What about categories?

- Home stay units: 1 to 4 guest rooms, lived in by the family - Bungalows - Rented houses or apartments - Heritage homes: 100 years old or more, with proof

What about minimum standards?

- Single bedroom: at least 100 sq ft; double bedroom: at least 120 sq ft; bathroom: at least 30 sq ft - Bed sizes listed: single 78 in by 3 ft, double 78 in by 5 ft - A suitable locality for tourism, safe access with security arrangements, a well-maintained and neat house and compound, and adequate secure parking

What about fees (plus nbt and vat)?

All fees are plus NBT and VAT, and are paid by cash, cheque or bank deposit with the application.

What about licence, inspection and renewal?

- The licence is valid for one calendar year. - The SLTDA inspects within 30 days of the application. Surprise inspections are allowed, and any deficiencies must be fixed in the agreed time, which is less than 3 months. - Apply to renew three months before the licence expires.

What about how to apply?

Download the application from sltda.gov.lk or collect it at an SLTDA office, and submit it with the required documents and fee.

What about what you get?

A registration certificate and the right to display the home stay logo, free training in hospitality, accounting and marketing, free publicity and directory listings, marketing through tourism networks, and eligibility for financial assistance programmes.

How many rooms can a Sri Lankan homestay unit have?

The SLTDA describes home stay units as having 1 to 4 guest rooms, with the family living in the home.

How much does homestay registration cost in Sri Lanka?

The first registration fee is Rs 1,000 plus NBT and VAT. Renewal fees rise with the years of operation.

How long is the licence valid?

One calendar year. Apply to renew three months before it expires.

Do I need an inspection?

Yes. The SLTDA inspects within 30 days of your application and may inspect again without notice.

What about calendars and distribution?

Once licensed, the work is getting booked. Read how an iCal sync works and how a channel manager keeps calendars in sync. Fursat's own stays are in India today.

Journal/Homestay Guides

3 min read · 6 October 2026

Sri Lanka Homestay Registration Guide (2026)

Sri Lanka's tourism authority licenses homestay units, bungalows and rented houses. Here are the categories, room sizes, fees, inspection and renewal rules.

Sneha Surana

sri-lankahomestay-registrationsltda

Sri Lanka Homestay Registration Guide (2026)

Keep reading.

How many rooms can a Sri Lankan homestay unit have?

How much does homestay registration cost in Sri Lanka?

How long is the licence valid?

Do I need an inspection?