By the end of this guide, you will understand Bhutan’s new investor visa program, discover the most promising sectors, learn all eligibility criteria, grasp unique cultural and environmental safeguards, compare it with neighboring schemes, and map out exit and long-term residency strategies.

What Is Bhutan’s New Investor Visa?

Bhutan launched its residence-by-investment program in 2023 to attract foreign capital and expertise in select industries. Under this scheme, an individual or entity that places a minimum of USD 200,000 into approved projects becomes eligible for a renewable residency permit. The visa admits dependents and aims to diversify Bhutan’s economy while preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.

Key Sectors and Opportunities

Bhutan targets six priority areas where foreign investors can deploy capital:

• Tourism & Hospitality: Eco-lodges, cultural tours, wellness retreats
• Agriculture & Food Processing: Organic farming, spice processing, cold-chain logistics
• Manufacturing: Light manufacturing, handicrafts, packaging
• ICT & ITES: Software development, BPO services, digital infrastructure
• Renewable Energy: Small hydropower, solar farms, biomass projects
• Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, water supply, waste management (investment opportunities)

Aligning with Gross National Happiness

Investments must respect Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, which balances economic progress with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Proposals face screening to ensure they do not undermine local communities or ecosystems.

Eligibility and Application Process

1. Minimum Investment: USD 200,000 in an approved sector.
2. Clean Record: No criminal convictions.
3. Proof of Funds: Documented source of capital.
4. Business Plan: Feasibility study and environmental impact assessment.
5. Application Submission: Through the Department of Industry, Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Processing normally takes 60–90 days. Applications undergo due diligence on both investor credentials and project viability.

Environmental and Cultural Safeguards

• Every proposal must include an environmental management plan outlining waste treatment, water usage, and biodiversity protection.
• Investors agree to periodic site inspections by Bhutan’s National Environment Commission.
• Community consultations are mandatory in rural areas to preserve traditional practices.

These measures guarantee that development aligns with Bhutan’s low-impact, high-value growth model.

Property Ownership and Tax Incentives

Foreign investors face restrictions on land ownership:

• Non-Bhutanese individuals cannot own freehold land.
• Companies can hold land only if at least 51% of shares are Bhutanese (property ownership rules).

Incentives for investor visa holders:

• Corporate tax holidays of up to five years in special economic zones.
• Import duty exemptions on plant, machinery, and equipment.

How Bhutan Compares with Neighboring Programs

• Sri Lanka: Minimum USD 250,000, permits immediate family, allows 100% land ownership after five years—according to the Sri Lanka Board of Investment.
• Maldives: Requires USD 200,000, targets tourism projects, grants permanent residency after seven years (Maldives immigration overview).
• India: No direct investor visa; business visa holders must apply for registration after 180 days, cannot own land.

Exit Strategies and Profit Repatriation

Investors may:

• Repatriate up to 100% of dividends and capital gains after fulfilling project commitments.
• Transfer project ownership to local partners with government approval.
• Liquidate assets subject to clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority to ensure currency stability.

Profits can be moved abroad in foreign currency once all tax liabilities are settled.

Impact on Local Employment

The program stipulates:

• Hiring at least 60% Bhutanese nationals in operational roles.
• Offering vocational training or apprenticeships to local communities.

These rules aim to create jobs, improve skills, and prevent knowledge drain, reinforcing inclusive growth.

Compliance, Renewal, and Revocation

Ongoing obligations include:

• Annual financial and environmental audit reports.
• Minimum physical stay of 90 days per year in Bhutan.
• Renewal application every two years demonstrating continued investment activity.

Permits may be revoked if investors fail to meet hiring quotas, environmental standards, or minimum stay requirements.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Bhutan does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However:

• After 10 years of continuous residency, visa holders can apply for long-term residency status, as noted by the U.S. Department of State.
• Citizenship applications require proficiency in Dzongkha, integration evidence, and parliamentary approval.

Crossing the Dragon’s Bridge

You now have a clear map of Bhutan’s investor visa: the sectors primed for investment, the cultural and environmental guardrails, application steps, and long-term prospects. By aligning your project with Gross National Happiness principles and mastering compliance, you can build a sustainable venture in one of the world’s most fascinating kingdoms—while securing a unique foothold in Asia’s last Himalayan frontier.