The new "Digital Nomad Visa" just launched! Can I apply while I'm already in Sri Lanka?

Question

I'm currently in Mirissa on a standard 30-day Tourist Visa. I saw the news that the Digital Nomad Visa (1 Year) went live this week (Feb 2026).

I meet the income requirement ($2,000/month). Do I have to fly out to apply, or can I convert my visa at the Immigration office in Colombo?

Saman Perera · Answer

This is great news, but the implementation is strict.

The Launch: Yes, the portal finally went live on February 4, 2026. The cost is $500 USD per year.
Applying In-Country: Currently, the Immigration Department does NOT allow switching from a "Tourist" tag to a "Resident/Nomad" tag while inside the country. You must technically "enter" on the correct visa.
The Workaround: You don't need to fly all the way home. Many nomads are doing a "Visa Run" to the Maldives or Chennai (India) for 24 hours. Apply for the Nomad Visa online from there, wait for the approval email (taking ~48 hours in this first week), and fly back in on the new status.

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