From Bitcoin to Passports: Countries Embracing Cryptocurrency Investment Immigration in 2025 - Brave New Coin Initially a niche idea, by 2025, it has become a legitimate pathway for global liquidity. Four main methods have emerged: direct cryptocurrency payments, licensed agent conversions, crypto-backed investment funds, and accepting cryptocurrency as proof of wealth. Investment amounts range from $130,000 to $1,000,000, with processing times from one month to over a year. El Salvador Leads with Direct Bitcoin Payments El Salvador has made history by launching the world's first fully cryptocurrency-based citizenship program. The Freedom Visa program requires a direct donation of $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT (Tether) to the government. Key Details: • Investment: $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT ( paid directly) • Processing Time: Approval takes 6 weeks, citizenship within months • Family Members Included: Spouse, children under 18, dependent parents over 65 • Annual Limit: 1,000 people per year • Visa-Free Travel: Over 130 countries including Japan, the EU, UAE, and Singapore The program does not require converting cryptocurrency to fiat currency. Applicants pay a $999 application fee, which can be made using Bitcoin or USDT, and then complete the remaining $999,001 investment upon approval. The program stems from El Salvador's broader Bitcoin strategy. The country became the first to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, under then-President Nayib Bukele. Caribbean Nations Accept Cryptocurrency through Agents Several Caribbean nations now accept cryptocurrency through licensed immigration agents, who convert digital assets to USD before submitting applications to the government. Dominica: • Investment: $200,000 donation to the Economic Diversification Fund • Processing Time: 4-9 months • Benefits: No physical presence required, family members can participate • Travel: Visa-free to over 140 countries including the EU, UK, Singapore Saint Lucia: • Investment: $240,000 donation or $300,000 real estate • Processing Time: 4-9 months • Benefits: Remote applications allowed, dual citizenship permitted • Travel: Strong passport with global access Licensed agencies such as 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 a single application. These Caribbean passports offer visa-free travel to the EU, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong. However, due to past reputational issues, some countries have scrutinized Caribbean investment citizenship passports more closely. Vanuatu Offers Fastest Processing Vanuatu provides the quickest pathway to citizenship, typically completed in 30-60 days. This Pacific island nation requires a starting donation of $130,000 for individual applicants, and $180,000 for a family of four. Key Features: • Investment: $130,000 ( for individuals) to $180,000 ( for families4) • Processing Time: 30-60 days • Method: Licensed agents convert cryptocurrency to USD before government submission • Residency Requirements: None – 100% remote process • Taxation: No income tax, capital gains tax, wealth tax, or inheritance tax • Travel: 90+ countries visa-free ( EU access currently suspended) Licensed agents accept Bitcoin and stablecoins, converting them to USD prior to submission to the government. The Vanuatu Citizenship Office does not directly accept cryptocurrency but allows agents to legally facilitate crypto payments through the conversion process. The entire process is conducted 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 shifts its focus from real estate to regulated investment funds in 2023. Typical investments are €500,000 in investment funds in Portugal.