Sri Lanka: New Visa Options for Digital Nomads and Tourists Launched
October 5, 2021
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At a Glance
- Sri Lanka has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa and a new tourist visa with extended validity.
- The government has not yet made the Digital Nomad visa available and details of the application process are still pending. When it becomes available, holders of the Digital Nomad Visa will be able to perform work for their overseas employer remotely in Sri Lanka.
- Extended tourist visa applicants can now log on to the Sri Lanka Tourist Mobile App and apply under the Online Electronic Tourist Visa Activation System. Holders of the visa must limit their work activities to representing their overseas company and promoting their services in Sri Lanka.
The situation
The Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa and a new tourist visa with extended validity.
A closer look
| New Visa | Validity and Fee* | Application Process* | Allowable Activities |
Digital Nomad Visa |
|
The government has not yet made the Digital Nomad available and the application process is still pending. |
|
Extended Tourist Visa |
|
Applicants can now log on to the Sri Lanka Tourist Mobile App and apply for the extended tourist visa under the Online Electronic Tourist Visa Activation System. |
Tourists benefit from an easier way to apply for a tourist visa online with a longer duration of stay in Sri Lanka. However, they must limit their work activities to representing their overseas company and promoting their services in Sri Lanka if they plan to work remotely in Sri Lanka. |
* The applicable process and fees are subject to change at the discretion of the government.
Background
- Attracting remote workers. The Sri Lanka government is aiming to attract the fast-growing segment of travelers seeking to work remotely with long-term visas in order to jump start the national economy. Sri Lanka is the first country in the region with an official digital nomad visa. Indonesia and Thailand are also reportedly considering digital nomad visa development.
- Remote work visa warning. In countries where remote work is unregulated, workers and employers may unknowingly put themselves at risk of noncompliance with many aspects of the law, exposing them to possible fines or other penalties, depending on the country. Importantly, noncompliance with regulations could result in employers losing their rights to hire foreign labor. Additionally, this type of work arrangement may have employment or tax law impacts. It will become increasingly important as such policies are developed (and in many countries where remote work is unregulated) for employers to analyze strategies and assess risks associated with implementing and/or continuing remote work policies with a trusted immigration partner.
- Digitalization of applications. The decision to link the Sri Lanka Tourist Mobile App to the visa application process is one example of countries in the region continuing to digitize immigration processes. For example, in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower moved Dependant Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass applications to an improved online portal. Further, Indian citizens may now submit documents required for passport services online through the DigiLocker Platform, where they had to previously submit physical documents with their passport services and applications.
Looking ahead
It is likely that the Sri Lanka government will introduce longer durations for the Digital Nomad Visa soon, which will allow foreign nationals to base themselves in Sri Lanka while remotely working for employers abroad.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
