South Asia
Nomad Score
6/10
Avg Monthly Cost
$1,000
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Safety
Safe
Sri Lanka taxes residents on worldwide income. Non-residents pay on Sri Lankan-source income. Progressive rates up to 36%. Recent economic crisis led to tax reforms and higher rates.
Income Tax
6-36%
Capital Gains
10%
VAT / Sales Tax
18%
Tax Year
april-march
Special Tax Regimes
tourist
Electronic Travel Authorization for short-term tourism, valid for 30 days with double entry. The most common visa for visitors to Sri Lanka.
business
Electronic Travel Authorization for short-term business visits including meetings, negotiations, conferences, and trade activities.
tourist
Short-term visa for travelers passing through Sri Lanka en route to another destination, valid for up to 2 days.
tourist
First extension of the 30-day Tourist ETA, allowing stay up to 90 days total from date of entry.
tourist
Second extension allowing stay up to 180 days (6 months) total from date of entry. Popular among long-term travelers and digital nomads.
tourist
Maximum tourist visa extension allowing stay up to 270 days (9 months) total. Final extension before mandatory departure.
special
One-year visa for remote workers announced in 2021 but not yet implemented. When launched, will allow legal remote work for foreign companies from Sri Lanka.
work
Visa for foreign nationals employed by Sri Lankan companies or organizations. Requires employer sponsorship and Entry Visa before travel.
education
Visa for foreign students pursuing full-time academic studies at recognized educational institutions in Sri Lanka.
$1,000/month
Average for a comfortable nomad lifestyle
Public healthcare is free but basic. Private hospitals in Colombo are decent (Asiri, Lanka Hospitals). Insurance recommended for quality care.
Visa and passport needed. Commercial Bank and HNB are accessible. Currency controls exist. LKR has been volatile.
Generally safe for tourists. Post-2022 economic stability improving. Surf towns (Ahangama, Weligama) and hill country are very safe.