According to Ethereum Foundation President Aya Miyaguchi, Bhutan has shifted its National Digital Identity (NDI) platform to the Ethereum blockchain as of October 14, 2025. It’s a fascinating development that strengthens verification of identity for almost 800,000 citizens to be able to access services on an immutable, decentralized ledger. The entire transfer of credentials will take place by Q1 2026.
Bhutan National ID and Ethereum Integration
Bhutan National ID on Ethereum is a decentralized identity system based on verifiable credentials on the Ethereum blockchain. It is a migration from Polygon to Ethereum that provides more security, transparency, and privacy-protecting mechanisms. This approach aims to minimize dependence on centralized databases and gives users more control over their information.
The integration enables one to authenticate themselves without revealing personal information. The government roots these credentials in Ethereum using cryptographic proofs and hashes, revealing only the necessary data. By utilizing zero-knowledge proof technologies, the Bhutanese government prioritizes privacy.
Significance of the Migration
No nation has previously made such a large-scale transition to a public blockchain for its ID system. Bhutan is the first nation to implement a self-sovereign identity solution on the Ethereum blockchain. This is not only more secure but paves the way for other nations thinking along the same lines to implement the same. The implementation was preceded by a public launch, which was done and involved high-profile individuals such as Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Ethereum Founder Vitalik Buterin.
This migration reduces single points of failure and enhances transparency in credential verification. The usage of Ethereum’s distributed network is to further confirm the validity of Bhutan’s identity verification processes, as reported by Cointelegraph.
Future of Bhutan’s Digital Identity
In the coming days, Bhutan will gradually implement its final credential migration, prioritizing data integrity and user privacy. The National Digital Identity and GovTech departments are spearheading the effort with a completion date set for early 2026. The government will offer instructions and hardware to enable citizens to authenticate their identity via interoperable wallets, according to reports.
The feasibility of this project reaches across national borders. Bhutan’s use of blockchain technology to verify identities is an example to other nations to follow about self-sovereign identity systems. The generation of clean energy to power Bitcoin mining is further evidence of Bhutan’s use of green technology solutions.
