Move to Sri Lanka

Surf beaches, tea hills and ancient cities on one compact island

Sri Lanka relaunched its Digital Nomad Visa in February 2026: a one-year residence visa for remote workers earning at least $2,000 a month. Tourists can stay up to 270 days by extending a 30-day ETA, and since 25 May 2026 the ETA is free for 40 countries. The 'My Dream Home' retirement visa is now only extended for existing holders; investors can get 5- or 10-year residence from $100,000.

Routes we checked
5
Digital nomad visa
Yes
Language
Sinhala, Tamil; English widely spoken
Currency
LKR
Last checked
30 October 2026

Digital nomad visaWork permitStudent visaRetirement visaInvestment and golden visa

Ways to live in Sri Lanka

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Digital nomad visa Digital nomad visas →

Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Visa)

One-year residence visa for remote employees, freelancers and owners of foreign businesses serving clients outside Sri Lanka. Reactivated in February 2026; lets you open a bank account, rent long-term and enrol children in school.

What you need
Age 18+; remote job, freelancing or a business not registered in Sri Lanka, with at least $2,000 a month transferred in (plus $500 for each dependent beyond two). Also: health insurance valid in Sri Lanka, medical and security checks, a Ministry of Digital Economy recommendation; no local work.
Income
from about $2,000 a month
How long
1 year, renewable annually
Renewable
Yes
Cost
$500 per year per person (applicant, spouse, each dependent)
How to apply
Residence Visa Division, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Battaramulla (Colombo)
Family
Family members can come with you
Tax
You must follow Sri Lankan tax rules and show tax registration at renewal

Official page

Work permit Work permits →

Residence visa for employment

For foreigners hired by a registered Sri Lankan company, a bank, a Board of Investment project or a government-approved project. Dependants can be included.

What you need
Request letter from the employer, company registration documents and a recommendation from the authority in charge: the relevant line ministry for private companies, the Board of Investment for its projects, or the Central Bank for banks. A Health Protection Plan (local medical insurance) is required.
How long
1 year or the period recommended by the authority, renewable each year
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, after the employer obtains the recommendation
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Residence visa for students

For students at universities and government-approved schools or colleges, and for volunteers. One guardian of a student under 16 can also get it.

What you need
University students need a recommendation from the Ministry of Higher Education and a letter from the university. Other students need a letter from the school, a recommendation from their country's embassy and proof of exchanging at least US$1,500 per person per year in a Sri Lankan bank. Health Protection Plan insurance is required. Work outside the visa's purpose is not allowed.
Savings
about $1,500
How long
1 year or the length of the course, renewable
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo

Official page

Retirement visa Retirement visas →

My Dream Home Visa (extensions only)

Residence visa for older foreigners planning a long stay. New applications are no longer accepted; only existing holders can extend.

What you need
A $15,000 fixed deposit in an approved Sri Lankan bank and $1,500 a month transferred in (plus $750 per spouse or dependent), medical insurance, Sri Lankan police clearance. No work allowed.
Income
from about $1,500 a month
Savings
about $15,000
How long
2 years, renewable
Renewable
Yes
Cost
$200 per year per person
How to apply
Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo (existing holders only)
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
No.

Official page

Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →

Investor Visa (Residence)

Residence for foreigners investing at least $100,000 (5-year visa) or $200,000 (10-year visa) in shares, government bonds, deposits or property. Replaces the former 'Golden Paradise' scheme.

What you need
Funds transferred to special investment accounts at a licensed Sri Lankan bank, an investment plan, medical and security checks. The investment is reviewed every 2 years.
Savings
about $100,000
How long
5 years ($100,000) or 5+5 years ($200,000)
Renewable
Yes
Cost
$200 per year per person (applicant, spouse, each dependent)
How to apply
Residence Visa Division, Department of Immigration and Emigration, Battaramulla
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
Long-term residence

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

One-bedroom flat$140
Two-bedroom flat$280
Bills$40
Typical local salary$300

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

The south coast draws surfers and remote workers to towns like Weligama and Ahangama, while the cool hill country offers tea estates and train rides. Curries, fresh fruit and temple festivals shape everyday life.

Day to day

Scenic trains and buses are slow, so many hire drivers or use tuk-tuks. Private hospitals in Colombo are good. Cards work in cities but cash is needed elsewhere. English is common in tourism and business.

Trade-offs

Monsoons shift the good season between coasts, and humidity is high year-round. Roads are slow and driving is stressful. Power cuts and economic ups and downs have been part of recent life.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Sri Lanka have a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Sri Lanka offers: Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Visa).

How can I move to Sri Lanka?

The routes we have checked are: Digital nomad visa, Work permit, Student visa, Retirement visa, Investment and golden visa.

Can I retire in Sri Lanka?

Yes, through: My Dream Home Visa (extensions only).

When was this information checked?

The residence routes for Sri Lanka were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

Sources and last check

Residence routes for Sri Lanka were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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