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Head to head

Kenya vs Sri Lanka: the digital nomad visas compared

Partially verified Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Sri Lanka has the lower entry bar: €1,840 per month versus €1,850 for Kenya.
  • Kenya grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Kenya Class N Permit and the Sri Lanka DNV.
Criteria Kenya Class N Permit Sri Lanka DNV
Minimum income / month €1,850 €1,840 (better)
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 2 years (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required in practice Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €185 (better) ≈ €460
Where to apply Online, In country In country, Online
Processing time — 1–6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

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 Kenya → Insurance for Sri Lanka →

Sources