Sri Lanka launches a Digital Nomad visa

Sri Lanka has announced the launch of a digital nomad visa. It targets remote employees, freelancers, and business owners who want to live in the country while working for foreign companies or clients. Validity is 12 months, with an option to renew annually. The application fee is $510.

The programme's key principle is simple: "live in Sri Lanka, earn outside it." Local employment is prohibited. Involvement in political or other activity the authorities deem destabilising is also banned.

Who can apply

The Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration requirements are:

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• the applicant must be 18+;
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• the main applicant must be a remote employee, freelancer, or business owner; the activity must not be registered in Sri Lanka, and the work/services must target clients outside the country;
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• monthly income above $1,989;
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• if there are more than two dependants, the minimum income threshold increases by $497.30 for each additional dependant.
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What this visa offers

Besides legal long-term stay, the following is provided for:

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• the right to live in Sri Lanka for 12 months with an option for annual renewal;
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• the ability to open and hold personal bank accounts in the country;
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• the right to enter into housing rental/lease agreements;
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• the ability to enrol dependent children in private/international schools;
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• access to telecom services, internet, and utilities;
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• participation in coworking spaces, ICT programmes, and tourism events.
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The application is submitted via the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration website. If your job, income, or dependants change during your stay, the department must be notified within 30 days.

In short, this is a format for a legal, long-term stay for remote employment — without the right to work for local employers.