Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a company in Sri Lanka in most business sectors.

You do not generally need a Sri Lankan partner for industries that are open to foreign investment. 

Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka

✅ Sectors Where 100% Foreign Ownership Is Generally Allowed

Examples include:

  • Information Technology (IT)

  • Software Development

  • Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

  • Consulting Services

  • Tourism and Hospitality

  • Hotels and Resorts

  • Construction

  • Healthcare Services

  • Manufacturing

  • Export-Oriented Businesses

  • Professional Services

  • Logistics (in many areas)

In these sectors, a foreign investor can typically:

  • Own 100% of the shares

  • Be the sole director/shareholder (subject to company law requirements)

  • Open a corporate bank account

  • Repatriate profits according to applicable regulations 

Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
Complete Fee Breakdown of Company Registration Costing in Sri Lanka (2026)

⚠️ Sectors With Foreign Ownership Restrictions

Some industries are generally capped at 40% foreign ownership unless special approval is obtained from authorities such as the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. These may include:

  • Agriculture and farming

  • Mining and quarrying

  • Travel agencies and tour operators

  • Shipping agencies

  • Freight forwarding

  • Mass media and communications

  • Primary and secondary education

  • Timber-based industries

  • Coastal shipping

Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
Complete Fee Breakdown of Company Registration Costing in Sri Lanka (2026)

🚫 Sectors Reserved Mainly for Sri Lankan Nationals

Foreign ownership is prohibited or highly restricted in certain sectors, including:

  • Pawn brokering

  • Money lending (except under specific regulated structures)

  • Coastal fishing

  • Private security services

  • Small-scale retail trade below certain investment thresholds

🏠 Important Land Ownership Rule

A foreigner may own 100% of a Sri Lankan company, but that does not automatically mean the company can freely own land. Sri Lanka has separate restrictions on foreign ownership of land and on companies with significant foreign shareholding acquiring land.

Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
Complete Fee Breakdown of Company Registration Costing in Sri Lanka (2026)

💰 Example

If you are a citizen of the UAE, India, UK, Canada, Australia, or any other country and want to start:

  • A software company

  • Digital marketing agency

  • BPO/call center

  • Tourism business

  • Export company

  • Manufacturing company

you can generally register a Private Limited Company with 100% foreign ownership and no local partner.

Step-by-Step Business and Company Registration Process: Sri Lanka
Complete Fee Breakdown of Company Registration Costing in Sri Lanka (2026)