Unlocking Global Mobility: 4 Countries Offering **Citizenship with Crypto** or a Golden Visa

Are you a crypto investor seeking greater global mobility and new opportunities? The world of international residency and citizenship is rapidly evolving. Today, holding digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), or stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) can open doors to new passports and long-term residency. This guide explores how you can achieve **citizenship with crypto** or secure a **golden visa crypto** in various nations.

What was once an exclusive realm of traditional fiat investments now embraces crypto-rich individuals. While many governments still prefer fiat contributions for these programs, a growing number of licensed migration agents now accept cryptocurrency. They efficiently convert it into local currency before submitting applications to authorities. Furthermore, a select group of jurisdictions offers direct pathways, ranging from fast-track second passports to long-term residency. This article delves into four crypto-friendly countries, examining both direct and indirect crypto payment models as of July 2025.

Vanuatu: Fast-Track **Citizenship with Crypto**

Vanuatu offers a swift route to a second passport through its Development Support Program (DSP). This program typically grants citizenship within 30 to 60 days, making it one of the fastest options globally. The required donation begins at $130,000 for single applicants. This scales to $180,000 for a family of four, providing an accessible entry point for many.

How Vanuatu Integrates Crypto

The Vanuatu government itself does not directly accept crypto. However, licensed agents are authorized to receive Bitcoin or stablecoins. They convert these digital assets into fiat currency and manage the entire application process. This arrangement allows crypto holders to leverage their assets effectively. They can both demonstrate wealth and fund the required donation. All transactions must comply with standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols. Some agents even advertise the ability to pay the total investment cost, typically between $115,000 and $130,000, directly with Bitcoin. This streamlines access for those seeking a passport with crypto.

Key Advantages of Vanuatu CBI

• 100% Remote Process: No residency or in-person interviews are necessary.
• Flexible Requirements: There are no language, education, or stay requirements.
• Dual Citizenship: Vanuatu permits dual citizenship.
• Tax Benefits: Enjoy tax-free personal income, capital gains, wealth, and inheritance.
• Global Access: Visa-free travel to over 90 countries, with Schengen access currently under review.
• Family Inclusion: Spouses, dependent children (under 25), and parents (over 50) can be included.

This program provides true speed and discretion. It therefore appeals greatly to digital nomads and crypto founders seeking enhanced security and global mobility. Interestingly, Vanuatu is one of the few countries without a military, ensuring global neutrality and low geopolitical risk for its citizens.

Dominica and Saint Lucia: Caribbean **Crypto Residency** Options

The Caribbean offers attractive Citizenship by Investment (CBI) schemes in Dominica and Saint Lucia. These programs provide fast-track second passports, generally processed within four to nine months. They also feature remote application procedures, eliminating any physical presence requirements.

Investment Thresholds

• Dominica: A donation of $200,000+ to the Economic Diversification Fund is required.
• Saint Lucia: Applicants can choose a $240,000+ donation or invest $300,000+ in approved real estate.

Seamless Crypto Integration

Leading licensed agencies, such as Apex Capital Partners, Global Residence Index, and Citizenship Bay, accept major cryptocurrencies. These include Bitcoin, Tether’s USDt (USDT), and other prominent digital assets. They convert these funds into fiat on behalf of applicants to meet official government requirements. Consequently, applicants can manage the entire process using crypto. Agents handle everything from proof of funds to submission and approval. This makes these options ideal for those researching how to move abroad with crypto or seeking a passport with Bitcoin.

Pros and Cons of Caribbean CBI

Pros:

• Efficient Processing: Enjoy processing times typically under a year.
• Strong Passports: Benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and many other destinations.
• Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, and often parents can be included in a single application.
• No Obligations: There are no physical presence, language test, or residency obligations.

Cons:

• Rigorous Due Diligence: Expect in-depth checks by both government and third-party firms.
• Reputation Scrutiny: Some countries may scrutinize Caribbean CBI passports more closely due to past reputation concerns.

For those pursuing **crypto residency** or looking to buy citizenship with crypto in a stable jurisdiction, these Caribbean options remain highly attractive. Dominica, notably, boasts the longest continuously active citizenship-by-investment program, launched in 1993.

Portugal: Your Path to an EU **Golden Visa Crypto**

Portugal continues to be a premier destination for investors seeking residency via crypto-funded wealth. Since 2023, the focus of the **Portugal Golden Visa** program has shifted significantly. It now emphasizes regulated investment funds, scientific research, and company formation, moving away from direct real estate purchases. The typical qualifying investment is 500,000 euros, usually placed in a Portuguese CMVM-regulated fund. This residency can lead to citizenship after five years. However, a proposed extension to 10 years is currently under legislative review as of July 2025. Applicants only need to spend seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years, making it ideal for crypto nomads and long-term investors.

Crypto-Linked Investment Funds

While Portugal does not accept direct crypto for golden visa investments, several qualified funds now offer exposure to blockchain-related assets. These innovative options include:

• Bitcoin venture funds specifically targeting Portuguese blockchain startups.
• The Golden Crypto Fund, which combines fixed income with up to 35% exposure to BTC and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
• Custom ‘3 BTC investment’ offers, specifically pegged to meet the 500,000-euro threshold.

All these structures are visa-approved. They operate through fiat conversions via licensed intermediaries. This makes them perfect for those asking how to get a **golden visa crypto** or gain access to crypto-friendly governments within the EU.

Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa

• Flexible Stay: No language test or full-time residency requirements apply.
• EU Rights: Gain full EU residency rights and a path to citizenship (pending legislative updates).
• Favorable Crypto Tax: Long-term crypto gains are tax-exempt for individuals.
• Family Inclusion: Spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents can be included.

The main drawbacks include a relatively high entry cost and application backlogs, with some delays exceeding 12 months. Nevertheless, Portugal remains one of the top crypto passport countries in the EU. It boasts strong governance and a deep talent base in blockchain innovation. Did you know that Portugal has a law granting automatic citizenship to third-generation descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled in the 15th century?

El Salvador: The Premier **El Salvador Freedom Visa** for Crypto Natives

Launched in December 2023 in partnership with Tether, El Salvador’s Freedom Visa is truly groundbreaking. It stands as the world’s first fully crypto-native migration program. This initiative offers both residency and an expedited path to citizenship. It requires a $1-million investment in Bitcoin or USDt. The program is capped at 1,000 investors annually. This aligns perfectly with the country’s broader Bitcoin adoption strategy, making it a unique offer for those seeking **citizenship with crypto** directly.

Direct Crypto Payment Integration

The **El Salvador Freedom Visa** program is specifically designed for direct crypto payment. Applicants submit an initial $999 in BTC or USDT as a non-refundable application deposit. Upon approval, they invest the remaining $999,001 in approved national initiatives. Tether handles the crypto-to-fiat infrastructure, enabling the government to directly receive investments in digital assets. El Salvador thus remains a global leader among countries accepting crypto for residency.

Advantages of El Salvador’s Program

• Fast-Track Timeline: Expect initial approval in around six weeks, with citizenship within months.
• Family Benefits: Applies to entire families, including spouses, children, and often extended relatives.
• No Physical Stay: There is no physical stay requirement, offering a true passport with Bitcoin experience.
• Accelerated Citizenship: Citizenship is granted via accelerated naturalization, which is rapid.
• National Development: Investments support crucial national development, including education, tech, and infrastructure.

This program presents an unparalleled opportunity. It allows individuals to buy citizenship with crypto directly, entirely bypassing traditional fiat intermediaries. El Salvador famously became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. Its president, Nayib Bukele, also actively manages a national Bitcoin treasury.

Emerging Options and Key Considerations for **Crypto Residency**

Beyond the primary four, other nations are exploring crypto integration into their migration programs. This indicates a growing trend toward global mobility for digital asset holders.

Kazakhstan: An Emerging Hub with a 10-Year Golden Visa

In May 2025, Kazakhstan introduced a 10-year renewable residency permit. It became Central Asia’s first country to offer an official visa-by-investment route. While it does not grant immediate citizenship, it provides a long-term legal base for global investors. These investors can participate in an emerging frontier market. The required investment is $300,000, placed either in the equity of a local company or in publicly traded Kazakh securities.

Kazakhstan’s Crypto Stance

Kazakhstan has positioned itself as a crypto-friendly government. The Ministry of Digital Development actively promotes a national crypto reserve and licenses crypto banks. The country also operates active regulatory sandboxes. However, no direct crypto payments are currently accepted under the golden visa program. Investors must convert their crypto assets into fiat before applying. In time, licensed intermediaries may facilitate smoother BTC/USDT conversions aligned with visa requirements. This offers a potential future pathway for **crypto residency**.

Benefits of Kazakhstan’s Golden Visa

• Affordable Long-Term Residency: One of the most affordable programs at $300,000.
• Family Inclusion: Family members (spouse and dependents) are included under one visa.
• Tax Incentives: Benefit from a flat 10% income tax and potential foreign income exemptions.
• Strategic Location: Enjoy a strategic geographic position between Europe and Asia.

However, there is no automatic citizenship. Applicants must reside for at least five years, speak Kazakh or Russian, and renounce previous citizenships. Kazakhstan is emerging as a viable base for crypto relocation, even if its visa process remains fiat-only in 2025.

St. Kitts & Nevis: Crypto as Proof of Wealth

St. Kitts & Nevis has made a significant move for crypto investors seeking second passports. It now accepts cryptocurrency holdings as partial proof of funds under its citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program. While crypto cannot directly fund the investment, it can count towards demonstrating an applicant’s overall net worth. Starting in March 2025, the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) updated its application rules. It now allows digital assets, such as BTC or ETH, to serve as part of an applicant’s wealth declaration. This marks an important step toward integrating crypto into global migration and investment frameworks.

Due Diligence for Crypto Holdings

Applications involving crypto may incur additional due diligence fees and extended background checks. This ensures full compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Applicants must submit comprehensive documentation, including:

• Proof of ownership of the crypto assets.
• Detailed transaction history to establish the origin of funds.
• Valuation reports for the assets at the time of submission.

Crypto investors can also include family members, such as a spouse, children, and dependent parents, under a single citizenship application, provided standard vetting criteria are met.

Navigating Your **Crypto Residency** Journey: Essential Tips

For crypto investors pursuing global mobility, several practical factors should guide your planning. Regulatory compliance is absolutely non-negotiable. Regardless of your chosen destination, you will need to undergo stringent KYC/AML procedures. This involves verifying the source of your funds. Often, you must convert crypto to fiat via licensed agents or law firms. This rigorous process ensures legality and transparency across all crypto migration programs.

Furthermore, due diligence requirements can be quite stringent. This is especially true in Caribbean CBI schemes, where multi-layered background checks and ongoing compliance monitoring are standard. These processes can significantly affect your timeline and eligibility, particularly if your crypto activity lacks clear documentation. Consequently, thorough preparation is essential.

Policy shifts represent another key consideration. For instance, Portugal’s pending legislation could extend the naturalization timeline from five to ten years. This would directly impact those targeting EU citizenship through crypto-linked investments. Therefore, always account for possible changes in **crypto residency** paths. Lastly, working with professionals familiar with crypto relocation is crucial. This includes experts in tax planning and legal structuring. Migration lawyers well-versed in digital assets and international compliance can help you avoid costly missteps and ensure a smooth transition.

Conclusion: A World of Opportunity for Crypto Investors

As we have seen, several countries now offer residency or citizenship in exchange for crypto-funded investments. Options range from fast-track **citizenship with crypto** in Vanuatu and El Salvador to long-term residency paths in Portugal and the Caribbean nations. Investment thresholds vary from $100,000 to $1 million, with diverse timelines and crypto acceptance methods. This evolving landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for crypto holders to enhance their global mobility and secure their future. The convergence of digital assets and international migration programs truly signals a new era for global citizens.