HomePersonalForeign Currency AccountsOutward Investment Accounts (OIA)

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)

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.

Profile Image

  • 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.

  • 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).

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.

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.

  • Visit a DFCC Bank branch – Locate the nearest branch

  • Call our hotline – 011 235 0000

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.

  • Terms & Conditions

Inquire Now

Interested to Know more
Submit your inquiry now

One of our team members will reply within one business day. If inquiry is made during
non-banking hours, our team member will get in touch on the next working day.

Your privacy is important to us. Please do not include account numbers or other confidential information.

Group 291

Check Our Credit Cards Promotions


Click to View
Group 291 (1)

Compare Our Credit Cards


Click to View
Group 292

Give Us a call on

011-2350000

we are on 24/7 service