Sri Lanka is an island nation situated off the south coast of India. It is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes surrounded by the Indian Ocean. With a population of approximately 20 million, Sri Lanka is the 57th most populous country in the world. It is one of the developing countries with a high Human Development Index. Although the country faces a growing population issue with an average of 0.73% annually, it welcomes expats with open arms. People from all around the world, including India, move to Sri Lanka. Its pristine beaches and misty mountains offer a stunning backdrop for expats seeking tranquillity and adventure.
If you are also planning to move to Sri Lanka from India, then you should do your preparation. There are a lot of things you need to know before moving to Sri Lanka from India. From shipping goods to managing paperwork, several things should be taken into consideration for a hassle-free move.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Moving to Sri Lanka from India
People move abroad for the betterment of their lives or standard of living. However, when it comes to international relocation, choosing the right country or continent is crucial. If you have opted for Sri Lanka to be your new home country, here are the most important things that you must know before moving:
Key Facts
- Capital City: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and Colombo
- Largest city: Colombo
- Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil
- Ethnic groups: 75% Sinhalese, 11% Sri Lankan Tamils, 9% Sri Lankan Moors, 9% Sri Lankan Moors, 4% Indian Tamils, 0.5% other
- Religion: 70% Buddhism (official), 13% Hinduism, 10% Islam, 7% Christianity, 0.1% Other/none
- Demonym(s): Sri Lankan
- Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic 1815–1948
- Independence: 4 February 19484.4
- Population: 21,763,170 (2024 estimate)
- Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (Rs) (LKR)
- Time zone: UTC+5:30 (SLST)
- Calling code: +94
- ISO 3166 code: LK
Life in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the popular tourist destinations in the world. Its diverse landscapes captivate people from all around the world. The main sectors of the country’s economy are tourism and agriculture. 70% of the population follows the Buddhist religion, followed by Hindus and then Muslims. Life in Sri Lanka is a blend of cultural richness and diverse landscapes. Besides, the country provides a unique expat experience. In this developing world, Sri Lanka is classed as having the highest literacy rates. Expats moving to Sri Lanka from India can expect a laid-back environment and ample access to fresh food and meat.
Climate of Sri Lanka
When moving to Sri Lanka from India, you need to know about its climate so that you can know if you will get acclimated to it or not. Sri Lanka is an island country; hence, it has a tropical climate. With temperatures ranging from 27-28°C, Sri Lanka is one of the hottest countries in the world. The country experiences mainly two seasons—the Maha and Yala seasons. Both are associated with the monsoon season. Where the Maha season is associated with the northeast monsoon, the Yala season is related to the southwest monsoon.
Visa and Immigration
While moving abroad, you need a visa and go through an immigration process. Similarly, when visiting Sri Lanka, you need a visa. People who intend to live in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days must get a visa prior to their journey date. There are different types of visas available to immigrants to Sri Lanka. The process and the requirements for a visa vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration. Here are the different types of residence visas available when moving to Sri Lanka from India:
- Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Investor visa
- Spouse visa
- Retirement Visa
Buying or Renting Properties in Sri Lanka
While moving to a new country, one of the major concerns of any expat is the accommodation or housing. Hence, when moving to Sri Lanka from India, you should know in advance if expats can buy a property in Sri Lanka or not.
Well, an expat can buy a property in Sri Lanka. However, you can only buy an apartment or a building. Land cannot be purchased by expats. Under only certain conditions, you can own properties in Sri Lanka, such as leasing a property, inheriting the property, receiving the property as a gift, or purchasing the property for a private company, but you must have a local shareholder holding 50% or above shares.
Language in Sri Lanka
The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil. The widely spoken language in the country is Sinhala, which is the native language of the Sinhalese people, who constitute approximately 70% of the total population. English is also widely spoken in the urban cities, especially for official and educational purposes.
Cost of Living in Sri Lanka
The low cost of living in Sri Lanka is what makes life enjoyable for expats in the country. Living in Sri Lanka is approximately 1.2% cheaper than living in India. And, compared to the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka is 49.3% affordable. This is what makes Indians migrate to Sri Lanka then living in India.
But remember, the living costs in Sri Lanka will vary from person to person depending on the private school fees, healthcare, etc. Let’s see the estimated monthly expenses of living in Sri Lanka to help you budget for your move.
According to Numbeo, the summary of the cost of living in Sri Lanka:
- The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are 158,433.3₹ (566,986.9Rs), excluding rent.
- The estimated monthly costs for a single person are 44,216.7₹ (158,238.7Rs), excluding rent.
- The cost of living in Sri Lanka is, on average, 64.2% higher than in India.
- Rent in Sri Lanka is, on average, 31.2% higher than in India.
| Types of Expenses | Estimated Price |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | Rs. 7,000 |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | Rs. 504.85 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | Rs. 172.00 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) for Transportation | Rs. 1,700 |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | Rs. 14,177.17 |
| Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child | Rs. 10,731.48 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | Rs. 81,600.00 |
Opening a Bank Account in Sri Lanka
When moving to Sri Lanka, you will need a local bank account for financial transactions. You can find several banks in which you can open your account, for which you must have your documents, like a passport, a visa/work permit, proof of residence, proof of identity, and proof of income. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your travel. For residence proof, you can show your electricity bill or the rental agreement.
Healthcare in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a free and universal health care facility for its citizens. Expats can also benefit from the government-funded and tax-funded public healthcare system. The quality of the public healthcare facilities may vary because of the long waiting queues and limited availability. However, a private healthcare facility is the best alternative for expats, which offers them a better quality of service.
Where to Live in Sri Lanka
If you have planned to begin a new life in Sri Lanka, then you must choose a place to live. This tropical island, with its natural beauty, has attracted many visitors. In addition, the low cost of living in Sri Lanka has also attracted many expats. Sri Lanka is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the best place to settle. If you want to know which city will be best for you to live with family or as an individual, check out the list of the best places to live in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital city, which is an obvious choice for expats to settle. Residents can expect a dynamic urban lifestyle in Colombo with modern amenities. The best part of living in Colombo is the work opportunities skilled workers get. Besides, the city has ample international schools, shopping malls, and vibrant markets. With high-rise buildings and colonial architecture, Colombo offers the best neighborhoods to live with family. The average rent in Colombo for a one-bedroom apartment starts at INR 25,896 approximately.
Galle
Another top location to live in Sri Lanka for expats is Galle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage city. This city is famous for the iconic Galle Fort, colonial architecture, and charming streets. With the blend of beauty and modernity, Galle offers both a tranquil and culturally rich lifestyle. Expats are drawn to the natural beauty and the relaxed atmosphere of the town. The average rent in Galle for a one-bedroom apartment starts at INR 5,984 approximately.
Matara
People who have imagined settling in a surreal place surrounded by white beaches and enjoying a quieter pace of life, Matara is the perfect place to settle. Situated on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Matara is one of the most stunning coastal locations. The average rent in Matara for a one-bedroom apartment starts at INR 10,654 approximately.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay, locally known as Arugam Kudah, is situated on the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. It is a popular surfing destination and a paradise for surfers. You will see yourself immersing in water activities, yoga, surfing, and other beach-centric cultures.
Kandy
Another best place to live in Sri Lanka is Kandy. It is the perfect blend of cultural richness and scenic beauty. It is surrounded by beautiful lakes and misty mountains, making it an ideal holiday destination. Kandy attracts expats who want to live in a cooler climate and explore the Sri Lankan heritage. The city has several temples and religious sites. It gives a rich cultural experience to its visitors and residents.
Planning to Move to Sri Lanka from India
Moving to Sri Lanka is a big step. The process could be challenging and chaotic. But promises a reward if done in the right way. Well, relocation to a new country is not only about finding the best place and right accommodation, you will have to ship your belongings also.
You probably looking for the best packers and movers to assist you with your India to Sri Lanka relocation. Well, when it comes to international relocation, you should not hire a company randomly. Instead, you should choose a reliable source like Abroad Movers, where you can find a list of genuine and experienced international movers and packers from India to Sri Lanka.
Abroad Movers partners with India’s leading moving companies and shipping companies that specialize in overseas moves. They cover the entire Sri Lanka and India with their qualitative and efficient relocation services. From packing goods to local transport and shipping goods abroad, our partner handles everything to provide you with peace of mind while moving to Sri Lanka from India.
Hire the Best International Packers and Movers from India to Sri Lanka
International relocation involves many challenges. From packing the goods to shipping them abroad, each step of the process requires accuracy. This is where you need the assistance of professional movers and packers. International moving companies in India are highly skilled in packing and shipping goods overseas efficiently, guaranteeing on-time arrival. Finding such skilled professionals is easy with Abroad Movers.
We have listed renowned moving companies that are licensed, certified, and experienced. Moreover, they have a worldwide network of shipping companies and customs clearance agents. They guarantee a 100% safe and hassle-free relocation experience to customers, utilizing their skills, network, and resources. Our unwavering commitment to world-class services has made us the most trusted brand in the international relocation industry. Not only in Sri Lanka, but our partners also provide quality services for moving to the USA, UK, UAE, and other countries from India. Let us know your requirements and get quick quotes from the most relevant companies near you.
Follow the steps given below to book credible international packers and movers in India:
Share your requirements
Fill out the quote form available on the website. Enter your name and phone number with your moving details like goods volume, source city and destination country, tentative moving date, and other specific instructions if you have anything. Click on the submit button and wait for our response.
Get top recommendations
Instantly, after receiving your details, we analyze your requirements. This helps us in shortlisting the best service providers in your area that are relevant to your move. We share the contact details of the three most relevant companies over the phone or by email. The shortlisted agencies will contact you soon to provide an estimated price for India to Sri Lanka move.
Schedule a pre-move survey and get quotes
Even though you get estimates over the phone, Abroad Movers recommends scheduling a pre-move survey to get accurate price quotes from the service providers. A pre-move survey lets the movers understand your requirements and assess the goods to evaluate the type and number of packaging materials required. Along with this, they calculate other expenses. Finally, you get the accurate price quotes.
Compare quotes and hire the best service provider
Now you have multiple price quotes from the three most relevant companies. Compare the quotes based on charges, services offered, and reviews to hire the best service provider. Make sure to choose a company that fits your budget and meets your requirements.
Why Choose Abroad Movers
Abroad Movers is India’s leading aggregator of international relocation companies. We have a partnership with renowned moving companies, recognized for their quality international relocation services. From packing to shipping goods abroad and storage facilities, they offer a comprehensive international moving solution at affordable rates. Abroad Movers is your one-stop solution for all overseas moving-related issues.
Here are the top reasons why you should choose Abroad Movers to book credible international movers and packers from India to Sri Lanka:
Worldwide network of legitimate service providers
We have a worldwide network of legitimate moving companies, specializing in packing and moving goods abroad. We partner only with licensed and certified agencies, having vast knowledge and experience in international moves. In addition, they have branches and network with reliable shipping companies across continents. Utilizing their sources and resources, they let you have the best relocation experience, guaranteeing peace of mind.
Easy booking process
Another important reason to choose Abroad Movers is that you get an easy booking process to hire professional packers and movers from India to Sri Lanka. Just enter your move details by filling out the quote form and getting quick quotes from the three most reliable and relevant service providers. Just compare the quotes and hire the right moving company that fits your budget and requirements.
Transparent pricing
Abroad Movers and its partners guarantee to maintain cost transparency with customers. We encourage our partners to maintain transparency to build customers’ trust. They provide a price breakdown to let you know the cost of each service and value-added services. There will be no hidden charges for GST or transit insurance. Everything will be pre-discussed and mentioned in the quotation. So, stay relaxed and hire any of our partners to move to Sri Lanka from India.
Pre and post-move assistance
We strive to provide satisfactory services to customers by giving them 24/7 customer support. At Abroad Movers, you get both pre- and post-move assistance from us. Whether you need assistance in selecting the right service provider, or there is a delay in your shipment delivery, or you need any other support, we are always happy to assist you. You can even read our customer reviews to know their experience with us and see how satisfied they are with the resolutions we provide.
Moving to Sri Lanka from India: FAQs
The cost of moving to Sri Lanka from India depends on various factors, like your shipment weight, moving date, shipping mode, local transport expenses, packing charges, etc. However, you should know that international relocation costs are more expensive than intercity relocations. Contact us to know the accurate cost of your move by scheduling a pre-move survey with an international shipping company in India.
There are only two ways to ship goods to Sri Lanka from India: Sea Cargo and Air Cargo. Air cargo is suitable for light-weight items or expensive items. It is one of the most expensive modes of international goods transportation. On the other hand, sea cargo is apt for bulky shipments or large items, and it is also the cheapest mode of international goods shipping. If you are moving with the entire household goods, including furniture, appliances, and electronic items, you should go with sea cargo. Your moving company will choose the transportation mode considering your preference and budget.
Just like other countries, the government of Sri Lanka also restricts and prohibits the import and export of some goods. When you are moving to Sri Lanka from India, make sure you are not bringing any explosive or inflammable items with you. Apart from this, weapons, alcohol, bizarre animals, plants, cleaning materials, hazardous chemicals, essential oils, and gasoline are some of the restricted and prohibited items.
Goods shipping from India to Sri Lanka takes 7 to 30 days. However, the actual time to deliver the goods depends on various factors. The congestion, vessel departure date and time, and weather conditions affect the time. Sometimes, local transport from your current home to the nearest port also consumes time. These factors cause a delay in the shipment delivery.
Yes, you can ship your car from India to Sri Lanka. Our associates will help you ship your four-wheeler without any hassles. For this, you will need a variety of documents, such as a registration certificate, insurance copies, a bill of lading, a commercial invoice, and a customs goods declaration.