Bhutan now accepts cryptocurrency deposits for residency. The Himalayan kingdom just launched the world’s first Solana-backed digital nomad visa.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMC) partnered with NomadClub to create this program. Applicants must deposit $10,000 in TER tokens, a gold-backed asset on Solana. The deposit functions as a refundable bond. Bhutan returns the full amount when nomads leave the country.
Additionally, applicants pay a $2,800 annual visa fee. This fee covers processing and is non-refundable.
🚨 Bhutan (@gmcbhutan) launches the world’s first Solana-backed digital nomad visa. 🇧🇹
— Solana Daily (@solana_daily) February 24, 2026
Applicants must purchase $10,000 worth of TER – tokenized gold on Solana – plus a $2,800 application fee, allowing them to stay up to 36 months in Bhutan. The $10,000 is refundable at the end… pic.twitter.com/uQ1iTblCQD
What the Visa Offers
The program removes barriers that previously made Bhutan nearly impossible to visit. Historically, tourists paid daily fees between $100 and $250. They also required mandatory guided tours throughout their stay.
However, this visa grants complete freedom. Holders can live and travel anywhere in Bhutan for 12 months. They can renew for up to 24 or 36 months total. The program imposes no minimum income requirement. It also sets no minimum stay requirement.
Essentially, Bhutan is opening its doors to remote workers and crypto-native professionals.
How TER Tokens Work
TER tokens launched in December 2025. Each token represents 0.01 grams of 99.99% pure gold. Secure vaults store the physical gold backing every token.
Currently, more than 7.8 million TER tokens circulate on Solana. DK Bank, one of Bhutan’s largest regulated digital banks, distributes the tokens. Holders can redeem TER for physical gold at any time.
This makes TER the first sovereign gold-backed token on Solana. Bhutan essentially created a stablecoin pegged to gold rather than fiat currency.
The visa program serves dual purposes. First, it attracts digital nomads. Second, it bootstraps TER token adoption. Every applicant must acquire and hold TER to participate.
Key Data Points
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Refundable deposit | $10,000 in TER tokens |
| Annual visa fee | $2,800 (non-refundable) |
| Initial stay | 12 months |
| Maximum stay | 24-36 months |
| TER backing | 0.01g gold per token |
| Tokens in circulation | 7.8+ million |
| Bhutan BTC reserves | ~$700 million |
| GMC BTC commitment | Up to 10,000 BTC |
Bhutan’s Broader Crypto Strategy
This visa fits into a larger pattern. Bhutan has mined Bitcoin using surplus hydropower for years. The country’s mountainous terrain generates more electricity than its population needs.
Consequently, Bhutan now holds approximately $700 million in Bitcoin reserves. The government pledged up to 10,000 BTC toward GMC’s long-term development.
Meanwhile, Bhutan built parts of its national digital identity system on Ethereum. The country clearly views blockchain as core infrastructure, not speculation.
This multi-chain approach is notable. Bhutan uses Bitcoin for reserves, Ethereum for identity, and Solana for commerce. Each chain serves a specific purpose.
Why This Matters
No country has directly integrated blockchain into visa processing until now. By requiring on-chain assets for residency, Bhutan connects real-world legal status with token holdings for the first time.
The TER deposit model creates interesting incentives beyond simple compliance. Applicants become token holders with exposure to gold prices throughout their stay, then receive the full amount back when they leave. This structure could inspire other small nations with tourism-dependent economies to generate revenue while building their own digital asset ecosystems.
Bhutan’s shift also signals changing attitudes toward crypto tourism. El Salvador embraced Bitcoin as currency. Portugal offered tax advantages. Bhutan went further by making tokens an actual visa requirement.
The program enters a crowded market. Dozens of countries now offer remote work permits, with most requiring proof of income or employment verification. Bhutan takes a different path by requiring token deposits instead. This filters for crypto-literate applicants while confirming financial resources without invasive documentation.
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