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🇧🇹 Bhutan

Visa & Residency

Bhutan's visa system has undergone a dramatic transformation with the launch of its blockchain-backed digital nomad visa in 2025. Previously, the country was accessible mainly through tourist visas requiring a licensed tour operator and a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).

Data verified August 13, 2026

$2,800/year

Digital Nomad Visa

Up to 24 months; blockchain-backed

$40 + SDF

Tourist Visa

SDF: $100/day (reduced from $200 in 2023)

$10,000

TER Deposit

Gold-backed digital asset; refundable on departure

2–4 weeks

Processing Time

Online application via NomadClub platform

Overview

Bhutan's visa system has undergone a dramatic transformation with the launch of its blockchain-backed digital nomad visa in 2025. Previously, the country was accessible mainly through tourist visas requiring a licensed tour operator and a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Now, remote workers can live in Bhutan for up to two years with the innovative digital nomad visa program.

Key Takeaways

  • Annual fee of $2,800 USD for up to 24 months of continuous stay
  • All foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa
  • Work permits issued only for positions that cannot be filled by Bhutanese nationals
1

Digital Nomad Visa (2025)

Bhutan's digital nomad visa is the world's first blockchain-backed remote work visa, launched in partnership with NomadClub.

  • Annual fee of $2,800 USD for up to 24 months of continuous stay
  • Requires purchasing $10,000 worth of TER - a sovereign gold-backed cryptocurrency
  • The TER deposit is an investment, not a fee - fully refundable in gold or convertible TERs upon departure
  • Freedom to live and work anywhere in Bhutan during the visa period
  • Open to remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech professionals
  • Income must be earned outside of Bhutan - no local employment permitted
  • Application processed online through the NomadClub partnership platform
  • Access to local SIM cards, banking services, and healthcare facilities
2

Tourist Visa

The traditional tourist visa remains available for short-term visitors and those not eligible for the digital nomad program.

  • All foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) require a visa
  • Visa fee of $40 USD plus Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100/day
  • SDF was reduced from $200/day to $100/day in September 2023 to boost tourism
  • Visas must be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
  • Regional tourists (Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian) are exempt from SDF but need a permit
  • Visa extensions possible through the Department of Immigration in Thimphu
3

Work Permits & Residency

Traditional work permits in Bhutan are limited and typically tied to specific organizations.

  • Work permits issued only for positions that cannot be filled by Bhutanese nationals
  • Primarily available for NGO workers, UN staff, development professionals, and educators
  • Employer-sponsored - the hiring organization handles the application process
  • Valid for 1 year, renewable annually based on continued employment
  • Long-term residency is extremely difficult to obtain - Bhutan does not offer permanent residency to foreigners
  • Citizenship requires 15–20 years of residency and renunciation of other citizenships

Tools expats in Bhutan actually use

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Wise

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FAQs

Common Questions - Visa & Residency in Bhutan

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