Bhutan has launched a digital nomad visa program in February 2026 that allows remote workers to live in the kingdom for up to 24 months. Unlike traditional digital nomad visas, this program requires a substantial financial commitment including a $10,000 investment in digital tokens alongside the annual visa fee.
The visa is administered through a partnership between Bhutan and private company NomadClub, with final decisions made by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA).
Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa Investment Requirements
The program operates differently from conventional remote work visas by combining residency permits with mandatory investments:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 24 months |
| Annual Fee | $2,800 (approximately ₹2,35,000) |
| TER Investment | $10,000 (approximately ₹8,40,000) |
| Income Waiver | Yes, when annual fee is paid |
Applicants must open a DK Bank account and deposit 10,000 TER tokens, which are described as sovereign-backed digital assets tied to gold. The annual application fee of $2,800 is non-refundable.
Who Can Apply for Bhutan’s Remote Work Visa
Indian digital nomads must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for this program. Applicants need a valid passport and must work remotely as freelancers, employees, or business owners for entities established outside Bhutan.
The traditional minimum income requirement of $2,500 per month is waived when applicants pay the annual visa fee. However, the mandatory TER token investment remains a fixed requirement for all applicants.
For comprehensive guidance on remote work opportunities across different countries, Indian professionals can explore our Singapore Visa Guide for comparison with other digital nomad-friendly destinations.
Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
The application process is conducted entirely online through the NomadClub website. Required documents include a copy of passport, passport-size photo, and agreement to health declaration.
After submitting the online application and paying the $2,800 fee, the GMCA reviews all documents and notifies applicants of next steps. The process requires opening the DK Bank account and purchasing the required TER tokens as part of the approval requirements.
Indian applicants planning their financial arrangements can use our Visa Fee Calculator to budget for the total costs including both the annual fee and investment requirement.
This pilot program represents Bhutan’s entry into the digital nomad visa market, though it follows an investment-based model rather than the income-verification approach used by most other countries offering similar programs.
FAQ
Q: What is the total cost for the Bhutan digital nomad visa? A: The total cost includes a $2,800 annual application fee (approximately ₹2,35,000) plus a mandatory $10,000 investment in TER tokens (approximately ₹8,40,000).
Q: How long can Indian digital nomads stay in Bhutan with this visa? A: The visa allows stays of up to 24 months, with an annual fee of $2,800 required each year.
Q: Is the minimum income requirement waived for this visa? A: Yes, the $2,500 monthly income requirement is waived when you pay the annual visa fee of $2,800.
Q: What is TER and why is investment mandatory? A: TER (Tourism Economic Recovery) is a sovereign-backed digital token tied to gold. A $10,000 investment in TER tokens deposited in a DK Bank account is mandatory for visa approval.
Source: Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA), Bhutan