Outward Investment

Accounts (OIA)

This account enables resident investors to invest in shares of companies incorporated outside Sri Lanka and sovereign bonds issued by foreign governments and governmental organizations.

Outward Investment Account (OIA) Foreign Currency Account in Sri Lanka

The Outward Investment Account (OIA) is one of the special types of foreign currency accounts in Sri Lanka designed to facilitate Sri Lankan residents and businesses in making overseas investments. These foreign currency accounts enable investors to diversify their portfolios by investing in foreign company shares, sovereign bonds, and other approved international assets.

OIA Foreign Currency Accounts Key Features & Benefits

Facilitates investments outside Sri Lanka for individuals, partnerships, and companies.
Allows investment in global securities, including foreign company shares and sovereign bonds.
Supports seamless funds transfers for outward investments.
Flexible account options including Savings, Current (without cheque facility), and Term Deposits.
Income from foreign investments can be credited to the account.

Eligibility

Companies incorporated in Sri Lanka under the Companies Act, No. 7 of 2007 other than a company limited by guarantee;
A Licensed Commercial Bank or Licensed Specialized Bank, in terms of the Banking Act No. 30 of 1988;
Regulated/ licensed entities (excluding the eligible investors under (a) and (b) above), under the Central Bank, Securities Exchange Commission, Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.
Employees’ Provident Fund established under the Employees’ Provident Fund Act No. 15 of 1958 or Approved Provident Funds declared by the Commissioner General of Labour.
A partnership registered in Sri Lanka; and
An individual resident in Sri Lanka or/with a sole proprietorship registered in Sri Lanka by such individual (as applicable).

Permitted Transactions on OIA Foreign Currency Accounts

Transaction Type

Details

Permitted Credits

- Sri Lanka Rupee deposits converted into foreign currency for investments as allowed.

- Transfers from Business Foreign Currency Accounts (BFCA) or another OIA of the same account holder.

- Proceeds of loans obtained from foreign sources via an Inward Investment Account (IIA).

- Income earned from foreign investments made through the OIA.

Permitted Debits

- Payments for capital transactions made outside Sri Lanka as allowed.

- Payments for current transactions outside Sri Lanka.

- Transfers to Personal Foreign Currency Accounts (PFCA) and BFCA, where the original investment was made using those accounts.

- Withdrawals in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).

- Transfers to another OIA or Rupee account of the account holder.

Types of Accounts Available

Account Type	Features
Savings Account	Facilitates smooth investment-related transactions.
Current Account (Without Cheque Facility)	Enables easy payments for investments.
Term Deposits	Secure funds and generate returns while awaiting investment opportunities.

How to Apply

Visit a DFCC Bank branch – Locate the nearest branch
Call our hotline – 011 235 0000

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can open an OIA?

Any Sri Lankan resident, partnership, or company can open an OIA to facilitate overseas investments.

2. What types of foreign investments are allowed?

Investors can use an OIA to purchase shares in foreign companies, invest in sovereign bonds, and engage in other capital transactions that are allowed under prevailing regulations.

3. Are there any investment limits for individuals and companies?

Yes. Individuals have a lifetime investment cap of USD 200,000, while companies and partnerships have higher annual or lifetime limits depending on their category.

4. Can investment earnings be repatriated?

Yes, income generated from foreign investments can be credited to the OIA and repatriated as required.

5. Can I transfer funds between my OIA and other foreign currency accounts?

Yes, funds can be transferred between your OIA, BFCA, and PFCA, subject to regulations.

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Outward Investment

Accounts (OIA)

This account enables resident investors to invest in shares of companies incorporated outside Sri Lanka and sovereign bonds issued by foreign governments and governmental organizations.