Can I work locally in Bhutan on a digital nomad visa?

No. The digital nomad visa requires that all income is earned from sources outside Bhutan. You cannot take local employment or serve local Bhutanese clients.

Is the $10,000 TER deposit a tax or a fee?

Neither. It is an allocation to a sovereign gold-backed digital asset. You retain ownership and can convert it back to gold or USD-equivalent upon departure. Think of it as a refundable investment, not a cost.

Do I still need to pay the Sustainable Development Fee on a digital nomad visa?

No. The digital nomad visa replaces the SDF requirement. You pay the $2,800 annual visa fee and the $10,000 TER deposit, but no daily SDF.

Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa?

The program allows dependents, but each family member requires their own visa application and associated fees. Check the NomadClub platform for current family pricing.

How do I apply for the Bhutan digital nomad visa?

Applications are processed online through the NomadClub partnership platform. You'll need proof of remote income, a valid passport, health insurance, and the $10,000 TER purchase. Processing takes approximately 2–4 weeks.

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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).

$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

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏯Thimphu 🐅Paro

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Overview

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

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

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

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

FAQs