Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa

The main applicant must be at least 18 and earn a living from remote employment, freelancing or a business that is not registered in Sri Lanka and serves clients outside the country. The Department introduced the category to attract long-stay remote professionals; its guideline was published in January 2026.

A spouse and dependants may be added to the application. All income must come from foreign sources: the visa does not allow a local job or work for Sri Lankan clients.

The test is not a bank balance but money actually remitted to Sri Lanka: at least US$2,000 every month for the main applicant. A spouse and up to two dependants are covered by that amount; when the number of dependants rises above two, an additional US$500 a month must be remitted for each one. Proof of these remittances is part of the application, and changes in income must be reported within 30 days.

Documents are submitted to the Residence Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla. The Department checks eligibility and compliance and, after approval, endorses the visa in the passport. A recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy must be obtained and attached; so must a medical clearance report, international health insurance covering care in Sri Lanka and a police clearance certificate not older than three months.

Sri Lankan missions describe the route for residence visas: the sponsor in Sri Lanka files the residence application with the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration at least 45 days before the planned arrival; once it is approved, the Controller General authorises the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission concerned to issue an entry visa; after arrival the residence visa itself is issued by the Department in Sri Lanka.

To renew, submit the same documents as for the first issue plus proof of tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department. If you end the visa yourself, give two months' written notice and inform the authorities 14 working days before leaving Sri Lanka permanently. The Department can terminate the visa if income, legal or compliance requirements are no longer met.

Holders may live in Sri Lanka for up to 12 months at a time, open personal bank accounts, sign rental or lease agreements, enrol children in international or private schools, use telecom, internet and utility services, and join co-working spaces and ICT or tourism events. They must comply with Sri Lankan tax law and must not take part in political or disruptive activities; breaches can lead to immediate cancellation.