Main highlights:
- Bhutan launches Digital Nomad Visa on the Solana blockchain.
- For the visa you need TER, a stablecoin backed by gold.
- Bhutan becomes the first country to launch such an initiative.
Bhutan has introduced a new Digital Nomad Visa that uses blockchain technology (particularly Solana) to make the visa application process and management system more modern and secure. Through this program, launched by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority in partnership with NomadClub, people who work remotely, such as freelancers, makers or tech professionals, can more easily live and work in Bhutan.
The Bhutanese government (@gmcbhutan) just launched the world’s first @Solana-backed digital nomad visa:
– Buy $10,000 worth of TER, tokenized gold on Solana + $2,800 sign-up fee
– Stay for a maximum of 36 months in one of the most beautiful countries in the world
– Get $10,000 back at the… pic.twitter.com/reyzgDWNCz— vibhu (@vibhu) February 24, 2026
What makes it unique is that it combines advanced cryptocurrency-based systems with Bhutan’s 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 it 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 worldwide. It is published by the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority and distributed through DK Bank.
The best part is that TER remains stable because it is linked to gold and you can even exchange it for real gold if necessary. TER combines the reliability of gold with the integration of blockchain technology, making it a more secure and practical digital currency.
Simple and flexible visa process
The visa process is quite simple and flexible. There are no strict requirements requiring a certain income to obtain the visa. The target group for this program are those who come from the field of technology and sustainability.
Applicants must pay a fee of $2,800 to the Gelephu Mindfulness City Authority and deposit $10,000 in TER through DK Bank, which is refundable. The visa is valid for 12 months, but can be extended up to 24-36 months.
Because TER is built on Solana, it offers low fees and fast transactions. The gold backing protects the users from sudden shifts in the market that can cause high volatility in the token’s price. The main goal is to provide digital nomads with a stable and modern way to live and work in the country.
Bhutan’s unique visa model
There are several countries such as Estonia, Portugal and the United Arab Emirates that have introduced visas for digital nomads, but these programs do not have blockchain integrations.
On the other hand, El Salvador has embraced cryptocurrency nationally, even linking it to residency options, but it does not offer a visa linked to stablecoin backed by real assets such as gold.
With the launch of this initiative, Bhutan becomes the first country to combine digital visas with blockchain technology and a gold-backed digital currency. This initiative will also boost tourism and investment opportunities and increase visibility at a global level.
Moreover, this is huge because with this initiative, Bhutan is taking tokenization beyond investing and into real, everyday use. Here, a gold-backed digital asset (TER) is not only something you trade, but is also required for the visa, so it is actually linked to real-world processes. This also shows that tokenized assets are not limited to DeFi ecosystems. This move may encourage several other countries to explore RWA more and follow suit.
Also read: Bhutanese government. Moves Bitcoin from $107 Million: How BTC Put the Nation in the Spotlight