Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply (4 Steps)

Freelancers and remote workers now have the opportunity to relocate to a popular Southeast Asian country with the recently announced Sri Lanka digital nomad visa.

A long-time favorite destination thanks to the tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and affordable cost of living, digital nomads are excited with the news of a Sri Lanka digital nomad visa. 

The digital nomad visa was proposed by the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, was finally launched by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Its goal is to boost smart tourism within the country by inviting digital nomads to stay long-term. 

The visa is valid for one year and is renewable if the applicant continues to meet the monthly income requirements. There is no limit to renewals right now. 

Digital nomad applicants may include spouses and dependents on their Sri Lanka digital nomad visa application. Applicants may also enroll their children in local schools.

One unique feature of the Sri Lanka digital nomad visa is that applicants can open personal bank accounts in the country. However, applicants may not partake in political or disruptive activities or their visa could be revoked.

Sri Lanka joins other Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, in offering a digital nomad visa to remote workers. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit that allows remote workers to relocate to a foreign country. 

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must work as an employee, freelancer, or business owner of/for a company or clients located abroad. 

You will not have the right to seek local employment or engage in business economic activities when you obtain a digital nomad visa. 

Many digital nomad visas allow applicants to bring family members, such as spouses and children, with them. This is especially ideal for digital nomad visas that can lead to permanent residency.

Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

As we wait for more information about the Sri Lanka digital nomad visa requirements, this is what we know so far. 

• Valid Passport – You must have a passport valid for at least six months after you enter Sri Lanka
• Work Remotely – You must work remotely as an employee, business owner, or freelancer earning income from abroad
• Earn $2,000 USD per Month – You must meet the minimum income requirement; this amount includes 2 dependents
  • Earn $500 per additional dependent – If you plan to bring more than 2 dependents, there is a monthly income increase of $500 per dependent.
• Clean Criminal Record – You must have a clean criminal record from your country of residence
• International Health Insurance – You must have international health insurance with coverage in Sri Lanka for the duration of your stay 

How to Apply for the Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa

Below are the steps to apply for the Sri Lanka digital nomad visa.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents

Before you begin your application, you must have the required documents to prove your eligibility. You will need to present the following:

• Valid passport
• Two passport-sized photos
• Proof of income (bank statements, invoices, or pay slips)
• Security Clearance form
• Medical Clearance form
• Certified Criminal Background Check (not more than 3 months old)
• Proof of an international health insurance policy
• Recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy
• Proof of relationship to dependents (marriage or birth certificate)

Official documents, such as the criminal background check, marriage, and birth certificates, should be notarized with an Apostille.

Step 2: Arrive in Sri Lanka

To obtain the one-year Sri Lanka digital nomad visa, you must apply for it while in Sri Lanka. (We know, it’s kind of backwards when compared to other digital nomad visa processes.)

If you require an entry visa, you must apply for it or the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving. Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible to obtain a Visa on Arrival. When asked, let the immigration agent know that you are applying for the Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa/Residence Permit.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once in Sri Lanka, you may visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla. You will submit your completed application and documents to the Residence Visa Division.

So far, we know there will be a visa application fee of $500 USD per individual applicant and family member. (So, for a family of four, the visa fee is $2,000.) This fee is required for every year that you renew your visa.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

The immigration office will review your documents and application. We do not have information about how long the review process takes.

The authorities will contact you with the decision. If approved, the visa will be endorsed and issued on your passport.

How to Visit Sri Lanka Without the Digital Nomad Visa

There is a tourist visa available for those digital nomads who can’t wait until the Sri Lanka digital nomad visa becomes available and wish to visit this gorgeous country.

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of Singapore, the Maldives, and the Seychelles are granted a visa on arrival when they enter Sri Lanka. For Seychelles citizens, the visa is valid for 60 days and extendable to 90 days. Singapore and Maldives citizens are granted a 30-day visa, extending to 150 days.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Most nationalities are required to apply for an electronic entry visa, known as an ETA to visit Sri Lanka. This can be done online on the official website.

The ETA visa is valid for 30 days. However, you may extend it for an additional two months (before the visa expires) either online or at the immigration office in Colombo.

You must show a return ticket exiting Sri Lanka and proof of funds to support your stay.

Sri Lanka for Digital Nomads

The Southeast Asian country of Sri Lanka has been a long-time favorite destination for digital nomads craving adventure, great food, modern cities, and intense jungle surroundings. 

The capital city of Colombo is a popular spot for remote workers to settle thanks to the reliable wifi connection and coworking spaces available. However, there are coastal towns with sandy beaches that look straight from a calendar where digital nomads find themselves typing away and relaxing. 

With an affordable cost of living, with full meals available for just a couple of dollars, digital nomads can stretch their dollars quite far while living comfortably in Sri Lanka. 

The growing digital nomad community is busy with activities such as hiking, exploring the national parks, surfing, and visiting elephant refuges. 

Apply for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide with Nomads Embassy

Finding the right digital nomad visa and moving forward to apply for it can be stressful, overwhelming, and confusing, with conflicting information online. Many digital nomads give up before they can even submit their documents and applications. 

That’s where Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads, comes in to help! 

Request your free eligibility check and see which digital nomad visas you can apply for today!