially if you are moving with your family. Contact relocation companies with expertise in your new destination and get a head start in your search. Alternatively, renting a place can be an option in the short term until you are more familiar with the property market in your new destination.

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Children's Education

Finding the right school for your children will no doubt be an utmost priority if you are moving your family overseas. Depending on where you move to, you will have a few options to ensure your children's education does not suffer:

1. International schools

If your children attend an international school here in Sri Lanka, you may want to find a similar school in the city to which you are moving. Find out if there is a suitable school where you will be relocating by searching the directory of international schools on the internet.

2. Local schools

If you are going to stay a while in the country you are moving to, you may want to consider enrolling your children in a local school. Contact the embassy of the country you are moving to for a list of schools and the relevant application procedures.

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Arranging Your Finances

Check with your banker 3 months before your departure to see if an overseas account and other financial arrangements can be set up prior to your move, or ask them for a reference letter that you can take with you. They will also be able to explain the Exchange Control regulations that are applicable.

Family Healthcare

Hospital services, doctors' consultations, emergency services and other forms of healthcare may be wholly or partly paid for by the recipient in the country you move to. This is an expense that you need to factor into your finances or make sure that you have the appropriate health cover.

A doctor's check up for each member of your family is also a good idea. It should be done no later than six months before departure.

Insurance Coverage

You should consider getting travel insurance coverage in case of emergency whilst travelling. Other coverage to consider is a policy to protect the contents of your home while it is being relocated.

Other Issues

Sri Lanka's tax office needs to be advised of your departure, as will your utilities companies and bank.

If you have pets, you should contact a pet relocation agency to check quarantine requirements of your destination.

In your spare time, learn more about the language and local customs of your new country so you can settle in as soon as possible.

Packing Up and Moving

Once you decide on the date of your move, notify the moving company at least 3 months before your departure. Book the time for your move to ensure all your belongings arrive before you do. In addition, obtain a complete listing of your belongings from your mover and check out what customs and excise documentation you will need to clear customs in your new country.

Just to be safe, leave a photocopy of your passport, visas and other important documents in a safe place before you move.

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