On May 23, 2025, Swiss technology firm CitizenX unveiled its official partnership with the Government of El Salvador, securing its role as a licensed processor for the Adopting El Salvador Program. This initiative is now hailed as the world’s fastest Bitcoin-based citizenship program.
The collaboration enables affluent individuals and families to obtain Salvadoran citizenship and passport within a remarkable timeframe of less than six weeks, contingent upon a $1 million donation in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT).
Source: X
This initiative, termed the Freedom Passport, aims to draw in ambitious entrepreneurs and investors eager to engage in El Salvador’s economic revitalization and sustained growth.
Launch of the Freedom Passport: A Revolution in Citizenship
Operated through CitizenX’s secure and private platform, the Freedom Passport program seamlessly connects with the government’s systems and leverages Tether’s advanced technology for efficient payment processing and due diligence. This streamlined approach positions it as the fastest citizenship-by-investment program on a global scale.
Qualified applicants can expect to receive their passports in under six weeks, with provisions for spouses and children under the age of 18 as part of the package.
The financial structure allows for a $1,000 initial deposit, with the remaining $999,000 payable post-approval, making the process accessible without requiring the total sum upfront.
Applicants are required to submit standard identification documents, proof of residence, birth certificates, criminal background checks, and evidence of available funds.
Marketed as a modern approach to sovereign financing, the El Salvador Freedom Passport program seeks to align the country with individuals who share its forward-looking vision.
The initiative has been capped at 1,000 participants each year, aiming to generate a total of $1 billion should all positions be filled.
Noteworthy perks associated with the Salvadoran passport include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to between 135 and 150 countries, encompassing regions such as the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Passport holders are entitled to reside in El Salvador, open international banking accounts, and enjoy the benefits of the nation’s dual citizenship policy without restrictions.
Contextualizing El Salvador’s Bitcoin Strategy and Its Global Significance
In September 2021, El Salvador made headlines as the first nation to officially adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, a move actively championed by President Nayib Bukele.
To foster this vision, the government instituted the National Digital Assets Commission (CNAD) to regulate digital asset providers and their issuances. In 2023, it enacted the Digital Assets Issuance Law to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets that extends beyond Bitcoin.
However, the ambitious implementation of Bitcoin as legal tender faced significant hurdles, including broader macroeconomic concerns.
In January 2025, responding to conditions stipulated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) tied to a $1.4 billion financial support agreement, the Salvadoran government reversed Bitcoin’s designation as legal tender for tax-related transactions, limiting its use to voluntary private sector dealings.
Source: X
Nonetheless, El Salvador has persisted in augmenting its Bitcoin reserves, with the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund reported to hold over 6,102 bitcoins valued at approximately $550 million as of March 2025.
Source: X
The government has committed to the IMF to refrain from increasing its Bitcoin holdings within the public sector. Yet, recent acquisitions by the National Bitcoin Office reflect the nation’s ongoing commitment to recognizing cryptocurrency as a vital strategic asset.
El Salvador has initiated amendments to its Bitcoin regulations, adhering to an agreement with the IMF to reduce its cryptocurrency exposure. #ElSalvador #Bitcoin https://t.co/2BDlo3RCGg
— Finance Newso.com (@Finance Newso) January 30, 2025
Globally, various nations are also exploring crypto-oriented citizenship and residency programs. Vanuatu was the first to officially accept Bitcoin, USDT, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash as part of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, allowing citizenship acquisition in as little as 30 days for an investment starting at $115,000.
This program is acknowledged for its rapid processing speed and grants visa-free access to over 94 countries, alongside offering no personal or corporate taxes and a pathway to Australian permanent residency.
Moreover, Antigua and Barbuda recognize cryptocurrency as proof of funds for their CBI program, although the final investment must be executed in fiat currency. These initiatives underscore a growing trend among countries aiming to utilize digital assets to attract investment and talent.
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