Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Tuesday Feb 17, 2026
Wednesday, 11 February 2026 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
Sri Lanka has officially rolled out its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), a new long-stay residence facility aimed at attracting foreign professionals who work remotely for overseas employers or clients, as part of a broader strategy to position the country as a preferred digital and lifestyle destination.
The initiative, now live on the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, allows eligible foreign nationals to live and work remotely from Sri Lanka for up to one year, with the option of annual renewal.
Authorities say the program is designed to contribute to the national economy through extended stays, increased tourism expenditure and the inflow of foreign currency, while also promoting knowledge exchange within the digital and ICT sectors.
Under the scheme, foreign nationals aged 18 and above who are engaged in remote employment, freelancing or who own businesses registered outside Sri Lanka and serving foreign clients are eligible to apply. Spouses and dependents may also be included in the application. Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum monthly remittance of $ 2,000 for the main applicant, with an additional $ 500 per month for each dependent beyond two.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents, including a valid passport, medical and police clearance certificates, proof of international health insurance, evidence of income remittance and a recommendation from the Digital Economy Ministry. Visa applications are processed through the Residence Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, where documentation is evaluated prior to approval and endorsement.
The Digital Nomad Visa is issued for a period of one year, with extensions subject to compliance requirements, including proof of tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department. Visa fees are set at $ 500 per year for the main applicant, spouse and each dependent.
Visa holders are entitled to reside legally in Sri Lanka for up to 12 months, open and maintain personal bank accounts, enter into property rental or lease agreements and enrol dependent children in international or private schools. They are also permitted to access local telecommunications and utility services and participate in co-working spaces, ICT programs and tourism-related events organised by the Government or private sector.
However, the authorities have emphasised that Digital Nomad Visa holders are not permitted to engage in local employment and all income must be derived from foreign sources.
Applicants are also required to comply with Sri Lanka’s immigration, tax and legal obligations, refrain from political activities and notify the Department of Immigration and Emigration of any changes in employment, income or dependent status within 30 days.
The visa may be terminated either at the request of the applicant, subject to advance notice requirements, or by the Department in cases of non-compliance, failure to meet income criteria or concerns related to legal or national security risks.
A press conference and ceremonial event has been organised by the Tourism Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) to mark the issuance of Sri Lanka’s first Digital Nomad Visa and to officially welcome the inaugural visa holder on Monday (16) at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The event is expected to be attended by the Deputy Ministers of Tourism, Digital Economy and Public Security, along with senior State officials.
The move is intended to generate national and international visibility for the initiative and signal Sri Lanka’s readiness to compete in the growing global digital nomad market.
