Citizenship Services

Citizenship by Descent

Children born outside Sri Lanka to Sri Lankan citizen parents may be entitled to Sri Lankan citizenship by descent. The Embassy can assist with the application process and necessary documentation.

Eligibility

• At least one parent must be a Sri Lankan citizen at the time of the child's birth
• The birth must be registered at a Sri Lankan Embassy or consulate abroad
• Application should be made within one year of birth (exceptions may apply)

Required Documents

• Birth certificate of the child (original and certified translation if in Arabic)
• Valid Sri Lankan passports of both parents
• Sri Lankan birth certificates of the parent(s)
• Marriage certificate of the parents
• Completed citizenship application form (available at the Embassy)
• Two recent passport-size photographs of the child

Dual Citizenship

Sri Lanka permits dual citizenship for those who have acquired foreign citizenship. Sri Lankan nationals who have obtained Kuwaiti or another foreign citizenship may apply to retain their Sri Lankan citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Required Documents

• Completed dual citizenship application form (Form DC-1)
• Original Sri Lankan passport or certified copy
• Foreign passport (Kuwaiti or other) showing grant of foreign citizenship
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Sri Lankan National Identity Card (if available)
• Birth certificate (Sri Lankan)
• Applicable fees (payable to the Department of Immigration and Emigration)

Renunciation of Citizenship

Sri Lankan nationals who wish to formally renounce their Sri Lankan citizenship — for example, upon acquiring citizenship of another country — may do so through the Embassy. This is a permanent and legally binding process.

Required Documents

• Valid Sri Lankan passport
• Foreign citizenship certificate or passport
• Completed renunciation application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Any previously issued Sri Lankan travel documents
• Applicable fees

National Identity Card (NIC) Assistance

The Embassy can assist Sri Lankan nationals in Kuwait with queries related to obtaining or renewing their Sri Lankan National Identity Card. NIC applications are submitted to the Department of Registration of Persons in Sri Lanka.

• Guidance on completing the NIC application form
• Assistance with attestation of supporting documents
• Forwarding completed applications to Sri Lanka on request