In a landmark move blending tradition with technology, Bhutan has launched the world’s first gold-backed digital nomad visa, powered by the Solana blockchain. The initiative, rolled out through Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), aims to attract remote workers, crypto professionals, and global entrepreneurs for stays of up to 24 months.
The program requires applicants to pay a non-refundable annual fee of $2,800 and deposit $10,000 worth of TER tokens into Bhutan’s regulated digital financial institution, DK Bank. The deposit is fully refundable upon exit, either in fiat currency or potentially in physical gold as redemption mechanisms expand.
TER is Bhutan’s sovereign digital token, issued on Solana and backed by physical gold reserves. Each TER represents 0.01 grams of 99.99% pure gold stored securely under DK Bank’s custody. By tying residency to a gold-backed asset, Bhutan aims to strengthen its reserves while expanding its digital asset ecosystem.
The visa is initially valid for 12 months, extendable for another year. Notably, there is no minimum stay requirement, and approved nomads are free to travel across Bhutan during their residency.
Bhutan is no stranger to digital assets. The kingdom holds significant Bitcoin reserves per capita, largely accumulated through hydropower-powered mining. With this new visa, the country is integrating blockchain technology directly into its broader economic and development strategy.
GMC has already formed partnerships to support custody infrastructure, tokenization, liquidity, and compliance frameworks. Among key collaborators is Cumberland DRW, signaling institutional-level backing for the initiative.
Blockchain analytics firm Nansen has also announced plans to establish a local presence in Gelephu Mindfulness City, further strengthening the ecosystem. Industry groups like The Edge Institute have welcomed the move, highlighting the potential for developer bootcamps and collaborative innovation hubs.
What sets Bhutan apart is its philosophical foundation. Guided by its Gross National Happiness principle, the country prioritizes sustainable growth and well-being. GMC reflects this vision—positioning itself as a carbon-negative innovation hub surrounded by Bhutan’s Himalayan landscapes and Buddhist heritage.
However, practical considerations remain. Infrastructure outside major cities such as Thimphu and Paro is still developing, and regulatory clarity around taxation of digital assets may vary by nationality. Additionally, while TER is gold-backed, its market value may fluctuate with global gold prices.
By linking immigration policy to tokenized, gold-backed assets on Solana, Bhutan is pioneering a novel approach to economic development. The digital nomad visa not only attracts global talent but also embeds blockchain adoption into the national framework.
For a country once known for its isolation, Bhutan is now positioning itself as one of the most forward-thinking jurisdictions in the global crypto landscape.
