Main highlights:
- Bhutan has launched a digital nomad visa on the Solana blockchain.
- To obtain a visa, you will need TER, a gold-backed stablecoin.
- Bhutan will be the first country to launch such an initiative.
Bhutan has introduced a new digital nomad visa that uses blockchain technology (specifically Solana) to make the visa application process and management system more modern and secure. Launched by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Administration in collaboration with NomadClub, the program will make it easier for people working remotely, including freelancers, creators and technical professionals, to live and work in Bhutan.
The Government of Bhutan (@gmcbhutan) has launched the world’s first @Solana sponsored visa for digital nomads.
– Purchase $10,000 worth of TER, tokenized gold on Solana + $2,800 application fee
– Stay up to 36 months in one of the most beautiful countries in the world
– Get your $10,000 back… pic.twitter.com/reyzgDWNCz— Vibhu (@vibhu) February 24, 2026
What makes it unique is that it implements a sophisticated crypto-based system based on the Bhutanese philosophy of prioritizing happiness and well-being (known as Gross National Happiness).
What is TER?
According to the official website, TER is a digital currency built on the Solana blockchain. What makes this special is that each TER token is backed by real gold. Each TER represents a small portion of the actual 999.9% pure gold safely stored in vaults around the world. Published by Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority and distributed through DK Bank.
The best part is that TER is stable as it is linked to gold and can also be redeemed for real gold if needed. TER combines the reliability of gold with the integration of blockchain technology to make gold a safer and more practical digital currency.
Simple and flexible visa process
The visa process is very simple and flexible. There is no strict requirement that you need a certain income to obtain a visa. This program is aimed at people in the technology and sustainability fields.
Applicants must pay a fee of $2,800 to the Gelefu Mindfulness City Authority and deposit $10,000 with TER through DK Bank, which is refundable. The visa is valid for 12 months, but can be extended for 24 to 36 months.
TER is built on Solana, so fees are low and transactions are fast. Gold backing protects users from sudden changes in the market that can cause large fluctuations in the price of the token. The main goal is to provide a stable and modern way for digital nomads to live and work in this country.
Bhutan’s unique visa model
Several countries have introduced digital nomad visas, including Estonia, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates, but these programs do not have blockchain integrated.
El Salvador, on the other hand, has accepted cryptocurrencies at the national level and has also tied cryptocurrencies to residency options, but it does not offer visas tied to stablecoins backed by real-world assets such as gold.
With the launch of this initiative, Bhutan will become the first country to combine digital visas with blockchain technology and a gold-backed digital currency. The initiative will also promote tourism, investment opportunities and increase visibility at a global level.
Moreover, with this initiative, Bhutan is taking tokenization beyond investment into real, everyday use, so this is a huge deal. Here, gold-backed digital assets (TER) are fundamentally tied to real-world processes, as they are not just something to trade, but something you need to obtain a visa. This also shows that tokenized assets are not limited to the DeFi ecosystem. This move may cause various other countries to further consider RWA and follow suit.
Also read: Bhutanese government moves $107 million in Bitcoin: How BTC brought the nation to attention
