The Kingdom of Bhutan has launched a pilot program for remote workers, a digital nomad visa, that allows people to live and work in the country for up to two years. Unlike most similar programs, the new visa does not require a minimum income, but does require an investment in the government’s digital token, TER. Learn about the requirements for candidates and how to apply

The Kingdom of Bhutan has launched a new program for remote workers – the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows you to live and work in the country for up to two years. The program was launched in February 2026 and has become one of the most unusual in the world, as it combines immigration policy with blockchain technologies.

Unlike most similar programs, this visa does not set a mandatory minimum income level, but requires an investment in a state digital token backed by gold. We tell you how the new program works, who can apply and how to get a digital nomad visa to Bhutan.

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What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a special type of residence permit that allows remote workers to live in another country, working for foreign companies or their own online business.

Today, there are more than 50 such programs in the world that offer temporary residence for freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote employees.

Typically, such visas have several standard requirements:

- Confirmation of remote work;

- Stable income from abroad;

- Health insurance;

- Payment of administrative fees.

In some countries, such programs can even open the way to long-term residence or permanent residency.

Today, digital nomads can combine work and travel with virtually no housing costs. We have already told you how to live for free in different countries of the world.

What is known about the new Bhutanese digital nomad visa?

The new visa was launched by the administration of the Gelephu Mindfulness City special district in partnership with the NomadClub company.

The program is positioned as a pilot project aimed at attracting:

- IT specialists

- Entrepreneurs

- Creative professionals

- Remote workers

Participants receive a 12-month visa with the possibility of extension up to 24 months. You can apply completely online.

One of the main features of the program is the use of the TER (Tourism Economic Recovery) digital token - a state crypto asset backed by gold.

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Digital Nomad Visa Requirements for Bhutan

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet a few basic requirements:

1. Valid Passport

The applicant must have a valid passport.

2. Remote Work

Must be a freelancer, entrepreneur, or employee of a company registered outside of Bhutan.

3. Remote Income

Previously, the minimum income was around $2,500 per month, but this requirement can be waived after paying an annual fee of $2,800.

4. Opening a Bank Account

The applicant must open an account with the digital bank DK Bank.

5. Investing in TER Tokens

You must purchase around $10,000 in TER tokens. TER is a digital asset created on the Solana blockchain, where each token is backed by a share of physical gold.

How to apply for a digital nomad visa to Bhutan?

The application process is online and consists of several steps.

Step 1. Prepare your documents

Before submitting your application, you need to prepare: a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and a health declaration.

Step 2. Submit your application online

The application is submitted through the NomadClub platform. At this stage, you need to pay a non-refundable annual fee of USD 2,800.

Step 3. Open a bank account

After pre-approval, the applicant will be asked to open an account with DK Bank. The procedure is done online.

Step 4. Purchase TER tokens

You need to purchase approximately 10,000 TER tokens through a bank, the cost of which is approximately USD 14,000.

Step 5. Get a visa

After meeting the financial requirements, the applicant receives a digital nomad visa for a period of 12 months, which can be extended for another year.

Also read, TOP 10 countries for digital nomads according to Global Citizen Solutions.

What is special about the digital nomad visa program for Bhutan?

The main feature of the Bhutan visa is its connection to the state crypto-asset. This is the world's first residency program directly linked to a sovereign digital token.

The TER token was launched in December 2025. Each unit represents a fraction of 0.01 grams of 999.9 fine gold, stored in verified vaults.

This approach has two goals - to support the development of the country's tourism and technology economy, as well as to attract international talent and investors.

Why is Bhutan opening up to digital nomads?

The launch of the program is a significant step for a country that for decades had one of the world’s most secretive tourism policies.

Previously, visitors had to pay a $100 to $250 per day tourism fee and travel on strictly defined routes.

The new visa reflects Bhutan’s shift in strategy from short-term tourism to attracting long-term international residents.

Living as a digital nomad in Bhutan

For many remote workers, living in Bhutan can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The country is nestled high in the Himalayas between India and China and is known for its Buddhist culture, natural landscapes, and concept of gross national happiness.

The capital, Thimphu, feels more like a small mountain town than a metropolis. There’s less hustle and bustle, but more nature, monasteries, and a laid-back pace of life.

In major cities such as Thimphu and Paro, cafes, hotels and co-working spaces with reliable internet are already operating, allowing you to combine work with travel.

Bhutan’s new digital nomad visa program is one of the most original in the world. It combines immigration policy with blockchain technology and investment in digital assets, making it unique among more than 50 similar programs for remote workers.

Despite some debate about the need for investing in TER tokens, this initiative demonstrates the country’s desire to attract international talent, entrepreneurs and technology specialists. If the pilot project proves successful, it could become a new model for residency programs in other countries.

Countries around the world are actively launching programs for remote workers, and Bhutan’s new digital nomad visa is just one example of how the global market for mobile work is changing. However, requirements, visa procedures, and residency rules may vary significantly depending on the country and citizenship of the applicant.

Visit World’s “Digital Nomad Guide” will help you understand the key requirements, documents, and visa process in different countries around the world. In the guide, you will find step-by-step instructions, application form rules, and current conditions for remote workers.

Use the guide to prepare for your move and choose the best country to live and work in!

Reminder! Dreaming of spending the winter in a warm country and working remotely without legal risks? Which countries in 2026 are suitable for Digital Nomads, offer stable internet, comfortable climate, and visas for digital nomads - we tell you at the link.

Photo – Freepik.com

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