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Digital Nomad Visa: live here, work for clients abroad

Work remotely for clients outside Sri Lanka? The Digital Nomad Visa lets you live here for 12 months at a time if you bring in USD 2,000 a month.

Last checked 23 Oct 2026 4 min read
  • USD2,000/mo

    Income you bring in

  • USD500/yr

    Visa fee per person

  • 12months

    Then renew yearly

  • 18+

    Minimum age

Who can apply?

immigration.gov.lk
  • Remote workers

    Employed remotely, freelancing, or running a business that is not registered in Sri Lanka.

  • Clients abroad

    Your work must serve clients outside Sri Lanka.

  • 18 or over

    Foreign nationals only.

  • Family can come

    Your spouse and dependants apply with you.

How much money do I need?

immigration.gov.lk
  • USD2,000

    Monthly remittance, main applicant

  • USD500

    Extra a month for each dependant after two

  • USD500

    Visa fee a year, for each person

The spouse and each dependant pay the same USD 500 visa fee.

What documents do I need?

immigration.gov.lk
Forms and letters3 items
  • Visa application form
  • Request letter from you
  • Security clearance form
Identity4 items
  • Passport copy, valid for at least 6 months
  • Two recent passport-size photos
  • Marriage certificate for a spouse
  • Birth certificates for dependants
Health and police3 items
  • Medical clearance report
  • Police clearance from your home country or country of residence, under 3 months old
  • International health insurance that covers Sri Lanka
Work and income2 items
  • Recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy
  • Proof of the minimum monthly remittance

How do I apply?

immigration.gov.lk
  1. Get the recommendation

    From the Ministry of Digital Economy.

  2. Submit

    Hand in your documents at the Residence Visa Division, Battaramulla.

  3. Evaluation

    The Department checks you meet the rules.

  4. Visa issued

    The visa is endorsed in your passport, valid for one year.

What can I do once I’m here?

immigration.gov.lk
  • Open a personal bank account
  • Rent or lease a home
  • Enrol children in an international or private school
  • Get a phone, internet and utilities in your name
  • Join co-working spaces and ICT events

You can’t take a job with a Sri Lankan employer. All your income has to come from abroad. Tell the Department within 30 days if your work, income or dependants change.

To renew, send the same documents again with proof that you have registered with the Inland Revenue Department.

Frequently asked questions

How much income do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa?

At least USD 2,000 a month remitted to Sri Lanka. If you bring more than two dependants, add USD 500 a month for each extra one.

How much is the visa fee?

USD 500 a year for the main applicant, and USD 500 a year each for a spouse and every dependant.

Can I work for a Sri Lankan company?

No. The visa does not allow local employment. Your income must come from foreign sources.

How long does it last?

One year. You can extend it each year, adding proof of tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department.

Is it open now?

Yes. The scheme was reactivated on 14 February 2026, and the first visa under it was issued on 26 February 2026.

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