Sri Lanka's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a dedicated residence visa for foreign professionals who want to live in the country while working remotely for employers, clients, or businesses based outside Sri Lanka. Launched in early 2026 with online applications opening on 4 February 2026, it targets remote workers, freelancers, and business owners whose enterprises are not registered in Sri Lanka and who serve clients exclusively abroad. The visa is administered by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and a recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy is required as part of the application. With a USD 2,000/month income threshold, it is competitively positioned within South Asia's emerging digital nomad landscape.
The visa is issued for 1 year and is renewable annually. There is no five-year or other longer-term option. Renewal requires re-submitting all documents plus proof of tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department. Any change in employment status, income, or dependant composition must be reported to the Department of Immigration and Emigration within 30 days.
Spouses and dependants may be included in the application, each with a separate annual fee of USD 500. The base income requirement of USD 2,000/month covers the main applicant plus a spouse and up to 2 dependants; for each dependant beyond 2, an additional USD 500/month must be remitted. Dependant children may be enrolled in international or private schools.
Holders must comply with all tax and legal obligations in Sri Lanka. Anyone present in the country for 183 days or more within a 12-month period is treated as a tax resident and may be taxed on worldwide income; non-residents are taxed only on Sri Lanka-sourced income. Proof of tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department is required at renewal. Applicants should review any applicable double taxation agreements for their situation.
Applications can be submitted in person at the Department of Immigration and Emigration offices in Colombo or Battaramulla, or online through the immigration eservices portal. The process has three stages: submission of all required documents to the Residence Visa Division, evaluation for eligibility and compliance, and approval with issuance of the visa endorsement. A recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy must be obtained as part of the application. The fee is USD 500 per year each for the main applicant, spouse, and every dependant.
DNV holders may open and maintain personal bank accounts in Sri Lanka, enter into property rental or lease agreements, access telecommunications, internet, and utility services, and take part in co-working spaces, ICT programs, and tourism-related events organised by the public or private sector.
Holders may only work remotely for entities outside Sri Lanka, and all income must come from foreign sources. Any local employment within Sri Lanka is strictly prohibited. Violating visa conditions can lead to immediate cancellation; voluntary termination requires 2 months' written notice, and the Department may also cancel the visa for failure to meet income, legal, or compliance requirements. General overstay penalties apply: a USD 250 fine for overstays of 7-14 days and USD 500 for overstays exceeding 14 days.