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Head to head

Romania 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 €5,310 for Romania.
  • Tax treatment differs: Romania — foreign income exempt; Sri Lanka — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) and the Sri Lanka DNV.
Criteria Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) Sri Lanka DNV
Minimum income / month €5,310 €1,840 (better)
Income basis Salary / employment contract Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 3 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence Indirect (switch required) No
Path to citizenship Via permanent residence No
Family inclusion No Yes (better)
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Digital nomad tax exemption (Law no. 69/2023)) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €30,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €120 (better) ≈ €460
Where to apply Embassy / consulate, Online In country, Online
Processing time 2–9 weeks 1–6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) →

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 Romania → Insurance for Sri Lanka →

Sources