Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), an autonomous special administrative region (SAR) in the Kingdom of Bhutan, has launched a sandbox Digital Nomad Visa programme, called DigitalBhutan, in collaboration with the NomadClub.
Whilst similar in theory to existing Digital Nomad Visas, GMC’s new visa is the first in the world to be contingent on the ownership of a blockchain.
Unlike other visas, the Bhutanese visa has no income requirement and instead relies on a minimum investment of £7500 GBP / $10000 USD in a government-issued, gold-backed cryptocurrency called TER, as well as an annual fee of £2000 GBP / $2800 USD.
Gelephu Mindfulness City
Gelephu Mindfulness City was first announced in 2023 by the King of Bhutan. Intended to invigorate the region and centre sustainability, business, education, Buddhist principles and Bhutanese culture, the city is separate from the country’s existing laws and is frequently referred to under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
In particular, the area is designed to serve as a sandbox for prospective systems, with the plan to “adopt and adapt best governing and business practices from around the world.”
The region plans to act as a hub for Buddhist spiritual journeys, establish state-of-the-art medical sciences research and development centres, advance forestry and agri-tech, offer a base for sustainable innovation with a focus on renewable energy, lead in financial services and digital assets such as blockchain, and become a major tourism and aviation hub.
Economic growth and administrative reform are also heavily centred in the region, with programmes in place to attract foreign nationals, such as a competitive corporate tax rate.
TER Digital Gold Token
With Gelephu Mindfulness City’s focus on economic prosperity, innovative new financial systems have been centred in the establishment of the city. This includes the notable launch of TER, a sovereign-backed digital token issued via blockchain and representing fractional ownership of physical gold.
Issued by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority, TER is distributed exclusively by DK Bank. The DigitalBhutan site defines TER as “a digital asset, but unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, it is a stablecoin 100% backed by physical gold stored in Bhutanese vaults. It combines the speed of crypto with the stability of gold.”
This is significant given that, unlike other Digital Nomad Visas which require a minimum monthly income, the DigitalBhutan visa requires a minimum investment of $10,000 USD into TER tokens alongside the £2000 GBP / $2,800 USD yearly programme fee.
The authority notes that the minimum $10,000 deposit is fully refundable upon exit from the programme.
What Bhutan’s Digital Nomad Visa offers
- Long-term stay: Successful applicants are granted an initial 12-month visa, renewable for up to 24 months.
- No income threshold: With all financial contributions being measured via investment in TER and a yearly non-refundable programme fee, there is no minimum income threshold.
- Favorable tax: As per the DigitalBhutan website, “Bhutan offers a favourable tax regime for foreign income,” with Digital Nomad Visa holders typically only being taxed on income sourced within Bhutan (though visa holders are encouraged to consult a tax advisor).
- Opportunity to participate: Considering its position as a pilot programme, and the fact that it’s set against the backdrop of a city that’s in the midst of being built, the DigitalBhutan visa offers an incredibly unique opportunity to be part of an exclusive community.
- Intentional living: The visa permits living and travelling within the new and innovative Gelephu Mindfulness City, as well as travelling throughout the rest of the Kingdom of Bhutan, which prioritises wellbeing, natural harmony and peace.
- A new way of life: With Bhutan’s unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), nomads can experience firsthand what it’s like to live in a country that so closely prioritises progress, well-being and happiness above all else.
Who can apply?
Here is where things get a little more interesting (if brand new cities, digital assets and unprecedented DNVs weren’t compelling enough for you):
The DigitalBhutan site notes that applicants must be “a professional, entrepreneur, or self-employed individual in sectors aligned with GMC’s strategic direction.”
How to apply
The official DigitalBhutan site lists four steps: checking eligibility, submitting an application, opening a DK bank account, and then receiving the visa.
As mentioned above, eligibility may be hurdle number one for a handful of applicants, with their profession needing to align with what is deemed to be GMC’s “strategic direction.”
Applicants will then need to submit an application and pay the non-refundable £2000 GBP / $2,800 USD programme fee to the Bhutanese authorities. The application will require your passport number.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you will automatically receive a NomadID to track the status of your application.
If approved, you will then be invited to open a DK bank account. This is required as the only avenue through which to purchase TER. You will then need to make a minimum deposit of £7500 GBP / $10000 USD into TER.
And voila. You will receive your visa.
The process is designed to be streamlined and digital-first. According to the DigitalBhutan site, initial approval typically takes just 48-72 hours.
Why Bhutan?
With their serene landscape, intentional living and Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is well-suited for digital nomads seeking slow living, peace and the opportunity to explore nature.
Keeping in mind the exciting innovation happening in and around the GMC, the DigitalBhutan visa offers the additional perk of getting to experience first-hand the building of a first-of-its-kind city, all whilst enjoying the long-standing culture of beauty and calm within the country.
If you’re looking for a space to slow down, reflect and find inspiration, all whilst being part of a movement towards sustainable modernisation, Bhutan’s visa could be for you.
Other Digital Nomad Visas to consider
- Nepal – Only the second South Asian country to have offered a Digital Nomad Visa, Nepal’s DNV offers the potential of a rather long stay (up to five years) as well as other perks such as the ability to bring a partner, buy a car and enjoy a low tax rate—all within a similarly beautiful nation nestled amongst the Himalayas.
- Kyrgyzstan – If it’s a unique, under-the-radar adventure you’re seeking, Kyrgyzstan’s digital nomad visa offers single or multi-entry visas for durations of one to six months.
- Sri Lanka – Also a newcomer to the DNV scene, Sri Lanka’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a one-year stay that can be renewed for as long as conditions are met.
- Mauritius – Their Premium Visa lets you live island life for up to a year (renewable).
