The Kingdom of Bhutan launched a national digital identification system built on the Ethereum blockchain, providing nearly 800,000 citizens with access to government services through a decentralized network.
Authorities in Bhutan completed the integration of the national digital ID system with Ethereum, with full migration of user data expected to be finalized by Q1 2026.
Previously, Bhutan’s citizen identification platform operated on the Hyperledger Indy blockchain, and since August 2024 — on Polygon. The migration to Ethereum’s mainnet marks a strategic step toward a more resilient and secure infrastructure.
The initiative enables citizens to verify their identities and interact with public services without centralized intermediaries.
Attendees at the official launch ceremony included:
- Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan;
- Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, Crown Prince of Bhutan;
- Vitalik Buterin, Co-Founder of Ethereum;
- Aya Miyaguchi, President of the Ethereum Foundation, among others.
According to Miyaguchi, Bhutan’s adoption of Ethereum for its national ID system sets a global precedent, showcasing blockchain’s potential in building an open and secure digital infrastructure for the future. The new system leverages Ethereum’s core features — immutability, transparency, and a high level of privacy — and incorporates zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology.
The initiative reflects Bhutan’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation and blockchain infrastructure development. Earlier this year, in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank, Bhutan launched a national crypto payment system for tourists.
The Kingdom of Bhutan holds the sixth-largest state-owned Bitcoin reserve in the world. According to Arkham Intelligence, as of October 2025, the country’s holdings amount to 6,371 BTC.
