Top Countries for Crypto and Bitcoin Citizenship and Residency in 2025

If you’re a successful entrepreneur living abroad, you already know that crypto is rewriting the rules of global freedom.

It’s not just about finance anymore. Bitcoin and blockchain are reshaping how forward-thinking people like you live and earn around the world.

In 2025, Bitcoin is no longer just another investment – it’s a passport to global mobility and financial freedom. From unlocking second residencies to back-pocket, Plan B passports, crypto is fast becoming a key to unlocking international borders.

If you’ve built your wealth in crypto, you’re not looking to stay stuck in a system that punishes innovation and taxes success. You’re searching for jurisdictions that don’t see crypto as a threat but as an innovation and a sign that you’re ahead of the curve.

From tax-friendly havens to countries accepting Bitcoin for second passports, the world is waking up and (slowly) rolling out the red carpet for crypto-savvy citizens by creating progressive regulatory frameworks.

That’s why the Nomad Capitalist team has put together this in-depth guide to help crypto-driven entrepreneurs find the most forward-thinking countries for tax savings, second residences and true financial freedom.

Does Crypto Citizenship by Investment Exist?

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away – no, there’s no government handing out passports just for holding Bitcoin. Not yet, anyway though we are getting close.

What does exist, however, are countries that accept Bitcoin or crypto as payment for their existing citizenship-by-investment (CBI) or residency-by-investment (RBI) programs. 

That distinction matters.

You’re not getting citizenship just because you’re a crypto whale; you’re getting it because you’re investing, and they’re smart enough to take your digital gold.

El Salvador comes closely to offering true Bitcoin citizenship by investment (more on that below). Several others, like Antigua and Barbuda, accept crypto as payment for their CBI fees.

Allowing such cryptocurrency transactions are small but significant steps toward creating a friendly regulatory environment and, in time, a future where digital wealth unlocks real-world freedom.

At the same time, crypto-friendly doesn’t just mean ‘pay using Bitcoin’. It means the government gets it – they’re creating frameworks, easing tax burdens and attracting capital, talent and innovation in the blockchain space.

So, while crypto-native passports aren’t widespread, if you play it right, your crypto can absolutely allow you to access a better alternative citizenship or permanent escape route.

What Makes a Country Crypto-Friendly?

Before you explore crypto residency and citizenship-by-investment programs, you’ll want to make sure you’re investing in a country that works for you as a crypto investor.

Crypto-friendly countries don’t just say they like Bitcoin; they create policies around it. 

They build infrastructure, create laws and regulatory clarity that attract capital and innovation, and know better than to tax crypto investors into oblivion.

If you’re looking at moving to a crypto-friendly country with tax benefits, here are three important considerations.

1. Crypto-Tax Clarity 

No capital gains tax on crypto is the first thing you’ll probably look for. 

Zero income tax? Even better. 

But it’s not just about rates; it’s about predictability. If the rules are clear and stable, you can plan and optimise your taxes without worrying that your entire portfolio will be rug-pulled by some politician.

2. Legal Frameworks That Make Sense

If your coins are at risk of being classified as securities, illegal tender or subject to seizure, then you’re not in a friendly place. 

A good jurisdiction defines what crypto is and how you’re allowed to use it. You want certainty. You want common sense. You want a government that doesn’t treat your Bitcoin unfairly.

3. Support for Blockchain Innovation

Some countries want your crypto business. They offer grants, startup visas and sandbox licences. 

They see blockchain as the future. These are the places worth building in and building your life around.

Residency or Citizenship by Investment in Crypto Countries

Now, let’s break down the world’s most crypto-friendly countries. These are not just places where you’ll pay less tax but where you can actually live, invest and thrive. 

El Salvador

Let’s start with the groundbreaker.

El Salvador made history by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. With BTC, you can buy property, pay taxes, and fund your lifestyle – though it’s worth pointing out that the seller has to agree to accept it.

In 2023, El Salvador officially introduced the Freedom Visa program, a government-backed initiative designed to attract high-net-worth individuals through a substantial Bitcoin or USDt donation. 

Under this program, applicants can obtain Salvadoran citizenship by making a non-refundable US$1 million donation (plus a US$999 application fee per family member), paid in BTC or USDt via the government’s own official payment gateway.

While often compared to Caribbean-style citizenship-by-investment programs, El Salvador’s Freedom Visa is structured more as a donation-based naturalisation path than a traditional investment scheme.

Capital gains on crypto assets? Zero for foreigners with cryptocurrency investments. Income tax on long-term holdings? None. It’s a straightforward, tax-friendly, Bitcoin-native environment. And it’s the first of its kind.

Yes, it’s still a developing country, but so was Singapore once. If you believe in Bitcoin’s future, El Salvador citizenship should be on your radar.

Antigua and Barbuda

This twin-island Caribbean nation doesn’t get enough credit in the crypto world.

Antigua and Barbuda was one of the early adopters in allowing cryptocurrency to be used, indirectly, for its Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) program. 

While the government does not accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies directly, licensed agents can process crypto payments by converting them into fiat currency before submitting them to the government.

For just over US$230,000, including fees, you can donate to the national development fund or invest in real estate. 

And yes, you can pay in crypto, albeit indirectly via licensed agents. Also, be aware that some components or fees may not be payable in crypto, particularly government fees.

The country has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance or wealth tax. That’s a recipe for a tax-optimised paradise, especially if your crypto portfolio is booming.

The country sees crypto as a payment method – not a problem to be solved. That’s the kind of thinking the rest of the world needs more of.

Plus, the passport isn’t bad either and can be an excellent Plan B as part of your global strategy.

Portugal

Portugal used to be the go-to European crypto haven. While recent changes have chipped away at its tax-friendly status, it still holds some unique benefits.

If you hold your crypto for over a year, capital gains are tax-free. Anything less than a year and you’ll pay 28%, though individuals and businesses are treated differently. Staking, trading or getting paid in crypto is taxed like regular income.

Still, Madeira, Portugal’s autonomous North Atlantic island, is doubling down on crypto-friendliness. It offers unique tax advantages, with low rates and an innovation-forward approach.

Residency is accessible via the popular Portuguese Golden Visa. Invest €500,000 into local funds or business ventures, and you’re in. After five years, you can apply for citizenship. 

While this isn’t a direct crypto investment program, there is a plus side for crypto investors, thanks to the launch of a venture capital fund focused on investing in the growth of Portugal’s Bitcoin ecosystem . You can read more about it in our detailed guide.

So, while there’s no crypto option in the residency investment, the country’s willingness to engage with digital assets makes it a strategic long-term play for crypto investors.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai is known to move fast, build big and dominate emerging industries. Crypto is no exception here.

In Dubai, there’s no income tax, no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. That’s the basic pitch. But there’s more.

The UAE has carved out Free Zones like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) with regulatory sandboxes designed for blockchain businesses. Startups, exchanges and funds are flooding in.

The one catch? A 9% corporate tax now applies to active business income, including crypto companies. But for individuals, it’s still about as tax-efficient as it gets.

Residency is easy to obtain via business setup or real estate investment. You won’t get a UAE passport, but you will get one of the most desirable, stable residencies in the world for crypto investors.

Malta 

Malta is known as the Blockchain Island for good reason. It has created actual legal definitions for crypto assets, implemented the Virtual Financial Assets Act, and built an ecosystem around responsible innovation.

For personal investors, Malta uses a remittance-based tax system for individuals who are not domiciled in the country. While some foreign-sourced income may not be taxed unless brought into Malta, the tax treatment of cryptocurrency depends on how the gains are classified. 

Crypto is not always treated as capital gains, and blanket claims of tax-free treatment are misleading. Investors here should always get tailored tax advice based on their specific situation.

Domestic business income is taxed at 35%, but with Malta’s rebate system, that can drop to as low as 5% for qualifying companies.

Residency by investment requires a real estate purchase or lease and a government donation. Want citizenship? It’s pricier, but it’s possible through the MEIN program. Best of all, the Maltese passport is an EU passport, so this is a unique opportunity.

Sure, it’s not a direct crypto investment for a passport. But, as a crypto investor looking to invest in a new citizenship, this is definitely an appealing option.

Malta isn’t the cheapest, but it’s a top-tier option if you want EU access without the usual anti-crypto baggage.

Citizenship by Investment Bitcoin: FAQs

Time to Consider Bitcoin Citizenship by Investment?

Whether you’re cashing out your crypto gains, seeking a fresh start or building generational wealth, not all countries are created equal. 

The smart ones know how to attract wealth, talent and innovation, and they’re quietly building systems that reward it. 

From zero-tax citizenships to digital nomad residencies, there are countries out there offering real opportunities for crypto entrepreneurs and investors who want to live life on their own terms. 

You’ve built something valuable, so why let bad policy limit your choices? With some planning, your crypto can take you even further.

But this are treacherous financial waters to swim in and getting the right advice from the start can save you lots of time, effort and money. Rather than relying on local providers, it pays to have impartial advice from international experts with no specific allegiance to any one jurisdiction.

That’s just one of the reasons people choose Nomad Capitalist – we have direct experience across multiple jurisdictions and will help you weigh up the pros and cons of each. 

So, remove all the guesswork, skip past the gatekeepers and speed up the entire process by reaching out and letting us help you go where you’re treated best.