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Head to head

Japan vs Sri Lanka: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Sri Lanka has the lower entry bar: €1,840 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Sri Lanka grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Japan — foreign income exempt; Sri Lanka — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Japan DN and the Sri Lanka DNV.
Criteria Japan DN Sri Lanka DNV
Minimum income / month €4,500 €1,840 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable No Yes (better)
Maximum total stay 6 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €53,999 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €16.20 (better) ≈ €460
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, In country In country, Online
Processing time 1 weeks 1–6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Sri Lanka DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Japan → Insurance for Sri Lanka →

Sources