Key takeaways
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Vanuatu is one of the fastest countries to offer citizenship, with crypto accepted through licensed agents.
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Dominica and Saint Lucia offer Caribbean citizenship in months using crypto converted via trusted agencies.
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Portugal offers EU residency and a path to citizenship through crypto-linked investment funds.
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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
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100% remote process — no residency or in-person interviews required
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No language, education or stay requirements
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Dual citizenship is allowed
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Tax-free on personal income, capital gains, wealth and inheritance
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Visa-free travel to 90+ countries, though Schengen access is currently under review
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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
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Dominica: $200,000+ donation to the Economic Diversification Fund
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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:
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Efficient processing times (under a year)
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Strong passports: visa-free or visa-on-arrival to the EU, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and more
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Entire families can be included (spouse, children and, in many cases, parents)
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No physical presence, language test or residency obligations.
Cons:
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…
cointelegraph.com