Marking an important step toward positioning Sri Lanka as a key hub in the global digital economy, the official ceremony to issue the country’s first “Digital Nomad” visa for foreign professionals was held recently at the Silk Route arrival terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport.
The program, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, grants official permission for IT professionals, freelance media personnel, and entrepreneurs from around the world to reside in Sri Lanka while providing their global services remotely.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne stated that Sri Lanka is ready to embrace the 21st-century global workforce, and that the new visa scheme will help attract highly skilled foreign professionals to the country. He further emphasized that by strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting co-working spaces, the government aims to transform Sri Lanka from merely a tourist destination into a professionally thriving regional hub.
He also noted that the selection of Jaffna as one of the top destinations for 2026 by Lonely Planet adds significant value to this initiative.
Under this program, eligible applicants will receive a visa valid for one year, with the option of renewal. Their family members will also be permitted to reside in Sri Lanka, and their children will be allowed to attend private schools.
Professionals earning more than USD 2,000 per month are eligible to apply. By utilizing Sri Lanka’s banking system and local services, these individuals are expected to contribute directly to the national economy. The initiative will also create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange between international professionals and the local tech community, while showcasing Sri Lanka’s true potential to the world.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, and senior officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
The event can be described as a significant step in redefining Sri Lanka’s identity in line with the digital era. The government plans to promote the visa globally in the coming months, aiming to attract foreign exchange inflows and accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
