Bhutan has introduced a new digital nomad visa powered by blockchain technology.
The program was launched by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMC) in partnership with NomadClub. It allows remote workers to live and work in Bhutan under a simplified residency system. The move aligns with the country’s development philosophy of Gross National Happiness.
What makes it different is its use of crypto infrastructure. The visa system runs on the Solana network, chosen for its fast speed and low transaction fees. This makes Bhutan one of the first countries to integrate blockchain directly into a national visa process.
Key Points
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Bhutan launches blockchain-powered digital nomad visa, letting remote workers live and work nationwide.
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Visa runs on Solana, integrating crypto directly into government residency systems for the first time.
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Gold-backed TER token underpins the program, redeemable for physical gold via DK Bank.
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The program shifts Bhutan from strict tourism rules, aligning with broader blockchain and crypto strategies.
Gold-Backed TER Token at the Core
At the heart of the residency program is TER, a gold-backed digital token issued by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority. Built on the Solana network, each TER token represents 0.01 grams of 99.99% pure gold stored in secure vaults around the world.
The token is distributed through DK Bank and can be redeemed for physical gold. Officials describe TER as a stable digital asset that combines the speed of blockchain with the reliability of gold.
Launched in late 2025, TER has more than 7.8 million tokens in circulation. Authorities say it is the first sovereign gold-backed token on the Solana blockchain.
Visa Requirements and Structure
The visa is valid for 12 months, and holders can extend it up to 24–36 months. Applicants must pay a non-refundable annual visa fee of $2,800. They must also deposit $10,000 in TER tokens via DK Bank (fully refundable upon departure).
There is no fixed minimum income requirement. However, the program targets professionals working in key sectors such as technology, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, in line with GMC’s goals.
Shift From Strict Tourism Rules
For decades, Bhutan enforced some of the world’s strictest tourism policies. Visitors were charged between $100 and $250 per day and had to follow guided travel plans. The new digital nomad visa marks a major shift from that approach.
According to Timour Kosters, co-founder of Edge City, the visa now applies nationwide. Visa holders can travel freely without mandatory stay requirements, a significant change from Bhutan’s past entry rules.
How Bhutan Compares Globally
Several countries, including Estonia, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates, offer digital nomad visas. However, none require blockchain-based deposits or tokenized assets as part of the process.
El Salvador has adopted cryptocurrency nationally, including Bitcoin-linked residency pathways. But it does not require a gold-backed stablecoin deposit tied directly to visa approvals.
Bhutan’s model goes beyond crypto trading or DeFi. Instead, TER is used as a functional requirement within a real government system.
Notably, the visa program is part of Bhutan’s wider digital asset strategy. The country has mined Bitcoin for years using surplus hydropower and reportedly holds reserves worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Officials have also pledged up to 10,000 BTC to support GMC’s long-term plans.
In addition, parts of Bhutan’s national digital identity system are built on Ethereum, showing its growing interest in blockchain-based governance.
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