Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom known for prioritizing Gross National Happiness, has stepped decisively into blockchain policy with a digital nomad visa anchored to its gold-backed TER token. Administered by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA), the initiative integrates cryptocurrency infrastructure directly into immigration requirements.

Launched in early 2026, the program requires applicants to place a refundable $10,000 equivalent deposit in TER tokens, alongside a non-refundable annual program fee of $2,800. The initial residency term lasts 12 months, renewable up to 24 months under official documentation, though some reports suggest a possible maximum of 36 months.

TER itself debuted in December 2025 as what Bhutan describes as the world’s first sovereign gold-backed token issued on the Solana network. Each token represents fractional ownership of 0.01 grams of 999.9 purity physical gold stored in secure vaults. The token is issued by GMCA and managed through DK Bank, Bhutan’s regulated digital bank.

Solana was selected for its high-speed processing, low transaction costs and energy efficiency, aligning with Bhutan’s carbon-negative ambitions. The TER deposit acts as a commitment mechanism while introducing participants to Bhutan’s sovereign digital asset ecosystem.

Eligibility is broad but selective. Remote workers, entrepreneurs and professionals aligned with Gelephu Mindfulness City’s sustainability and innovation goals may apply. Notably, there is no minimum income threshold and no mandatory stay requirement. The Sustainable Development Fee typically applied to tourists is also waived.

Applicants must open a DK Bank account before depositing TER tokens. Upon approval, visa holders are free to reside and travel throughout Bhutan, including within Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special administrative zone designed to blend economic growth with mindful living.

Supporters argue the refundable deposit structure filters for committed residents while channeling capital into TER adoption. Critics note that a $10,000 upfront commitment may narrow the applicant pool and raise practical questions about tax treatment, token classification, and gold redemption mechanisms.

Infrastructure concerns also loom. Bhutan’s geography and developing digital backbone may challenge remote professionals dependent on high-speed connectivity. Still, for crypto-aligned professionals, the proposition is clear: residency in one of the world’s most culturally distinctive nations, secured through a gold-pegged blockchain asset.

Globally, digital nomad programs have expanded across Europe and Asia, but Bhutan’s model stands apart by embedding sovereign crypto infrastructure into visa mechanics. Rather than merely accepting digital payments, the kingdom has placed blockchain assets at the center of residency policy.

If successful, the initiative could signal a new phase in crypto-backed immigration frameworks. For now, Bhutan has effectively turned gold, tokenization, and mindful development into a residency experiment — and the world’s nomads are watching.

• What is Bhutan’s digital nomad visa?
  A blockchain-integrated residency program requiring a refundable $10,000 deposit in gold-backed TER tokens.
• How long can applicants stay in Bhutan?
  The visa grants an initial 12-month term, renewable up to 24 months under official guidance.
• What blockchain does TER use?
  TER is issued on the Solana network and represents fractional ownership of physical gold.
• Is income proof required for the visa?
  No minimum income threshold or mandatory stay requirement applies.

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