Bhutan Launches Solana Powered Digital Nomad Visa

24th February 2026- The Bhutan digital nomad visa has officially launched through Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), marking the world’s first residency programme powered by the Solana blockchain and backed by tokenized gold. This initiative requires applicants to pay a $2,800 non-refundable annual fee and deposit $10,000 in TER, Bhutan’s sovereign gold-backed token built on Solana.

TER represents tokenized physical gold, with each token backed by 0.01 grams stored in audited vaults and custodied by DK Bank. Importantly, the $10,000 TER deposit remains fully refundable when participants exit the programme. As a result, the deposit functions as a security reserve rather than a permanent expense.

In return, successful applicants receive a 12-month renewable visa that allows unrestricted travel and residence across Bhutan. Participants can extend the visa up to 36 months in practice. Unlike most digital nomad visas, Bhutan does not require proof of minimum income or mandatory stay periods. 

Background and Context

Bhutan launched this visa as part of its broader strategy to integrate blockchain technology into national development. King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced Gelephu Mindfulness City in 2023 to attract global talent, promote sustainable innovation, and build a modern digital economy.

Previously, in May 2025, Bhutan became the first country to roll out a nationwide crypto payment system for tourism. Visitors gained the ability to pay for visas, hotels, and services using over 100 cryptocurrencies through Binance Pay and DK Bank. This initiative marked Bhutan’s first major step toward crypto-powered infrastructure.

Subsequently, in December 2025, Bhutan introduced TER as the world’s first sovereign-issued token backed by physical gold. Solana provides the blockchain infrastructure due to its high throughput, low fees, and energy efficiency. This launch positioned Bhutan among the first nations to issue tokenized real-world assets at the sovereign level.

Although over 50 countries offer digital nomad visas, none have required applicants to hold a government-issued tokenized asset. As a result, Bhutan establishes a new precedent by linking residency directly to blockchain-based sovereign financial instruments.

How the Visa Programme Works

The Bhutan digital nomad visa follows a structured and largely digital application process designed to simplify access for global remote professionals. First, applicants verify eligibility as remote workers, entrepreneurs, or self-employed professionals aligned with GMC’s focus on sustainability and innovation.

Next, applicants submit their visa application and pay the $2,800 annual programme fee. Then, they open an account with DK Bank and deposit $10,000 worth of TER tokens, purchased directly through the bank.Finally, authorities approve the visa and grant 12-month residency, renewable under the same requirements.

Additionally, the programme provides key benefits, including full mobility across Bhutan, waived income requirements, and no mandatory stay period. Participants receive the full TER deposit back when they leave the programme.

Future Implications

This visa creates significant implications for residents, national strategy, and the global crypto ecosystem. For digital nomads, Bhutan offers residency with low financial risk, since the TER deposit remains refundable and backed by physical gold.

For Bhutan, the programme increases demand for TER, strengthens on-chain activity, and attracts skilled international talent. Each participant contributes to liquidity and adoption of Bhutan’s sovereign token ecosystem.More broadly, this launch signals growing sovereign adoption of blockchain-based real-world assets. Governments increasingly use tokenization to integrate physical assets like gold into digital financial systems.