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Head to head

Sri Lanka vs Thailand: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Sri Lanka grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Sri Lanka DNV and the Thailand DTV.
Criteria Sri Lanka DNV Thailand DTV
Minimum income / month €1,840 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 1 year (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay No fixed limit 5 years
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 Standard resident taxation Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Not required
Insurance duration required Full visa period —
Application fee ≈ €460 ≈ €350 (better)
Where to apply In country, Online Online, Embassy / consulate
Processing time 1–6 weeks 4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Sri Lanka DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Thailand DTV →

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 Sri Lanka → Insurance for Thailand →

Sources