Sri Lanka is updating its migration rules and opening up new opportunities for travelers and remote workers looking for a comfortable country for a long stay. The country's visa formats simplify legal residence, online work, and planning longer trips without violating local rules. Learn more about Sri Lanka's visa options for tourists and digital nomads

Sri Lanka is taking another step towards foreigners who combine travel with remote work or plan to stay in the country longer as tourists. As Fragomen points out, the country offers two visa options: a separate visa for digital nomads and a tourist visa with an extended stay. This provides additional opportunities for foreigners to legally stay in the country and simplifies the paperwork.

What exactly has changed, who is eligible for these visas, and what conditions are in place for remote workers and travelers — we'll tell you more in this article.

Planning to work remotely from Sri Lanka or another country and don't want to get confused by visa rules?

Visit World's guide for digital nomads will help you quickly understand the requirements, documents, and visa application procedure.

Visa for digital nomads: legal remote work from Sri Lanka

The visa for digital nomads in Sri Lanka is designed for foreigners who work remotely for foreign companies or conduct business outside the country. This visa allows you to live on the island for a long time without violating immigration rules and without having to change your tourist status.

The visa is valid for one year with the possibility of extension. Adult applicants who work as remote employees, freelancers, or business owners not registered in Sri Lanka are eligible to apply. An important condition is that all income must come exclusively from foreign sources, and local employment is prohibited.

What are Digital Nomad Visa holders allowed to do in Sri Lanka?

Digital Nomad Visa holders receive extended opportunities for everyday life in the country. This includes access to local telecommunications services, the internet, utilities, use of coworking spaces, and participation in specialized events related to technology and tourism.

In addition, long-term rental of housing, opening and maintaining personal bank accounts, and educating the applicant's children in private or international educational institutions are permitted. Thus, the visa effectively creates a legal basis for digital nomads to live a full life in Sri Lanka without the need to constantly change their residence status.

How does the visa application process for digital nomads in Sri Lanka work?

The application process involves several consecutive steps. First, the applicant must obtain a recommendation from the relevant government agency, then enter the country and undergo a mandatory medical examination. Next, a visa application is submitted to the immigration office, where the documents are reviewed and evaluated.

Once the application is approved, the visa itself is issued.

The fixed state fee is $500 for each applicant. The authorities emphasize that this visa is designed specifically for remote work for foreign companies, and any employment in the local labor market remains prohibited.

Extended tourist visa to Sri Lanka: up to 180 days of stay

Sri Lanka has updated its tourist rules. Foreigners can now apply for a tourist visa with an extended stay of up to 180 days instead of the standard 90 days. This decision is aimed at travelers who are planning a long trip or want to spend the winter in the country without complicated extension procedures.

Applications are submitted online through the country's official tourist mobile app within the electronic tourist visa activation system. The process has become simpler and faster, and the format itself is in line with the general trend of digitization of migration services.

Restrictions for tourists who work remotely

Although the extended tourist visa allows for limited remote activity, it differs significantly from the digital nomad visa. Tourists are only allowed to represent their foreign company or promote their own services without engaging in the local labor market.

This means that for full-fledged and legally protected long-term remote work, the government recommends the Digital Nomad Visa. An extended stay tourist visa remains the best option for travel, familiarization trips, or temporary stays without changing status.

Why is Sri Lanka betting on digital nomads?

The launch of such visa options is part of a broader strategy by the country to attract foreigners with stable incomes. Digital nomads are seen as long-term guests who stimulate the economy through housing rentals, consumption of services, education, and domestic tourism.

At the same time, the state is actively digitizing immigration processes, simplifying applications, and reducing bureaucratic barriers. This makes Sri Lanka more competitive among remote work destinations in Asia.

If you are considering Sri Lanka or another country for remote work, it is important to understand all visa requirements, restrictions, and nuances in advance. To this end, the Visit World portal has prepared a detailed guide for digital nomads.

The guide contains step-by-step instructions for applying for visas, requirements and criteria for obtaining them, rules for filling out applications, a list of necessary documents, visa fees, and processing times. All information is sent in PDF format to your email within a few minutes after ordering.

If you plan to work remotely while traveling the world and want to avoid visa mistakes, order the guide for digital nomads from Visit World and prepare for your move confidently and legally!

Reminder! Do you dream of spending the winter in a warm country and working remotely without legal risks? Which countries are suitable for digital nomads in 2026, offering stable internet, a comfortable climate, and visas for digital nomads — find out at the link.

Photo: Freepik

---

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

---

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.