Bhutan
BTNBhutan is a landlocked Himalayan kingdom renowned for measuring national progress through Gross National Happiness (GNH) rather than GDP — a philosophy that shapes its environmental policy, cultural preservation, and controlled approach to tourism. All foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per person per night, which funds free education, healthcare, and conservation.
The country is carbon-negative and constitutionally mandated to keep at least 60% of its land forested. The economy depends on hydropower exports to India and a carefully managed tourism sector. Naturalisation is exceptionally rare and requires 20 years of lawful residence, making Bhutan one of the world's most restrictive countries for long-term residency and citizenship.
- Naturalisation
- 20 years
- Tax system
- Residence Based
- Currency
- Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
- Dual citizenship
- Not allowed
- Capital
- Thimphu
- Region
- asia
- Population
- 787,000
- Cost-of-living
- 38 /100
Passport Rank
#90
Visa-Free
47
destinations
Visa-free travel
A Bhutan passport has visa-free access to 47 destinations. See the full Bhutan passport breakdown →
Passports that enter Bhutan without a prior visa (3)
Visa-free, visa on arrival, or on an eTA.
Community-sourced (passport-index, synced 2026-08-18) — verify with the embassy before travel.
Country Details
- Capital
- Thimphu
- Currency
- Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
- Languages
- Dzongkha
- Population
- 787,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Naturalisation
- 20 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Varies by altitude; subtropical in southern foothills, temperate in central valleys, alpine in the north
- GDP per capita
- $4,493
- Life expectancy
- 73.26 yrs
- Population growth
- 0.65%/yr
GDP per capita, life expectancy, and population growth: World Bank (2025).
Indices
Cost of Living
38
Safety
75
Healthcare
42
Quality of Life
52
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 20 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | — | — | — | — | $15 |
| Paro | — | — | — | — | $12 |
| Phuentsholing | — | — | — | — | $10 |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Climate
Thimphu
Rainfall range: 5–265 mm/month · Daylight 10.5h (winter) to 13.9h (summer)
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist Visa (Sustainable Development Fee + Approved Tour)
- Business Visa
- Work Permit
- Family Visa
- Student Visa
- Diplomatic / Official Visa
- Project / Expert Visa
- Transit Visa
- Authority
- Department of Immigration
- Official Portal
- www.immi.gov.bt
- Phone
- +975 2 322 520
- info@immi.gov.bt
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- Yes (level n/a)
- Civic Test
- Yes
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- $50
- Processing
- ~36 months
Safety
GPI Rank
#21
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Common Risks
- ⚠Overpriced tour packages targeting tourists unfamiliar with SDF rules
- ⚠Unofficial guides operating without government licence
Related Guides
Related on The Citizenship Desk
Sources & last verified
- Last verified