Sri Lanka has just introduced their Digital Nomad Visa, intended for foreign professionals who are looking to live and work remotely from Sri Lanka whilst serving clients outside of the country.
Introduced as part of a broader push for longer-stay tourism, the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration hopes that the introduction of foreign remote workers will help contribute to the national economy, tourism expenditure and the exchange of global knowledge.
What Sri Lanka’s Digital Nomad Visa offers
- Long-term, renewable stay: Digital Nomads in Sri Lanka are entitled to a one-year stay, renewable annually, so long as conditions are met and terms are not violated.
- Bring your family: On the Sri Lankan Digital Nomad Visa, individuals are able to reside alongside their family members, who can apply so long as they are a spouse or dependent.
- Local banking privileges: Visa holders can open and maintain personal bank accounts locally.
- Rent with ease: Visa holders can enter into property rental or lease agreements.
- Send the kids to school: The Sri Lankan Digital Nomad Visa allows visa-holders to enrol dependent children in international or private schools.
- Access to local infrastructure: The visa permits digital nomads to access Sri Lankan telecommunications, internet and utility services.
- Avenues to community: Digital Nomad Visa holders will have the ability to participate in co-working spaces, ICT programs and tourism-related events organised by the government or private organisations.
- Low cost of living: With the low cost of living in Sri Lanka, applicants earning the minimum threshold for the Digital Nomad Visa can expect a comfortable life on the island.
It is worth noting that Digital Nomads will be considered residents and will therefore be subject to Sri Lanka’s standard tax laws, which do not offer a flat rate. In fact, a proof of tax registration from the Inland Revenue Department is required for extension on the Digital Nomad Visa.
Who can apply?
To apply for Sri Lanka’s Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must be:
- 18 years or older
- Remotely employed, freelance or own a business that is not registered in Sri Lanka and which serves clients outside of Sri Lanka
- Have a minimum monthly income remittance of £1500 GBP / $2000 USD
- An additional £375 GBP / $500 USD per month should be remitted for each dependent count more than 2
All foreign nationals who meet the above requirements are eligible to apply, as well as any spouses and dependents of the main applicant.
As with all visas, there are terms and conditions for the visa, such as:
- The visa-holder must comply with all immigration laws, tax and legal obligations in Sri Lanka.
- The visa-holder is not permitted to engage in any local employment, and all income must come from foreign sources.
- The visa-holder should not engage in any activities that could be viewed as political or disruptive.
- Any changes in employment must be notified to the Department of Immigration and Emigration within 30 days.
Any violations may result in immediate visa termination.
How to apply
In order to apply for Sri Lanka’s Digital Nomad Visa, the applicant must supply all required documentation to the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s Residence Visa Division and pay all applicable fees (£375 GBP / $500 USD per year per person, spouse and dependents included).
Required documents include:
- A duly filled Visa Application Form
- A formal Request Letter from the applicant
- A photocopy of the applicant’s passport, valid for at least 6 months
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Duly filled Security Clearance Form
- Medical Clearance Report
- A recent Police Clearance Certificate from the applicant’s home country or country of residence, not older than 3 months
- International health insurance covering medical care in Sri Lanka
- Recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy
- Proof of monthly remittance for the main applicant and any dependents
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificate (for dependents)
The documents will then be reviewed for eligibility and compliance and, if approved, the visa endorsement will be issued on the applicant’s passport.
Why Sri Lanka?
Known for its natural beauty, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of cities to live in, all set against the backdrop of a tropical landscape.
From Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital and nomad hub offering coworking spaces, rich history and lively markets; to Galle, a laid-back coastal city; to Kandy, a tranquil, hillside retreat surrounded by nature, Sri Lanka offers a range of experiences for Digital Nomads.
Paired with a low-cost of living, Sri Lanka promises individuals a vibrant, diverse experience filled with stunning landscapes and a fascinating culture.
Other unique Digital Nomad Visas to consider
- Malaysia – Malaysia offers the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, which allows qualified foreign digital nomads to stay from 3-12 months, renewable up to an additional 12 months, and with the ability to bring the spouse, children, and parents of the main pass holder.
- Kyrgyzstan – A unique experience in Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan offers a Digital Nomad status for foreign remote workers; you can choose from either a single-entry or multi-entry visa for a duration between one and six months (in monthly increments).
- Bulgaria – A low-cost, low-tax home base for those interested in travelling throughout the Schengen Area.
- Bhutan – Bhutan’s innovative new DigitalBhutan visa allows nomads to explore the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City for one, up to two, years.
If you’re looking for new experiences, a low cost of living and unique stays, you’re spoiled for choice in this day and age. With more and more countries hopping on the Digital Nomad Visa train, its well worth your time to do a deep dive on what is out there beyond the standard Top Five lists. As ever, I try to stay on top of new visas being released to give prospective nomads a true idea of the possibilities that await them.
