Crypto-Friendly Countries for Citizenship and Residency (July 2025)

Key Takeaways

  • Vanuatu: One of the fastest passport routes, accepting crypto via licensed agents to fund the required donation ($130k-$180k).
  • Dominica & Saint Lucia: Caribbean CBI offer visa-free access to major regions like the EU/UK. Agents accept BTC/USDT for funding.
  • Portugal: Golden Visa tolerance shifted to funds (incl. crypto-linked options). Qualifying investment minimum is €500k.
  • El Salvador: World’s first fully crypto-native migration program requiring $1M Bitcoin/USDT investment.
  • Kazakhstan: Emerging option with a 10-year renewable residency visa requiring a $300k fiat investment.

Despite regulatory hurdles, several countries now offer residency or citizenship pathways compatible with crypto assets, providing options for investors holding digital assets.

Governments typically require fiat contributions. However, a growing number of licensed migration agents facilitate crypto payments by converting digital assets to local currency before submitting applications. A small number directly incorporate crypto.

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.

1. Vanuatu

Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment (CBI) via the Development Support Program (DSP)

Known for its speed, typically granting citizenship within 30-60 days. The donation ranges from $130,000 (single applicant) to $180,000 (family of four).

Crypto cannot be submitted directly to the government. Licensed agents may receive Bitcoin or stablecoins and convert them to fiat for fulfilling the donation and covering application costs ($~115k-$130k).

Notes:

  • 100% remote process – no residency or interviews
  • No language, education or stay requirements
  • Dual citizenship allowed
  • Tax exemption on personal income, capital gains, wealth and inheritance
  • Visa-free travel to 90+ countries (Schengen access pending review)
  • Family inclusion: spouses, dependent children (<25), and parents (>50)

Attracts crypto nationals seeking rapid, discreet foreign nationality without military obligations.

Did you know? Vanuatu is one of the few countries without a professional army.

2. Dominica & Saint Lucia

Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) Schemes

Governments do not directly accept crypto. Licensed agencies (e.g., Apex Capital Partners, Citizenship Bay) purchase fiat with crypto funds on behalf of applicants for the required donation (Dominica: $200k+ EDF; Saint Lucia: $240k+ donation or $300k+ real estate).

Notes:

  • Fast processing (4-9 months)
  • Visa-free travel to EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.
  • No physical presence, language test, or residency obligations
  • Family inclusion (spouses, children; often extended relatives)
  • More rigorous due diligence compared to older programs

Remain popular despite concerns some nations scrutinize Caribbean CBI passports more closely.

Did you know? Dominica holds the record for the longest continuously active citizenship-by-investment program since 1993.

3. Portugal

Portugal Golden Visa

Shifted focus from real estate to regulated funds, scientific research, or new businesses (typically €500,000 minimum). Direct crypto investment is not allowed, but regulated funds can provide crypto exposure.

Notes:

  • Residency visa path with minimal physical presence (7 days first year, 14 every two years)
  • Pathway exists to citizenship (pending 5- or 10-year review)
  • Favorable tax environment: long-term crypto gains tax-exempt (at individual level)
  • Full EU residency rights (pending citizenship confirmation)
  • Higher entry cost (~€500k)
  • Applications often face processing delays exceeding 12 months

A strategic option for crypto-aligned EU residency, though cost acts as a barrier for some investors.

Did you know? Portugal has homelands for Sephardic Jews who can claim citizenship.

4. El Salvador

Freedom Visa (Crypto-Native Migration Program)

The first migration program allowing direct crypto payments. Requires a $1 million investment in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether’s USDT.

Notes:

  • $999 initial deposit (non-refundable), then $999,001 investment upon approval
  • Family application process
  • Expedited timeframe (~6 weeks to approval, further months to citizenship)
  • Exclusive to families who meet minimum investment criteria
  • Tether handles the crypto-to-fiat conversion for government
  • Investments fund national projects like education and tech

Serves investors directly investing crypto assets in exchange for nationality, without fiat conversion.

Did you know? El Salvador became the world’s first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender.

5. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Golden Visa Program

Crypto assets are not accepted for conversion towards the required $300,000 investment or for processing upfront. Fiat conversion by intermediaries would be necessary.

Notes/Considerations:

  • Affordable 10-year residency option in an emerging market
  • Included family members: spouse & dependents
  • Tax benefits like a 10% flat income tax and potential foreign income exemptions
  • Geographic advantage connecting Europe and Asia
  • No automatic citizenship – requires separate application after residency
  • Applicants must reside in-country for five years, pass language tests, and renounce previous citizenship.
  • Strict physical presence conditions and complex integration.

An emerging, low-threshold option for long-term residency planning, currently requiring fiat conversion.

Did you know? Kazakhstan features the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) with crypto-friendly common law regulations.

St. Kitts & Nevis: Recently updated rules starting March 2025 allow crypto holdings (with documentation) as part of proof of funds for citizenship applications, serving as a potential component of overall asset demonstration.

Important Considerations

  • Regulatory Compliance: All require KYC/AML checks and often necessitate fiat conversion.
  • Due Diligence: Extensive checks, particularly in Caribbean schemes.
  • Policy Risk: Potential timeline changes, e.g., Portugal’s citizenship review.
  • Professional Guidance: Highly recommended given the complex legal and tax landscape.

Current options include pathways with varying investment thresholds, processing timelines, and degrees of crypto integration.