Sri Lanka has officially opened applications for the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), allowing foreign nationals to live in the country while working remotely for overseas employers or running international businesses.
This new visa initiative positions Sri Lanka as a premier long-stay destination for global remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers — combining tropical living with modern connectivity.
The announcement marks a strategic step toward boosting tourism revenue, foreign exchange inflows, and international knowledge exchange.
🇱🇰 Why Sri Lanka is Opening Doors to Digital Nomads
The Digital Nomad Visa program aims to:
✔️ Position Sri Lanka as a global remote work hub
✔️ Encourage long-term stays and increased tourism spending
✔️ Attract foreign income into the national economy
✔️ Promote global networking and professional collaboration
With its stunning beaches, rich culture, affordable lifestyle, and growing digital infrastructure, Sri Lanka offers an attractive alternative to traditional digital nomad hotspots.
📌 Who is Eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa?
According to the official announcement, applicants must meet the following criteria:
🔹 Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be engaged in:
- Remote employment for a company based outside Sri Lanka
- Freelancing for international clients
- Running a business serving clients outside Sri Lanka
This visa does not permit employment within Sri Lanka’s local job market.
💰 Income Requirements
To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa:
- The main applicant must remit a minimum monthly income of USD 2,000
- If dependents exceed two, an additional USD 500 per dependent per month must be remitted
This ensures applicants can sustain their stay independently without burdening local systems.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Dependents
Good news for families:
✔️ Spouses are eligible to apply
✔️ Dependents can be included in the application
✔️ Additional financial requirements apply for larger families
This makes Sri Lanka a viable option for digital nomads who wish to relocate with family members.
📅 Visa Validity & Fees
- Visa validity: 1 year
- Application fee: USD 500 (paid at time of application)
The one-year validity provides long-term stability compared to standard tourist visas, making it ideal for professionals seeking an extended stay.
🌐 How to Apply
Applicants are encouraged to visit the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration for application forms and detailed guidelines:
Applicants should carefully review documentation requirements before submission.
🏝️ Why Sri Lanka is Ideal for Digital Nomads
Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of:
- 🌴 Tropical beaches & scenic mountains
- ☕ Affordable living costs
- 🌐 Expanding fibre internet coverage
- ✈️ International airport connectivity
- 🏄 Vibrant coastal coworking communities
- 🧘 Wellness, yoga & surf lifestyle
Popular areas among remote workers include:
- Colombo (business & urban living)
- Weligama & Mirissa (coastal lifestyle)
- Ella (mountain retreat)
- Galle Fort (heritage & creative community)
📈 Economic Impact
The Digital Nomad Visa is expected to:
- Increase long-term tourism revenue
- Strengthen foreign exchange inflows
- Boost local hospitality and rental sectors
- Promote Sri Lanka’s global brand as a remote work destination
As global remote work continues to rise, Sri Lanka’s DNV positions the country competitively alongside destinations such as Bali, Thailand, and Portugal.
