Sri Lanka is a small island that is quickly becoming a hot spot for digital nomads – thanks to its low cost of living, and expat community.
The digital nomad scene in Sri Lanka is still relatively new, but it is growing rapidly, with new co-working spaces popping up all the time.
Sri Lanka should definitely be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Asia as a digital nomad.
But, what about the visa situation?
Can you just pack your bags and move to Sri Lanka without any hassle?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
In this guide, we’ll explore digital nomad visas in Sri Lanka and what are your options if you wish to stay longer than 30 days.
Wondering if you need a visa for Sri Lanka? Check on iVisa.
Visas In Sri Lanka
You can currently travel to Sri Lanka using an Electronic Travel Authorisation, which you can apply for online. This is a 30-day visa for tourism purposes.
In October 2022, Sri Lanka also announced a longer ETA visa for people from a list of approved countries. This allows you to stay up to 270 days in Sri Lanka. Check with the Sri Lankan immigration website to see if your country qualifies you for this longer tourist visa.
Digital Nomad Visa
There is currently no dedicated Digital Nomad Visa available for Sri Lanka. The government announced plans for a Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, however, this has yet to be implemented.
Best Places To Live In Sri Lanka As A Digital Nomad
Now let’s take a look at the best cities to live in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
Being the capital city, of course Colombo is the best place for digital nomads in Sri Lanka. It has an abundance of co-working spaces all over the city and a lot of places offer excellent wifi.
There is a growing expat community in Colombo, so you shouldn’t have any issues when it comes to making friends or collaborating with other digital nomads.
However, this is going to be the most expensive place in terms of living costs when it comes to living in Sri Lanka.
Ella
This is a spot in Sri Lanka that is really popular amongst backpackers. You will find many laid back cafes, restaurants and homestays.
Ella is a popular area as it is surrounded by some stunning views and has lots of options for some outdoor activities when you’re off the clock.
This is a great place if you are looking for a place with lots of other expats.
Tangalle
Tangalle is a beach town in the south of Sri Lanka, that has recently begun attracting a digital nomad crowd. Expats are drawn to the slow pace of life and the possibility of living so close to the beach at a really affordable price.
This is a quiet area, so if you are a solo traveler or are looking for somewhere a bit on the busier side, then Colombo would be a better option.
However, Tangalle would be an ideal place if you are looking for some peace and quiet beach living.
Unawatuna
Unuwatuna is also a great option for people looking for some beach life in Sri Lanka. This is a real escape from city life and there are some incredible hotels, resorts, and hostels around Unawatuna.
A spot that has become really popular amongst expats is Bedspace which is a hotel/cafe and a hot spot for working.
You will find some places with great wifi around here.
Galle Fort
As a Unesco World Heritage Site, Galle is one of the most beautiful places in all of Sri Lanka for digital nomads to visit.
Galle is becoming more and more popular with expats as a place to relocate to. This is a tropical beach town with loads of surfing schools and some of the most incredible beaches.
One thing which is important for digital nomads to note is that power outages can happen from time to time without much warning.
Cost Of Living In Sri Lanka
The cost of living in Sri Lanka is very reasonable, especially when compared to other Asian countries.
For example, a meal at a restaurant will cost around USD 1.50 – 3.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Colombo is around USD 300 in the city.
Of course, the cost of living will vary depending on the region you choose to live in.
Some cities, like Galle Fort, are more much more reasonable than others.
Overall, Sri Lanka is a very affordable place to live.
Final Thoughts On Sri Lanka For Digital Nomads
Sri Lanka is a great country for digital nomads, thanks to its low cost of living, beautiful scenery, and friendly expat community.
There are several cities that stand out as the best places to live in Sri Lanka for digital nomads.
Each city has its own unique atmosphere, and there’s something to suit every taste.
So, if you’re looking for a place to live and work on your next digital nomad adventure, Sri Lanka is definitely worth considering.
As Sri Lanka is becoming more popular amongst digital nomads, we hope to see a digital nomad visa in the future.
For now, though, Sri Lanka is a great option for those looking for an affordable and beautiful place to live in Asia.
Not sure if Sri Lanka is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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