Bhutan is far from your typical digital nomad destination. Nevertheless, the fact that they launched the Bhutan digital nomad visa is interesting as it might be your easy way into the country.
Overview of the Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa
- Open for remote business owners
- No minimum income requirement
- You need to make a $10.000 refundable deposit
- Visa fee of $2.800
- Still some uncertainty regarding some practical aspects
Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Unlike most other digital nomad visas, the Bhutan digital nomad visa doesn’t have that many requirements.
For example, there is no minimum income threshold. Nevertheless, the visa does include a financial commitment.
Remote Business
The most important requirement is that you need to run your own remote business.
Therefore, it seems like employees won’t qualify.
Yet, the visa was only launched recently and there isn’t a lot of official guidance yet. Accordingly, it’s to be seen how this condition will exactly work out in practice.
$10.000 Refundable Deposit
Furthermore, you need to make a financial commitment by making a refundable deposit of $10.000.
You’ll make the deposit with DK Bank, the official partner of the program.
However, they will not just hold it but convert it into TER, a gold-backed token on the Solana blockchain.
That Bhutan promotes cryptocurrencies this way might be surprising to you.
However, Bhutan holds significant reserves of Bitcoin. They mine BTC because they can use low-cost hydroelectric energy.
When you leave Bhutan you’ll receive back your deposit of $10.000. So, it’s just a sort of security deposit. It’s even possible to receive the underlying physical gold instead of USD if you’d want.
Application Process for the Bhutan DNV
Let’s have a look at how the application process looks like.
The first step is to file your initial application via the website DigitalBhutan.
Here, you’ll have to share the following details:
- Full name
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Residency address
- Passport copy
Next up they will ask you for more information about your personal situation to see if you meet the application requirements.
After receiving your initial approval, you’ll have to open an account with DK Bank in order to process your deposit.
Furthermore, you’ll have to pay your annual visa fee.
The whole application process from start to finish is online.
After completing all of this, you’ll receive your formal approval which you can use to travel to Bhutan.
Once you arrived in Bhutan you’ll still have to register with the local authorities of the place where you will be staying.
Validity & Renewals of the Digital Nomad Visa in Bhutan
The digital nomad visa in Bhutan is valid for one year.
Nevertheless, you have the option to renew for a second year as long as you keep meeting the requirements.
Cost and Timeline for the Visa Application
The cost of the Bhutan DNV is $2.800 for the one year visa.
In case you want to renew, you’ll pay the same fee again.
Upon application you are informed that the initial approval should be granted within 48-72 hours.
However, after approval you still need to complete the necessary steps like opening the bank account and make the deposit and get your formal approval.
Tax Considerations for Digital Nomads in Bhutan
The guidance on the Bhutan digital nomad visa states that ‘Digital Nomad Visa holders are generally taxed only on income sourced within Bhutan, not on global foreign earnings.’
Unfortunately, it’s not clear what this means in practice because it doesn’t define when income is sourced in Bhutan.
Under one interpretation income is deemed to be sourced locally when it comes from local clients.
While in more wider interpretation it’s sufficient if you perform the work from Bhutan, irrespective of where your clients are located.
In this second case, you would owe taxes in Bhutan on the income you generate while working from there.
How’s Buthan for Digital Nomads?
Bhutan is for sure not the typical digital nomad destination. And, this visa won’t change that.
However, it’s an interesting alternative for people who wanted to visit the country in any case. By applying for the Bhutan digital nomad visa you can really immerse yourself in the country and stay there long-term.
The internet infrastructure is still developing in Bhutan so if you plan to spend time in more rural parts you might struggle a bit with your connectivity.
However, if you are looking for a place to escape from the busyness of every day life or just want to experience the authenticity of Bhutan for an extended period of time, the nomad visa offers a great opportunity to do so.
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FAQ about the Bhutan Digital Nomad Visa
Let’s have a look at some Frequently Asked Questions about the Bhutan DNV.
Can I Live Anywhere in Bhutan?
The Bhutan digital nomad visa is administered by the special economic zone of Gelephu Mindfulness City. However, it allows you live anywhere in Bhutan.
Do I Have to Pay the Sustainable Development Fee?
As a visitor of Bhutan you normally have to pay a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per day per person. This fee is waived under the Bhutan digital nomad visa.
However, it’s not clear if this waiver is unconditionally or only applies when you stay in Gelephu Mindfulness City. In this case, you might still be on the hook for the fee if you stay in other parts of the country.