Bhutan becomes the first country to use Ethereum for digital IDs

Bhutan launches Ethereum-powered digital IDs, becoming the first nation to use blockchain for citizen identity.

Bhutan has launched its National Digital Identity (NDI) system on Ethereum, becoming the first country to use blockchain for citizen IDs. The project follows a 2024 pilot on Polygon and is set for full rollout by early 2026, eventually covering all 800,000 residents.

In an X post, Ethereum Foundation President Aya Miyaguchi announced the launch. She noted that the system on Ethereum is fully operational, with the migration of all credentials expected to be completed in early 2026.

Miyaguchi and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin attended the launch ceremony on behalf of the Ethereum community and met His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

“The moment felt even more meaningful as it happened during Ethereum’s 10th year. A reminder of how far we’ve come from ideas to real-world impact”

- Miyaguchi wrote.

The Bhutan NDI was originally launched in October 2023 by His Royal Highness The Gyalsey, who became Bhutan’s first digital citizen. Through Ethereum integration, Bhutan aims to make its citizen records more secure and transparent.

Beyond its digital ID system, the Himalayan kingdom is the fifth-largest government holder of Bitcoin, with 11,286 coins worth around $1.26 billion as of October 14, 2025, according to BitBo. Bhutan’s state-owned investment arm, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), amasses Bitcoin through mining operations powered by abundant renewable hydropower, reflecting the nation’s commitment to the environment. DHI began mining in 2019 and has steadily expanded its capacity.

In January 2025, Bhutan’s Gelephu Special Administrative Region, nicknamed “Mindfulness City,” announced the creation of a strategic cryptocurrency reserve, including Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB), to strengthen economic stability and resilience.

Bhutan integrates the Ethereum blockchain for citizen IDs