Blog - Latest Articles & Guides

USA F-1 Visa for Sri Lankans: Avoid Common Mistakes

Have you ever meticulously prepared your university applications, secured that life-changing acceptance letter, only to feel a growing sense of dread about the F-1 visa interview? For many Sri Lankan students, this final step feels like the most unpredictable part of the journey. The paperwork see...

Jan 12, 2026 66

SL Expats 7 min read

Renting out your Colombo apartment while overseas: Property management, tax implications.

Getting Started: Legal and Practical First Steps Turning your Colombo apartment into an income source while you are overseas requires careful planning. Getting the first few steps right will save you a lot of trouble later. Here is a simple checklist to get you started on the right foot. Choos...

Jan 12, 2026 135

SL Expats 8 min read

Buying a villa in southern Sri Lanka as an expat: Galle, Unawatuna, legal process.

Why Southern Sri Lanka? The Allure of Galle and Unawatuna When expats dream of a tropical life, many picture the southern coast of Sri Lanka. This region offers a perfect mix of golden beaches, lush green landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Two places stand out for those looking to buy a vill...

Jan 12, 2026 153

SL Expats 7 min read

Real estate investment in Colombo/Galle from abroad: Rental yields, tax, and legal setup.

Why Colombo and Galle are Prime Spots for Overseas Property Investment For those looking to invest in Sri Lankan real estate from overseas, Colombo and Galle offer two very different but equally strong opportunities. These cities are the top choices for foreign buyers because they cater to distinc...

Jan 12, 2026 47

SL Expats 7 min read

Send gifts to Sri Lanka from Aus/NZ: Daraz, local couriers, and duty-free hacks.

Option 1: The E-commerce Hack - Shop Local in Sri Lanka Instead of shipping a gift from Australia or New Zealand, you can buy it directly from an online store in Sri Lanka. This simple trick saves you a lot of money and trouble. You avoid expensive international shipping fees and your family won't...

Jan 12, 2026 43

SL Expats 7 min read

Dropshipping Sri Lankan products to expat communities in UK/Canada: Supply chains and customs.

The Opportunity: Connecting the Diaspora with a Taste of Home Thousands of Sri Lankans live and work in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. While they build new lives, a powerful sense of nostalgia remains. This longing for the sights, sounds, and tastes of home creates a unique and growi...

Jan 12, 2026 40

SL Expats 7 min read

Starting a Daraz/online store in Sri Lanka from Australia: Setup, logistics, taxes.

Section 1: The Foundation: Business Setup & Daraz Registration Before you list your first product, you need a solid legal foundation in Sri Lanka. Setting up a proper business and gathering the right documents from the start will prevent major problems later. This process requires a local presen...

Jan 12, 2026 40

SL Expats 8 min read

Work visa rejection appeals: How Sri Lankans overcame refusals in Aus/UK.

Understanding the Rejection: Common Refusal Grounds for Aus & UK Work Visas Receiving a visa refusal is disappointing, but understanding the reason is the first step toward a successful appeal. Immigration officers in both Australia and the United Kingdom follow strict guidelines. A rejection o...

Jan 12, 2026 42

SL Expats 8 min read

Sponsoring parents to Australia/NZ from Sri Lanka: Points, costs, and timeline 2026.

Overview: Bringing Your Sri Lankan Parents to Australia vs. New Zealand For many Sri Lankans living abroad, bringing Amma and Thaththa to join them is a major life goal. It reflects our deep family values. However, choosing between Australia and New Zealand for your parents involves navigating very...

Jan 12, 2026 93

SL Expats 7 min read

Returning to Sri Lanka: Visa cancellation, tax residency, and property/business setup.

Navigating Your Return: Initial Steps & Visa Formalities Coming back to Sri Lanka after years abroad is an exciting step. But before you can settle in, there's some important paperwork to handle. Your first task is to sort out your visa and legal status. Getting this right from the start makes e...

Jan 12, 2026 31

SL Expats 8 min read

Skills assessment for Sri Lankan nurses/engineers migrating to NZ/UK in 2026.

Navigating Your 2026 Migration Journey: An Overview Planning to move to New Zealand or the United Kingdom in 2026? If you are a nurse or an engineer from Sri Lanka, your journey starts with one key step: the skills assessment. This is the official process to prove that your qualifications and work...

Jan 12, 2026 19

Entrepreneurs 9 min read

Dhanika Perera – Payment Pioneer Creating PayPal for PayHere-Hungry Sri Lankans

The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka's Digital Payment Revolution Every big change starts with someone who sees a problem that others ignore. For Sri Lanka's online businesses, that person was Dhanika Perera. Before he created PayHere, selling goods and services online was a major challenge for many Sri...

Jan 12, 2026 133