From Bitcoin to Passport: Countries Embracing Crypto Investment Migration in 2025 - Brave New Coin

What started as a niche idea has become a legitimate path to global mobility in 2025.

Four main approaches have emerged: direct crypto payments, licensed agent conversions, crypto-backed investment funds, and accepting crypto as proof of wealth. Investment amounts range from $130,000 to $1 million, with processing times from one month to over a year.

El Salvador Leads with Direct Bitcoin Payments

El Salvador made history by launching the world’s first fully crypto-native citizenship program. The Freedom Visa Program requires a $1 million donation in Bitcoin or USDT (Tether) directly to the government.

Key Details:

• Investment: $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT (direct payment)
• Processing Time: 6 weeks for approval, citizenship within months
• Family Inclusion: Spouse, children under 18, dependent parents over 65
• Annual Limit: 1,000 people per year
• Visa-Free Travel: 130+ countries including Japan, EU, UAE, Singapore

The program works without converting crypto to traditional money. Applicants pay a $999 application fee in Bitcoin or USDT, then complete the remaining $999,001 investment after approval.

This program emerged from El Salvador’s broader Bitcoin strategy. The country became the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 under President Nayib Bukele.

Caribbean Nations Accept Crypto Through Agents

Several Caribbean countries now accept cryptocurrency through licensed migration agents who convert digital assets to dollars before submitting applications to governments.

Dominica:

• Investment: $200,000 donation to Economic Diversification Fund
• Processing Time: 4-9 months
• Benefits: No physical presence required, family inclusion
• Travel: Visa-free to 140+ countries including EU, UK, Singapore

Saint Lucia:

• Investment: $240,000 donation or $300,000 real estate
• Processing Time: 4-9 months
• Benefits: Remote application, dual citizenship allowed
• Travel: Strong passport with global access

Licensed agencies like Apex Capital Partners and Global Residence Index accept Bitcoin, USDT, and other major cryptocurrencies. They handle the conversion process and manage all paperwork. Families can include spouses, children, and often parents in single applications.

These Caribbean passports provide visa-free travel to the EU, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. However, some countries scrutinize Caribbean citizenship-by-investment passports more closely due to past reputation concerns.

Vanuatu Offers Fastest Processing

Vanuatu provides one of the quickest routes to citizenship, typically completed within 30-60 days. The Pacific island nation requires donations starting at $130,000 for single applicants and $180,000 for families of four.

Key Features:

• Investment: $130,000 (single) to $180,000 (family of 4)
• Processing Time: 30-60 days
• Method: Licensed agents convert crypto to USD before government submission
• Residency: None required – 100% remote process
• Taxes: No income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance tax
• Travel: 90+ countries visa-free (EU access currently suspended)

Licensed agents accept Bitcoin and stablecoins, converting them to US dollars before government submission. The official Vanuatu Citizenship Office does not accept cryptocurrency directly, but authorized agents facilitate crypto payments legally through conversion processes.

The entire process occurs remotely with no residency requirements or interviews. Vanuatu allows dual citizenship and includes spouses, dependent children under 25, and parents over 50 in applications.

Portugal Opens EU Access Through Crypto Funds

Portugal’s Golden Visa program shifted focus from real estate to regulated investment funds in 2023. The typical investment is 500,000 euros placed in Portuguese investment funds.

Program Details:

• Investment: €500,000 in approved investment funds
• Method: Crypto-exposed funds only (no direct crypto payments)
• Residency: 7 days first year, 14 days every two years
• Citizenship Path: 5 years (potentially extending to 10 years)
• Tax Benefits: Long-term crypto gains tax-exempt for individuals
• EU Access: Full residency rights in European Union

Several approved funds now offer exposure to blockchain and Bitcoin-related assets. The Golden Crypto Fund mixes traditional investments with up to 35% in Bitcoin and exchange-traded funds. Other options include Bitcoin venture funds focused on Portuguese blockchain startups.

Important: Portugal doesn’t accept direct crypto payments for the Golden Visa. Investors must put money into euro-denominated regulated funds that may hold crypto-related assets. These funds allow crypto holders to gain EU residency through blockchain-exposed investments rather than direct cryptocurrency use.

St. Kitts & Nevis Breaks New Ground

St. Kitts & Nevis made a significant policy change in March 2025. The country now accepts cryptocurrency holdings as proof of wealth for citizenship applications, though actual investments must still be made in traditional currency.

New Requirements:

• Investment: $250,000 donation or $325,000 real estate (paid in USD)
• Crypto Role: Proof of wealth only – not accepted as direct payment
• Documentation: Ownership proof, transaction history, valuations required
• Processing: Enhanced due diligence for crypto-related applications
• Interview: Mandatory for all main applicants

The St. Kitts & Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit updated its rules to allow Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings to demonstrate net worth. Applicants must provide proof of crypto ownership, transaction histories, and valuation reports.

This change represents growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrency as legitimate wealth, even when not used directly for investments. The program includes mandatory interviews and enhanced due diligence for crypto-related applications.

Regulatory Challenges Shape the Market

The regulatory environment continues shifting rapidly. Malta’s MEIN citizenship program faced termination in April 2025 when the European Court of Justice ruled it violated EU law. The court cited lack of genuine connection between applicants and Malta as a key factor.

Kazakhstan launched a $300,000 golden visa program in May 2025, offering 10-year residency permits. While the country positions itself as crypto-friendly, the program currently requires converting cryptocurrency to traditional currency before investment.

All programs require extensive background checks and proof of legitimate fund sources. Caribbean programs face particular scrutiny with multi-layered due diligence processes. Processing can be delayed if crypto transaction histories lack clear documentation.

The trend toward crypto acceptance in investment migration reflects growing institutional recognition of digital assets. However, regulatory pressures, particularly from the European Union, continue influencing program availability and terms. Only El Salvador currently accepts cryptocurrency as direct payment – all other programs require conversion to traditional currency or use crypto only as proof of wealth.