Sri Lanka
General visa requirements for travelling to Sri Lanka. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Employment Visa (Residence - Work))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 4-8 weeks
- Fee
- Varies (annual renewal required)
- Validity
- Maximum 1 year (renewable annually)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For foreign nationals intending to work in Sri Lanka. All sectors and job roles require work permit. Must obtain entry visa for employment before travel, then apply for residence visa (employment category) within 30 days of arrival at the Department of Immigration in Colombo. Requires confirmed job offer from registered Sri Lankan company.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must have confirmed job offer from registered Sri Lankan company. Employer must demonstrate that local recruitment was not suitable or possible.
Required status: Confirmed employment with Sri Lankan registered company
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Purpose of visit
For engaging in paid employment in Sri Lanka across all sectors and job roles.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
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Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: Business registration documents of Sri Lankan employer
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: Relevant professional qualifications and certifications; Must be translated: Yes
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Work permit notification
Provide work permit approval, notification or authorisation evidence from the relevant authority.
Issuing authority: As required by issuing authority; Permit number: Visa recommendation letter required
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain job offer from Sri Lankan employer and gather employment letter, company registration, qualifications, and sponsorship letter from relevant Ministry/BOI.
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Document submission
Submit application for entry visa to nearest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission with employment documents and visa recommendation letter from line Ministry or BOI.
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Processing wait
Wait for entry visa processing which typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on verification of employment credentials.
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Visa collection
Collect entry visa from diplomatic mission once approved.
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Fee payment
Pay applicable residence visa fees at Department of Immigration. Visa granted for maximum 1 year, renewable annually with continued sponsorship.
Work / Immigration visa (Digital Nomad Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 2-4 weeks
- Fee
- $500 USD per year
- Validity
- 1 year
- Entry
- Multiple entry
New visa program launched in February 2026 for remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs. Allows working remotely for companies/clients outside Sri Lanka while living in the country. Cannot work for Sri Lankan companies or conduct business registered in Sri Lanka.
Eligibility
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Employment
Must be employed by a company based in another country, be a freelancer, or own a business NOT registered in Sri Lanka.
Required status: Remote worker for non-Sri Lankan entity
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Financial
Minimum monthly income of $2,000 USD required from remote work sources.
Minimum funds: $2,000 USD per month
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Age
Applicant must be 18 years or older.
Max age: 999; Min age: 18
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, employment contracts, client invoices; Minimum amount: $2,000 USD per month
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather proof of remote employment or freelance work, proof of minimum $2,000 monthly income, passport, and bank statements.
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Document submission
Submit digital nomad visa application to nearest Sri Lankan Diplomatic Mission or designated processing center.
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Fee payment
Pay digital nomad visa fee of $500 USD for one year validity.
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Processing wait
Wait for visa processing which typically takes 2-4 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect approved digital nomad visa from the mission or receive electronically.