Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa

Who the visa suits

• Remote employees of companies registered outside Sri Lanka.
• Freelancers with clients abroad.
• Owners of businesses not registered in Sri Lanka.

Income must come only from abroad and be at least $2,000 a month, shown by transfers into Sri Lanka. Working for local companies and clients on this visa is not allowed.

Nomad visa or other routes

• The tourist electronic travel authorisation suits short trips but gives no right to live on the island or sign long leases.
• A work residence visa is arranged by a local employer if you join a Sri Lankan company.
• The digital nomad visa is for those keeping their foreign job or own foreign business and wanting to live on the island for up to a year and longer with renewal.

How much the visa costs in 2026

• fee - $500 a year per applicant;
• police certificate, translation and certification of documents;
• a medical check in Sri Lanka;
• international health insurance for the whole stay;
• housing on the island;
• our support, if you hand preparation to us.

For a family the fee and insurance are paid for each member, and the income threshold rises by $500 a month for each dependant beyond two. A manager will calculate the total for your family in the chat.

Documents

• residence visa application form and request letter;
• a passport valid for at least 6 months and photos;
• proof of work: an employment contract, client contracts or documents on your foreign company;
• proof of monthly income transfers of at least $2,000;
• a police certificate issued within 3 months before filing;
• international health insurance covering Sri Lanka;
• the Ministry of Digital Economy's recommendation;
• security clearance and medical check results;
• marriage and birth certificates for family members.

Documents in other languages are translated into English, and foreign certificates need an apostille or legalisation.

Who is refused

• income below $2,000 a month or from sources in Sri Lanka;
• no Ministry of Digital Economy recommendation;
• a police certificate older than 3 months or a criminal record;
• failed security clearance or medical check;
• no international insurance covering Sri Lanka;
• a passport valid for less than 6 months.

Family

A spouse and children apply with the main applicant. The income threshold does not rise for the first two dependants; each further dependant adds $500 a month. The $500 fee and insurance are paid for each family member, and children need birth certificates. Children can attend private and international schools on the island. For larger families the threshold rises: with three dependants you show $2,500 a month, with four $3,000.

Renewal

Residence is granted for up to 1 year and can then be renewed. Renewal requires proof of foreign income and transfers for the past year, insurance for the new term and the $500 fee. Apply early, before the passport endorsement expires. The immigration service checks that income came from abroad every month, so explain any gaps in advance with documents, such as a contract with a new client or an employer letter.

Taxes

You become a Sri Lankan tax resident by spending 183 days or more in the country in a tax year. Personal income tax is progressive, from 6% to 36%. Tax consequences for a digital nomad depend on the length of stay and the tax treaty with the country where you currently pay tax, so we calculate before the move. See taxes in Sri Lanka.

What to consider before moving

• Seasons. The south-west and west get monsoon rains in May to September, the east in October to January, so choose where to live by season.
• Banking. With residence it is easier to open a local account, convenient for living costs and rent.
• Healthcare. Foreigners usually use private clinics, so insurance is needed for the whole stay.
• Internet. Mobile internet works in large towns and on the coast, but check the speed at your specific home before relying on it for work.

Risks and what may change

• A new programme. It has run since February 2026, and procedures and document lists may be refined.
• The ministry recommendation is an extra step that lengthens processing.
• Tax residence after 183 days may make income taxable in Sri Lanka.
• Remote work for foreigners only: side work for local companies breaches the visa, even a one-off job for a client on the island.

Alternatives

• Indonesia digital nomad visa - Bali and other islands.
• Malaysia digital nomad visa - for digital professionals.
• Thailand residence - several long-term options.
• Japan digital nomad visa - for high earners.

What changed and what we rely on

The digital nomad visa appeared in February 2026 as a residence visa category: an income threshold of $2,000 a month, a $500 supplement for each dependant beyond two and a $500 annual fee. Sources: Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Ministry of Digital Economy and the Inland Revenue Department; checked on 6 October 2026.

What the visa gives

How to get Sri Lanka's digital nomad visa: step by step

FAQ