Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will soon offer Digital Nomad Visas. The new visa will allow foreigners working remotely to stay in Sri Lanka for longer periods.
With many people now engaging in remote work since COVID-19, the Sri Lankan government hopes the new visa will attract more visitors.
The visa will be a suitable option for remote workers and freelancers who wish to combine work and travel.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka?
The Digital Nomad Visa will allow foreigners to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 1 year whilst continuing their overseas employment remotely.
With the visa, remote workers can continue working for a company in their home country, or on freelance projects, whilst living in Sri Lanka. They cannot, however, take up employment in Sri Lanka.
The Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka will boost off-season tourism and help generate income.
Sri Lanka will join several other Asian and European countries that already have similar schemes in place. Germany, Estonia, and Malta all have visas for remote digital workers.
How to get a Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa will be available online. Applicants will need to :
- Fill out the Digital Nomad Visa application form
- Provide supporting documents
- Pay the Digital Nomad Visa fee
Travellers must be able to prove a foreign income and that they can support themselves financially. Remote workers will also need to meet other Sri Lanka visa requirements.
Foreigners need to get a work permit through a Sri Lankan embassy if they wish to accept a job offer in Sri Lanka. The Digital Nomad Visa is only for remote workers.
What kind of Sri Lanka visa does a digital nomad need?
Digital nomads who wish to stay for up to 30 days can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA. Visitors can apply for a visa extension of up to 180 days from within Sri Lanka.
Travellers apply for the Sri Lanka ETA online in advance and are granted a visa on arrival at the Sri Lanka port of entry.
The Sri Lanka ETA is a suitable option for digital nomads who wish to explore the country for a few weeks.
Business visas for Sri Lanka are also available. Foreigners should check whether they meet the Sri Lanka business visa requirements and apply online.
Visiting Sri Lanka with a Digital Nomad Visa
The Sri Lankan government hopes more remote workers will visit the country thanks to the new visa scheme. Digital nomads in Sri Lanka can enjoy:
- Picturesque setting
- Unique cultural experiences
- Good internet connection
- Affordable accommodation
Digital Nomad Visas offers remote workers the opportunity to combine travel and work commitments, following a period of global lockdowns.
Digital Nomad Visa for Sri Lanka FAQs
How long can you stay in Sri Lanka with a Digital Nomad Visa?
Digital nomads will be able to stay in Sri Lanka for up to one year with the new visa. It is designed to make it easier for foreigners to work remotely for extended periods in the country.
Alternatively, travellers can apply online for the Sri Lanka ETA which is for stays of up to 30 days and extendible by up to 6 months.
Can you be employed in Sri Lanka with a Digital Nomad Visa?
No, Digital Nomad Visas are only available to foreigners who are employed outside Sri Lanka and able to carry out their work remotely. Freelancers registered outside Sri Lanka may also be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa.
Foreigners need a work permit to be employed in Sri Lanka.
Who is eligible for a Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa?
The Sri Lanka Digital Nomad visa will be available to foreigners who can carry out their work remotely, usually from a laptop with an internet connection.
Examples of workers who may be eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa are programmers, website developers, or digital entrepreneurs.
Applicants will need to meet all the Sri Lanka Digital Nomad visa requirements.
How much does a Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa cost?
Travellers will need to pay a fee for the Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa. The price of the visa varies depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Applicants will pay the relevant fees when submitting the application via the online visa portal.