Overview
The Department of Immigration and Emigration's Residence Visa Division accepts applications from foreigners aged 18 or over who work remotely for employers, freelance for clients or own a business not registered in Sri Lanka that serves clients abroad. The file includes a recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy, security and medical clearances, a recent police certificate and international health insurance.
Holders may open bank accounts, sign rental agreements, enrol children in international or private schools and use coworking spaces, but may not take local employment. The visa is renewable annually; renewal requires proof of tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department.
Editor's note — The test is a monthly remittance, not just a salary: the Department asks for proof that at least US$2,000 a month (plus US$500 for each dependant beyond two) is sent into Sri Lanka, and any change in job, income or family must be reported within 30 days.
Who is eligible
- Aged 18 or over, working remotely, freelancing or owning a business (not registered in Sri Lanka) that serves clients outside Sri Lanka.
- A minimum monthly income remittance of US$2,000 into Sri Lanka, plus US$500 a month for each dependant beyond two.
- International health insurance covering medical care in Sri Lanka.
- Police clearance certificate no older than three months, security clearance form and medical clearance report.
- A recommendation from the Ministry of Digital Economy; no local employment.
Income & financial requirements
Foreign-source.
Per dependant beyond two.
Per person.
Plus a medical report.
The Department asks for proof of the minimum monthly remittance — US$2,000 for the main applicant, rising by US$500 for each dependant beyond two — together with contracts and bank records. Changes in employment, income or dependants must be reported to the Department within 30 days.
Costs & fees
- US$500 a year for the main applicant, for the spouse and for each dependant.
- International health insurance, police clearance and medical clearance report.
- Tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department when you renew.
Taxes
Spending 183 days or more in a tax year makes you resident in Sri Lanka, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 36%; renewal requires tax registration with the Inland Revenue Department. Foreign-currency remittances may benefit from specific exemptions — check with a local adviser.
How to apply
Prepare documents
Application form, request letter, passport copy, photos, marriage/birth certificates for family, security clearance form, medical report, police clearance, insurance and proof of remittances.
Submit the application
To the Department of Immigration and Emigration — Residence Visa Division, with the Ministry of Digital Economy recommendation.
Pay and receive the endorsement
US$500 per person per year; once approved, the visa is endorsed in your passport.
Remit, report, renew
Keep up the monthly remittances, report changes within 30 days and renew each year with proof of tax registration.
Duration & renewal
One year, renewable annually while conditions are met. Not a route to permanent residence.
Bringing family
Spouse and children can be included; the income test rises by US$500 a month for each dependant beyond two, and each person pays the US$500 fee.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Low US$2,000 threshold
- Real residence rights: bank, lease, schools
- Surf coast and hill country at very low cost
- Spouse and children included
Considerations
- US$500 per person, every year
- Tax registration on renewal
- Monthly remittance into Sri Lanka required
- Medical report and fresh police clearance