Bhutan•AsiaDigital Nomad Visa (Gelephu Mindfulness City)
At a Glance
2–3 days
From USD $10,000
Other charges may apply
1 to 2 years
1 yr initial · extendable to 2 · Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Residence permit for remote workers and entrepreneurs allowing up to 24 months of stay, requiring a refundable USD 10,000 deposit in TER gold-backed tokens and a USD 2,800 annual fee, with SDF waived.
The Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa, launched in early 2026 under the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, represents a pioneering initiative designed to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals to the Kingdom. This residency program allows qualified individuals to live and work remotely from within Bhutan for an initial period of 12 months, with the potential for renewal up to a total of 24 months. By bypassing traditional income-based requirements, the visa focuses on fostering a community of innovators who align with the nation's strategic vision for sustainable development, mindfulness, and technological advancement.
To participate, applicants must pay a non-refundable annual administrative fee of USD 2,800. Additionally, candidates are required to open an account with DK Bank, Bhutan's regulated digital institution, and maintain a refundable deposit of USD 10,000. This deposit must be held in TER tokens—a sovereign, gold-backed digital asset issued on the Solana blockchain—which serves as proof of financial stability. This unique, blockchain-integrated approach reflects Bhutan's commitment to modernizing its economic infrastructure while providing a serene, purpose-built environment for global talent.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
| Extendable up to | 2 years |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a professional, entrepreneur, or self-employed individual with location-independent work.
Work must align with the strategic direction of Gelephu Mindfulness City (e.g., sustainable development, mindful living, innovation).
Valid passport with at least six months validity.
Must open a bank account with Digital Kidu (DK Bank).
Must deposit a minimum of USD 10,000 equivalent in TER tokens (gold-backed digital assets) at DK Bank.
Payment of a non-refundable annual program fee of USD 2,800.
KEY CRITERIA
Investment
10,000 USD
Min. Savings
10,000 USD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport copy.
Recent digital passport-sized photograph.
Proof of remote work (e.g., employment contracts, freelance agreements, or business ownership documentation).
Health declaration confirming good health.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Waives the standard Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per day.
- No minimum monthly income threshold required.
- No mandatory minimum stay requirement.
- Grants freedom to reside and travel throughout the entire Kingdom of Bhutan.
- Initial 12-month validity, renewable for up to 24 months.
- Access to a unique, emerging economic ecosystem in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Worth Knowing
- The USD 10,000 deposit is held in a specific digital asset (TER) which may have liquidity or conversion considerations.
- Gelephu Mindfulness City is a developing project; infrastructure availability may vary.
- The program is a 'sandbox' initiative, meaning regulations and processes may evolve.
- The USD 2,800 annual fee is non-refundable.
Application Process
Check qualification — must be a professional, entrepreneur, or self-employed individual in sectors aligned with GMC's strategic direction.
Submit application via digitalgmc.com and pay the USD 2,800 annual programme fee.
Open a DK Bank account and deposit minimum USD 10,000 in TER tokens (gold-backed digital asset).
Receive the 12-month digital nomad residence visa (renewable up to 24 months total).
Related visas
More visas in Bhutan
- Diplomatic Visa
Diplomatic
- Employment Visa
Work
- Entry Permit (Regional Tourism)
Business
Digital nomad visas in other countries
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