Sri Lanka set to introduce Digital Nomad Visa, starting from September 2023

Sri Lanka set to introduce Digital Nomad Visa, starting from September 2023

In a move to boost smart tourism and attract remote workers, Sri Lanka has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa. The visa, aimed at freelancers and remote workers, joins similar initiatives by Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

The visa is valid for one year and is renewable if the applicant continues to meet the monthly income requirements of $2,000 USD. To apply, individuals must submit an online application form with personal details, proof of remote work, financial means, and travel documents.

For those visiting Sri Lanka, most nationalities are required to apply for an electronic entry visa, known as an ETA, prior to travel. The ETA visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional two months. To extend the ETA, applicants can do so online or at the immigration office in Colombo, the capital city that offers reliable wifi connections and coworking spaces for remote workers.

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, applicants must work as an employee, freelancer, or business owner of/for a company or clients located abroad. They must also have a valid passport, earn the required monthly income, have funds deposited into a Sri Lankan bank account, and have international health insurance with coverage in Sri Lanka for the duration of their stay.

Digital nomad applicants may include spouses and dependents. Citizens of Singapore, the Maldives, and the Seychelles are granted a visa on arrival when they enter Sri Lanka, while other nationalities are granted a 60-day visa, extendable to 90 days upon entry.

Sri Lanka is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, modern cities, great food, and adventure opportunities. With coastal towns offering sandy beaches where digital nomads can work and relax, it's no wonder that Sri Lanka is quickly becoming a top choice for remote workers seeking a change of scenery.

The visa was proposed by the Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. The goal of the visa is to boost smart tourism within Sri Lanka, providing a new income stream for the country while offering remote workers a unique and exciting place to work and live.

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