Rebecca Cruz Bhutan migrates its national ID system to Ethereum, embracing blockchain-based identity for its 800,000 citizens and setting a global benchmark for digital governance.
Bhutan migrates national ID system to Ethereum
In a groundbreaking step toward blockchain-powered governance, the Kingdom of Bhutan has officially migrated its national ID system to Ethereum, making it the first country in the world to anchor digital identities for all citizens on the Ethereum network. The focus keyword Bhutan migrates national ID system to Ethereum signals not just a technological upgrade but a bold leap into decentralized digital sovereignty.
From mountains to mainnet: Bhutan embraces Ethereum for identity
Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is known for measuring national progress through Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. Now, the nation is taking a visionary step by linking happiness with technology. As Bhutan migrates its national ID system to Ethereum, it empowers nearly 800,000 citizens to control and verify their digital identities through a secure, decentralized framework.
The project’s completion marks a pivotal milestone for both Bhutan and Ethereum. The integration has already gone live, while the migration of all citizen credentials is scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2026. According to Ethereum Foundation President Aya Miyaguchi, who joined co-founder Vitalik Buterin at the official launch event alongside Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk, this achievement represents a global first for blockchain governance.
Miyaguchi shared her excitement on X, noting that Bhutan’s decision “sets a precedent for a more open and secure digital future” powered by blockchain transparency and self-sovereign identity.
Why Ethereum: the power of decentralization in identity
As Bhutan migrates its national ID system to Ethereum, the government is leveraging the network’s immutability and decentralized structure. Ethereum’s blockchain ensures that every identity credential is tamper-proof, transparent, and independently verifiable without reliance on centralized databases. This approach aligns with Bhutan’s emphasis on autonomy, privacy, and technological independence.
Blockchain-based identity systems have long been considered one of the most promising use cases for distributed ledger technology. By using Ethereum, Bhutan gains a future-ready infrastructure capable of integrating zero-knowledge proofs, enabling citizens to verify information without revealing private data. It is a step that balances transparency with confidentiality — a rare equilibrium in the digital world.
Bhutan’s journey to this point reflects years of experimentation and innovation. The country previously ran its national ID system on Polygon starting in August 2024 and used Hyperledger Indy before that. Each transition brought new learnings, culminating in the current migration to Ethereum, which now stands as Bhutan’s third and most advanced blockchain-based identity framework.
Global spotlight: Bhutan leads the blockchain governance era
The announcement that Bhutan migrates national ID system to Ethereum places the small Himalayan kingdom at the forefront of global blockchain adoption. While Brazil and Vietnam have partially integrated similar blockchain-based identity systems, Bhutan’s nationwide rollout is the most comprehensive to date.
The country’s National Digital Identity and GovTech teams were instrumental in executing the migration, collaborating closely with the Ethereum Foundation and Bhutan’s growing crypto community. This partnership demonstrates how decentralized ecosystems can collaborate with traditional governance to drive social and economic innovation.
Experts believe that this integration could serve as a model for digital governance worldwide. By choosing Ethereum, Bhutan sends a powerful message: decentralization is not just a buzzword but a framework capable of empowering citizens and governments alike.
Beyond identity: Bhutan’s growing crypto ambitions
While Bhutan migrates its national ID system to Ethereum, it is also quietly emerging as a significant player in the global crypto landscape. The nation holds over 11,000 Bitcoin valued at approximately $1.31 billion, making it the fifth-largest Bitcoin-holding country behind the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, according to BitBo’s Bitcoin Treasuries data.
Bhutan’s Bitcoin accumulation is powered by renewable energy from its Himalayan hydropower dams, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. This strategic alignment between green energy and blockchain innovation distinguishes Bhutan as one of the few countries pursuing crypto growth without environmental compromise.
Recent reports also suggest that Bhutan’s officials held meetings with former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao in late September to discuss future crypto collaborations, although the details remain undisclosed. The move signals Bhutan’s broader ambition to become a digital innovation hub connecting blockchain, clean energy, and governance.
The future of digital identity and national sovereignty
As Bhutan migrates its national ID system to Ethereum, it positions itself as a trailblazer for the next generation of digital nations. The transition reflects more than just a technical choice; it represents a philosophical shift toward citizen empowerment through trustless, transparent systems.
Ethereum’s global reach, developer community, and security make it a strong foundation for such national-level integrations. If successful, Bhutan’s model could inspire other countries to explore blockchain-based governance as a viable alternative to traditional digital identity infrastructures.
This milestone marks a turning point in how governments can adopt decentralized technologies for public benefit not as speculative assets but as the backbone of national trust.
Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards.
