SLBFE Registration Fees
| Registration | Fee | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| First registration | Rs. 22,027 (Rs. 18,200 + 18% VAT + 2.5% SSCL) | Your first time; going to a different employer from your last registered one; or you went on a tourist visa, got a work visa and are returning on a re-entry visa |
| Renewal | Rs. 4,599 (Rs. 3,800 + 18% VAT + 2.5% SSCL) | Going back to your last registered employer on a re-entry visa; going to another country under the same employer; or a new visa or contract from the same employer |
Some websites still quote Rs. 1,750. That figure isn't on the SLBFE's own pages.
Source: SLBFE, New/Renew Registration and How to register for a received foreign job (registry rows slbfe_fee_first, slbfe_fee_renewal). Last checked 29 Sep 2026.
SLBFE Registration Checklist
Pick your situation to see what to bring:
Rs. 22,027. This also applies when you're going to a different employer from your last registered one, and when you went on a tourist visa, got a work visa and are returning on a re-entry visa.
Online, you upload images of the documents below and pay online, then bring the originals when you visit to complete registration.
Open the SLBFE Online Services PortalFor domestic work in several countries, the Sri Lankan embassy must verify the contract first. See the SLBFE's service agreement rules.
Foreign or local experience, institutional training, a professional qualification, or an SLBFE training certificate. Skilled and professional workers can submit a service certificate (6+ months) or qualification certificates.
From your Divisional Secretariat, valid 9 months. See the "Women: Domestic Work" tab for exceptions and the online alternative.
Cover from the Jordan Insurance Company, for men and women going to any job in Jordan.
Rs. 18,200 plus 18% VAT and 2.5% SSCL. Can be paid online.
Open the SLBFE Online Payment PortalRs. 4,599. For going back to your last registered employer on a re-entry visa, going to another country under the same employer, or a new visa or contract from the same employer.
If your employer can't verify the re-entry visa, bring documents showing you've worked for the same employer since you registered.
Extra rules apply to women, especially for domestic work. Experience requirements depend on the job and country: confirm yours with the SLBFE hotline (1989).
25 for Saudi Arabia, 23 for other Middle East countries, 21 for non-Middle East countries. For everyone else, the minimum is over 18.
From your Divisional Secretariat, valid 9 months. Not needed if you're registered, working abroad and returning within 6 months with a new visa, or renewing on a re-entry visa after getting a work visa on a tourist visa.
Instead of the Divisional Secretariat report, upload the Grama Niladhari certificate of residence page, an affidavit, your NIC and a passport photo on slbfe.lk. Bring the originals when you register.
Indoor Housekeeping Assistant course (15 days, with practical training), a 2-day course for corporate and industrial jobs, and others.
See the SLBFE's training and experience rulesYou don't have to fly home to renew.
At renewal time, or when you change employer.
At the SLBFE head office or any branch office.
How to Register, Step by Step
In order, from job offer to departure:
Check the recruitment agency is licensed
If an agency found you the job, check it on the SLBFE's list of valid licensed agencies before you pay it anything.
Get your visa and service agreement
For domestic work in several countries, the Sri Lankan embassy must verify your contract before you can register.
Gather the other documents
Passport valid 6 more months, proof of experience or SLBFE training, and for women under 45, the Family Background Report.
Apply online or visit an SLBFE office
Online, upload the documents and pay. Either way, you complete registration at the SLBFE head office in Battaramulla or a branch office with the originals.
Pay the fee
Rs. 22,027 for first registration or a new employer; Rs. 4,599 to renew with the same employer.
Keep your registration valid
It lasts 2 years with the same employer, and ends early if the contract ends or you change employer. Renew at the embassy abroad or through a family member at home.
SLBFE Registered Agency List: Check Before You Pay
If an agency found you the job, look it up on the SLBFE's list of valid licensed agencies before you hand over your passport or any money. If something goes wrong, the SLBFE takes complaints online and through its hotline, 1989.
Source: SLBFE, Valid Licensed Agencies and Complaint Management. Last checked 29 Sep 2026.
How Long Registration Lasts, Renewing, and Refunds
- Validity: the SLBFE's registration page says 2 years from registration while you stay with the same employer. It ends early if your contract ends or you change employer; a new employer means paying the first-registration fee again. Another SLBFE page says registration can be valid for 2 or 3 years depending on the contract, so confirm yours with the SLBFE.
- Renewing from abroad: at the Sri Lankan embassy in the country where you work, at renewal time or when you change employer.
- Renewing through family: a family member can renew at the SLBFE head office or any branch office with photocopies of your valid visa and passport.
- Didn't travel? Ask for the fee back within 120 days of registering: a request letter with the insurance certificate, your copy of the receipt, your passport and a photocopy of your bank account page.
Source: SLBFE, New/Renew Registration, Registration of Migrant Workers and How to register for a received foreign job (registry rows slbfe_validity, slbfe_renewal_abroad_nok, slbfe_refund). Last checked 29 Sep 2026.
Free Insurance and Getting Help
Registered migrant workers get free SLBFE insurance for the contract period. A registered person over 65 isn't covered by the free local insurance. Claims go through the SLBFE's insurance claims page.
Registration also lets the SLBFE step in if you have problems abroad. For help, call 1989 or +94 11 2 880 500 in Sri Lanka, or +94 71 9 802 822 from abroad, or use SLBFE complaints.
Source: SLBFE, Registration of Migrant Workers and How to register for a received foreign job (registry rows slbfe_insurance, slbfe_contacts). Last checked 29 Sep 2026.
Other Documents You May Need for Work Abroad
- Police clearance: if the country or employer asks for one, see the police clearance guide.
- Attested documents: if you're asked for attested degrees, birth certificates or police clearances, see the document attestation guide.
- A fresh birth or marriage certificate: see how to get certificate copies.
- Service agreement rules: for domestic work in several countries, the Sri Lankan embassy must verify your contract, and service agreement fees may apply. The details depend on the country and job; see the SLBFE's registration requirements.
Office & Hotline
Register at the head office or a branch office, or start online.
SLBFE Head Office
Hotline 1989 or +94 11 2 880 500No. 234, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Koswatta, Battaramulla
Official Links
The SLBFE's registration pages, online services, licensed agency list, complaints and insurance claims:
Sources & last checked
Checked against Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE). Every source for this topic, with dates, is on our verified sources.
LankaSolve is an independent information service and is not affiliated with the Government of Sri Lanka or the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment. Fees, age limits and document rules can change, and some rules depend on the country and job. Confirm with the SLBFE (hotline 1989) before you pay or travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the SLBFE registration fee?
Rs. 22,027 for first registration (Rs. 18,200 plus 18% VAT and 2.5% SSCL), and Rs. 4,599 to renew with the same employer (Rs. 3,800 plus taxes). The first-registration fee also applies when you go to a new employer. Some websites still quote Rs. 1,750, which isn't on the SLBFE's pages.
Do I have to register with the SLBFE before going abroad for work?
Yes. Section 53(3) of the SLBFE Act No. 21 of 1985 requires every Sri Lankan leaving for employment abroad to register with the Bureau before leaving. You can register at the SLBFE head office in Battaramulla or a branch office, or apply and pay online.
Can I register with the SLBFE online?
Yes, for both first registration and renewal. Upload images of your passport, NIC (both sides), visa, service agreement and experience or training proof, and pay online. You still bring the originals to the SLBFE head office or a branch office to complete registration.
What documents do I need for SLBFE registration?
A passport valid for 6 months from the registration date, a valid visa or entry permit, your service agreement, and proof of experience or training. Women under 45 also need a Family Background Report, and anyone going to Jordan needs an insurance certificate from the Jordan Insurance Company.
How long is SLBFE registration valid?
The SLBFE's registration page says 2 years from registration while you stay with the same employer. It ends earlier if your contract ends or you change employer, and a new employer means paying the first-registration fee again. Another SLBFE page says registration can be valid for 2 or 3 years depending on the contract, so confirm yours with the SLBFE.
Can I renew my SLBFE registration from abroad?
Yes. Renew at the Sri Lankan embassy in the country where you work, or have a family member renew it at the SLBFE head office or any branch office with photocopies of your valid visa and passport.
What is the Family Background Report?
Women under 45 must submit one to register. It comes from your Divisional Secretariat and is valid for 9 months. Instead, you can upload the Grama Niladhari certificate of residence page, an affidavit, your NIC and a passport photo on slbfe.lk, then bring the originals. It isn't needed in some renewal cases.
What is the minimum age to work abroad as a housemaid?
For women going for domestic work, the SLBFE minimum age is 25 for Saudi Arabia, 23 for other Middle East countries and 21 for non-Middle East countries. For all other workers, the minimum is over 18.
Can I get the SLBFE fee back if I don't travel?
Yes, if you apply within 120 days of registering. Send the Bureau a request letter with the insurance certificate, your copy of the receipt, your passport and a photocopy of your bank account page.
Does SLBFE registration include insurance?
Yes. Registered migrant workers get free SLBFE insurance cover for the contract period. A registered person over 65 isn't entitled to the free local insurance cover.
How do I check whether a foreign employment agency is licensed?
Use the SLBFE's list of valid licensed agencies on its website before you pay an agency anything.