Sri Lanka Finally Launches Its Digital Nomad Visa – What To Know

Sri Lanka Finally Launches Its Digital Nomad Visa - What To Know

Sri Lanka has also approved the issuance of a visa for digital nomads.

The details state that applicants for the digital nomad visa must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $2,000, which must be channeled through the Sri Lankan banking sector.

Furthermore, this freshly introduced visa can undergo annual renewal, contingent upon the verification of the necessary funds. The authorities have established an application fee of $500 for the visa, which extends its coverage to the visa holder’s spouse and dependents.

The introduction of this visa was suggested by Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, coinciding with a global trend where countries are implementing similar visas to draw in international talent.

These visas are now available from several nations throughout the region, including those in Europe. 

Other nations offering a similar visa program encompass Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Seychelles, Romania, Saint Lucia, and more.

Through the implementation of these visa programs, the nation aims to position itself as an appealing destination for remote workers from across the world.

It’s important to note that numerous countries providing digital nomad visas may require evidence of financial stability, such as a specific amount of funds in your bank account, while others may request documentation demonstrating a contract or a consistent freelance income over a designated timeframe.

In this context, one of the most significant challenges to address is meeting the minimum income requirement, which can ultimately determine your eligibility, even if you have reservations about a particular country.

To surmount this selection challenge, the experienced nomadic couple known as Goats on the Road has developed a Digital Nomad Visa Calculator, streamlining the decision-making process. The calculator is available here.

The calculator provides a prompt and straightforward assessment of whether your income meets the prerequisites for a chosen country. It’s important to note that while this calculator doesn’t ensure visa approval, it does swiftly determine your eligibility for a particular country of your preference.

Prospective applicants simply need to input their salary or its equivalent in U.S. dollars, and they will receive a list of countries for which they meet the eligibility criteria, along with convenient links to access additional information about these countries.

Portugal, Germany, and Colombia have the lowest income requirements, while the Caribbean, particularly the Cayman Islands, has the highest requirements, with incomes of more than $8,000 per month.