Key takeaways
Vanuatu is one of the fastest countries to offer citizenship, with crypto accepted through licensed agents.
Dominica and Saint Lucia offer Caribbean citizenship in months using crypto converted via trusted agencies.
Portugal offers EU residency and a path to citizenship through crypto-linked investment funds.
El Salvador offers direct citizenship through a $1-million Bitcoin or USDT investment, with no fiat needed.
Crypto and globality are a strong mind-map pair in 2025.
It might not be that much of a surprise, then, that both citizenship-by-investment crypto programs and golden visas with crypto are appearing to meet the needs of investors holding Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and stablecoins. What was once a fiat-only world now includes pathways tailored for those living a crypto-rich lifestyle.
Most governments still require fiat contributions for these programs, but a growing number of licensed migration agents now accept crypto, converting it into local currency before submitting it to authorities.
A handful of jurisdictions go further, offering opportunities ranging from fast-track second passports to long-term residency for investors.
This article explores four crypto-friendly countries for citizenship or residency, covering both direct and indirect crypto payment models, as of July 2025.
1. Vanuatu: Buy citizenship with crypto
Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) via the Development Support Program (DSP)
Vanuatu offers one of the fastest second passport routes in the world, with citizenship typically granted within 30-60 days. The required donation starts at $130,000 for single applicants and scales to $180,000 for a family of four.
Crypto integration
While the government itself does not accept direct crypto, licensed agents are permitted to receive Bitcoin or stablecoins, convert them to fiat and handle the full application process.
This allows crypto holders to use their assets both to demonstrate wealth and to fund the donation, provided that standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols are met.
Some agents even advertise the ability to pay via Bitcoin for the total investment cost, typically between $115,000 and $130,000, streamlining access for crypto passport seekers.
Notes
100% remote process — no residency or in-person interviews required
No language, education, or stay requirements
Dual citizenship is allowed
Tax-free on personal income, capital gains, wealth and inheritance
Visa-free travel to 90+ countries, though Schengen access is currently under review
Family inclusion: spouses, dependent children (under 25) and parents (over 50).
This is one of the few citizenship-by-investment crypto options offering true speed and discretion, appealing to digital nomads and crypto founders seeking security and mobility.
Did you know? Vanuatu is one of the few countries in the world without a military — citizens enjoy global neutrality and low geopolitical risk.
2. Dominica and Saint Lucia: Countries accepting crypto for residency
Caribbean CBI Schemes
Dominica: $200,000+ donation to the Economic Diversification Fund
Saint Lucia: $240,000+ donation or $300,000+ in approved real estate.
Both countries offer fast-track second passports, processed in four to nine months, with remote application procedures and no physical presence required.
Crypto integration
Licensed agencies (such as Apex Capital Partners, Global Residence Index and Citizenship Bay) accept Bitcoin, Tether’s USDt (USDT) and other major assets. These are converted into fiat on behalf of applicants to meet official requirements.
Applicants can manage the process end-to-end using crypto, working with agents to handle everything from proof of funds to submission and approval — ideal for those researching how to move abroad with crypto or seeking a passport with Bitcoin.
Notes
Pros:
Efficient processing times (under a year)
Strong passports: visa-free or visa-on-arrival to the EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and more
Entire families can be included (spouse, children and, in many cases, parents)
No physical presence, language test or residency obligations.
Cons:
In-depth due diligence checks by both government and third-party firms
Some countries scrutinize Caribbean CBI passports more closely due to reputation concerns.
For those seeking residency by investment via crypto or looking to buy citizenship with crypto in a stable jurisdiction, these Caribbean options remain attractive.
Did you know? Dominica runs the longest continuously active citizenship-by-investment program in the world, launched in 1993.
3. Portugal: Golden visa with crypto
Portugal Golden Visa (residency-by-investment)
Portugal remains a top destination for those seeking residency by investment using crypto-funded wealth.
Since 2023, the focus of the Golden Visa program has shifted from real estate to regulated investment funds, scientific research and company formation. The typical qualifying investment is 500,000 euros, usually placed in a Portuguese CMVM-regulated fund.
Residency can lead to citizenship after five years, though a proposed extension to 10 years is under legislative review as of July 2025.
Applicants must spend only seven days in the first year and 14 days every two years, making it suitable for crypto nomads and long-term investors.
Crypto integration
While Portugal does not accept direct crypto for golden visa investments, several qualified funds now offer exposure to blockchain-related assets:
Bitcoin venture funds focused on Portuguese blockchain startups
The Golden Crypto Fund, mixing fixed income with up to 35% in BTC and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
Custom “3 BTC investment” offers, pegged to meet the 500,000-euro threshold.
All structures are visa-approved, though they operate through fiat conversions via licensed intermediaries — ideal for those asking how to get a golden visa with Bitcoin or gain access to crypto-friendly governments.
Notes
No language test or full-time residency requirements
Full EU residency rights and citizenship path (pending legislative updates)
Favorable crypto tax environment: Long-term crypto gains are tax-exempt for individuals
Family inclusion (spouse, dependent children and sometimes parents).
The only downsides are a relatively high entry cost and application backlogs, with some delays exceeding 12 months.
Portugal remains one of the top crypto passport countries in the EU, with strong governance and a deep talent base in blockchain innovation.
Did you know? Portugal has a law that grants automatic citizenship to third-generation descendants of Sephardic Jews expelled in the 15th century.
4. El Salvador: Bitcoin golden visa
El Salvador Freedom Visa (crypto-native residency and citizenship)
Launched in December 2023 in partnership with Tether, El Salvador’s Freedom Visa is the world’s first fully crypto-native migration program. It offers both residency and an expedited path to citizenship in return for a $1-million investment in Bitcoin or USDt. The program is capped at 1,000 investors annually, aligning with the country’s broader Bitcoin adoption strategy.
Crypto integration
The program is 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 initiatives.
Tether handles the crypto-to-fiat infrastructure, enabling the government to directly receive investments in digital assets.
El Salvador remains a global leader among countries accepting crypto for residency.
Notes
Fast-track timeline of around six weeks to initial approval, then citizenship within months
Applies to entire families: spouses, children and often extended relatives
No physical stay requirement: a true passport with Bitcoin experience
Citizenship granted via accelerated naturalization (not instant but rapid)
Investments support national development, including education, tech and infrastructure.
This program is a unique offer for those looking to buy citizenship with crypto directly, bypassing fiat intermediaries entirely.
Did you know? El Salvador was the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, and its president, Nayib Bukele, holds office while also managing a national Bitcoin treasury.
Comparison of crypto migration programs (2025)
As learned, several countries now offer residency or citizenship in exchange for crypto-funded investments, from fast-track citizenship in Vanuatu and El Salvador to long-term residency paths in Portugal and Kazakhstan. Investment thresholds range from $100,000 to $1 million, with varying timelines and crypto acceptance methods.
Here is a quick summary of the crypto migration programs offered by these companies:
Kazakhstan: An emerging hub with 10-year golden visa
Kazakhstan Golden Visa (10-year residency)
In May 2025, Kazakhstan introduced a 10-year renewable residency permit, becoming 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 looking to 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.
Crypto integration
Kazakhstan has positioned itself as a crypto-friendly government. The Ministry of Digital Development is pushing for a national crypto reserve and licensing crypto banks, and the country runs active regulatory sandboxes.
However, no direct crypto payments are currently accepted under the golden visa. Investors must convert their crypto assets into fiat before applying. In time, licensed intermediaries may allow smoother BTC/USDT conversions aligned with visa requirements.
Notes
One of the most affordable long-term residency programs at $300,000
Family members (spouse and dependents) included under one visa
Tax incentives, such as a flat 10% income tax and potential foreign income exemptions
Strategic geographic position between Europe and Asia.
However, there’s no automatic citizenship, and 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 as its visa process remains fiat-only in 2025.
Did you know? Kazakhstan is home to the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), a separate legal zone with its own crypto-friendly framework based on English common law.
St. Kitts & Nevis: Accepts crypto as proof of wealth for citizenship applications
In a significant move for crypto investors seeking second passports, St. Kitts & Nevis has begun accepting cryptocurrency holdings as partial proof of funds under its citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program. While crypto cannot be used directly to make the investment, it may now count toward demonstrating the applicant’s overall net worth.
Starting in March 2025, the country’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) updated its application rules to allow 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.
Please note that applications involving crypto may be subject to additional due diligence fees and extended background checks to ensure compliance with AML regulations. Applicants must submit full documentation, including:
Proof of ownership of the crypto assets
Transaction history to establish origin of funds
Valuation reports 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.
Residency by investment crypto: What to keep in mind
For crypto investors pursuing global mobility, several practical factors should guide your planning.
Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Regardless of the destination, you’ll need to go through KYC/AML procedures, verify the source of funds and often convert crypto to fiat via licensed agents or law firms. This process ensures legality and transparency across all crypto migration programs.
Due diligence requirements can be stringent — especially in Caribbean CBI schemes, where multi-layered background checks and ongoing compliance monitoring are standard. These processes may affect your timeline and eligibility, particularly if your crypto activity lacks clear documentation.
Policy shifts are another key consideration. For instance, Portugal’s pending legislation could extend the naturalization timeline from five to 10 years, directly impacting those targeting EU citizenship through crypto-linked investments. Always account for possible changes in residency by investment crypto paths.
Lastly, working with professionals familiar with crypto relocation tips, including tax planning and legal structuring, is essential. Migration lawyers versed in digital assets and international compliance can help avoid costly missteps.
Across the four programs profiled — El Salvador’s crypto-first citizenship, Portugal’s fund-based EU residency and three flexible CBI options in Vanuatu, Dominica and St. Lucia — you have a spectrum of options that match different timelines, family needs and crypto liquidity preferences.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
