Sri Lanka Introduces New Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers

Sri Lanka has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa and extended the validity of its tourist visa, allowing visitors and remote workers to stay longer as the country seeks to boost tourism and attract foreign income earners.

The new Digital Nomad Visa allows eligible remote professionals to live in Sri Lanka for one year while working online for companies or clients abroad. The visa fee is $500 per applicant for the first year, with renewal options available. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, work remotely for overseas employers or businesses, and earn income exclusively from outside Sri Lanka. Visa holders cannot take local employment but are allowed to rent property, open bank accounts, enroll children in private schools, and use local services and co-working spaces. The application process includes approval from the Ministry of Digital Economy, medical clearance after arrival, and final submission to immigration authorities for approval.

In addition, Sri Lanka has extended its tourist visa validity from 90 to 180 days. Travelers can apply online through the Electronic Tourist Visa Activation System via a mobile app. Visa fees are set at $70 for SAARC nationals, $85 for non-SAARC travelers, and $50 for visitors from Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles under bilateral agreements. Tourists are not permitted to take local jobs, although limited remote work for overseas employers is allowed.

The government says these measures aim to attract long-staying visitors and digital workers who spend locally without competing for domestic employment. Sri Lanka is joining a growing number of countries introducing digital visa systems and remote work permits as governments adapt to global work trends and modernize immigration services.