Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply (5 Steps)

A new digital nomad visa has popped up for remote workers… but it’s not like traditional remote worker visas we’ve talked about before.

Launched in February 2026, the Bhutan digital nomad visa waives the minimum income requirement but requires a local bank account and an investment in a sovereign-backed digital token called TER (Tourism Economic Recovery). 

 The kingdom of Bhutan has partnered with the private company NomadClub to launch its new digital nomad visa. The visa allows digital nomads to live in the country for up to 24 months—provided they pay the annual application fee of $2,800 USD. 

To be honest, we are skeptical of this new pilot program for the Bhutan digital nomad visa. At first glance, it seems more like a Golden Visa, requiring an investment in the country, even though it’s a digital asset. Squint your eyes and tilt your head for another glance, and we just can’t help but have an uncomfortable feeling about this new scheme (but we hope it proves us wrong!).

However, at Nomads Embassy, we are committed to sharing news and opportunities when it comes to digital nomad visas, so we will share everything we know thus far about the new Bhutan digital nomad visa. 

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers, and sometimes their family members, to temporarily live in a foreign country. There are currently more than 50 digital nomad visas available worldwide, each with its own requirements and benefits. 

It’s important to understand that digital nomad visas require applicants to earn their income from entities established abroad. It is not possible to search for local job opportunities. Additionally, you will likely have to meet income requirements and prove that you can support yourself through your remote work.

In some cases, digital nomad visas can lead to permanent residency, opening the door for many remote workers to build a new life. 

If you aren’t sure if you qualify for a digital nomad visa, take our free eligibility quizzes to see which one is right for you. 

Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Bhutan digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Valid Passport – You must present a valid passport
• Work Remotely – You must work as a freelancer, employee, or business owner for entities established outside of Bhutan
• Earn $2,500 USD per month – This minimum income requirement is waived when you pay the annual visa fee of $2,800 USD.
• Open a DK Bank Account – It is required that you open a DK Bank account
• Deposit 10,000 TER into the DK Bank Account – After opening your account, you must purchase $10,000 worth of TER, a sovereign-backed digital asset tied to gold

If you meet these criteria and agree to the financial requirements, then you may proceed with the Bhutan digital nomad visa application process. 

How to Apply for the Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the Bhutan digital nomad visa is done entirely online. While you will submit your application through NomadClub, the final decision is made by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority (GMCA). 

Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents

Before you begin your Bhutan digital nomad visa application, ensure you have all the required documents. 

When applying, you must submit the following:

• Copy of passport
• Passport-size photo
• Agreement to the health declaration

Step 2: Submit Online Application

You will submit your online Bhutan digital nomad visa application and documents through the NomadClub website. 

There is a $2,800 USD non-refundable application fee, which you will pay during this stage.

The GMCA will review your documents and notify you of the next steps. 

Step 3: Open a DK Bank Account

If approved, the GMCA will invite you to open a DK Bank account. 

The process seems simple and is done entirely online. But if you’re familiar with bureaucracy, you can expect to find some hurdles and confusion in the process. 

Step 4: Purchase TER Tokens

Once your DK Bank account is set up, you may purchase 10,000 TER tokens through the bank. 

According to the official TER website, one token is equivalent to approximately $1.40 USD. So, you must invest around $14,000 USD to obtain the Bhutan digital nomad visa. 

Step 5: Receive Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa

After you’ve completed the required investment, you will receive your Bhutan digital nomad visa. Initially, it will be valid for 12 months and allows you to live and travel throughout the country. 

If you wish to renew for an additional year, you can. However, you must pay the annual $2,800 fee. 

Bhutan for Digital Nomads

Bhutan for digital nomads feels less like arriving in a destination and more like stepping into a different rhythm of life. Tucked high in the Himalayas between India and China, Bhutan is known for its peaceful atmosphere, deeply rooted Buddhist culture, and its philosophy of Gross National Happiness. 

The air is crisp, the cities are calm, and even the capital, Thimphu, feels more like a large mountain town than a bustling metropolis. You won’t find chaotic traffic or flashy nightlife here—instead, expect prayer flags fluttering over valleys, monasteries perched dramatically on cliffs, and a culture that values mindfulness, tradition, and nature over speed and scale.

For remote workers, Bhutan offers a unique blend of focus and inspiration. Internet access is available in major towns like Thimphu and Paro, with a growing number of cafés, hotels, and co-working-friendly spaces offering reliable Wi-Fi. Workdays can be balanced with hikes through pine forests, visits to dzongs (fortress-monasteries), or exploring vibrant local markets. 

One of the most iconic experiences is hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred cliffside temple that embodies the country’s spiritual essence. After work, evenings are typically quiet—think butter tea, traditional ema datshi (chili and cheese stew), and meaningful conversations rather than loud parties.

Lifestyle-wise, Bhutan suits digital nomads who crave simplicity, nature, and cultural depth over fast-paced networking scenes. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek in the Himalayas, practice meditation in centuries-old monasteries, or attend colorful festivals known as tsechus. 

While Bhutan isn’t a typical “digital nomad hub” like Bali or Spain, that’s precisely its appeal: it offers clarity, mental space, and a slower, intentional way of living. For remote workers looking to disconnect from noise and reconnect with purpose, Bhutan can be a powerful and transformative base.