BhutaNInvest

Supporting the South Asia 2030 Future Fund

Unique culture, English-speaking population and a competitive business environment make Bhutan a smart location for businesses with global ambitions.

BhutanInvest promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) into Bhutan by offering first-class personalized assistance to each investor.

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You know Bhutan as a magical Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas...

The Buddha Dordenma monument

tiger’s nest monastery

buddhist monks

But Bhutan's fast becoming an investment destination.

$6 Trillion domestic market

Bhutanese firms have completely unrestricted access to neighboring India’s market. According to a 2019 study by World Economic Forum and Bain, India’s households will spend $6 trillion annually by 2030, a four-fold increase on 2019.

Perfect for exporters

Bhutan has duty-free and quota-free access to the US and EU markets, with the exception of arms. It’s also a member of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement. Exporting to neighboring China is possible.

Great place to keep returning to

Lonely Planet chose Bhutan as its top destination to visit in 2020. While Bhutan’s most famous for its monasteries perched high on densely forested mountains, it is also home to Asian elephant, Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.

"The happy country"

Bhutan is the last Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhist country. The government is famous for measuring Gross National Happiness, rather than narrowly focusing on GDP.

The world’s only carbon-negative country

Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country: its forests absorb more carbon than Bhutan produces. The Constitution mandates maintaining at least 60% forest cover. 

Negligible electricity cost

Bhutan has the fifth lowest electricity price in the world. All electricity is renewable, from run of river hydropower.

English-speaking

Bhutanese public schools teach in English. All government documents and communication are in English, too.

Tax breaks for investors

The government offers corporate tax holiday of up to 20 years and waiver of customs and import fees for production inputs.

Safe for investors

Bhutan ranks 19th on the 2020 Global Peace Index, ahead of the Netherlands. Bhutan has no history of social unrest and its institutions enjoy a high degree of public trust. It ranks 25th on Transparency International’s Corruption Index 2019 (only Japan and Singapore do better in Asia).

How we help

Information services and investment preparation

Facilitating contacts, negotiation with authorities

Investment proposals and visits

Organizing recruitment and identifying suitable properties

Registering and licensing your business

Obtaining employee residence permits

Post-investment / aftercare services, including formalities for exports

Key opportunities

Value-added agricultural production and pharmaceuticals

Bhutan’s priority is to attract companies utilizing a novel, innovative approaches to food processing (such as 3D printing), pharmaceutical companies able to utilize Bhutan’s unique medicinal plants and shrubs and “next-generation” food and drinks companies (eg plant-based alternative protein producers).

Manufacturing

Bhutan’s industrial parks are ready to welcome manufacturers in electronics, computer hardware and building materials. Manufacturers benefit from some of the cheapest and cleanest electricity in the world.

Artisanal products

Foreign investors can leverage “Brand Bhutan” for exports. Local talent already produces luxury cosmetics, designer homeware and furniture, and other consumer products.

FAQ

Isn’t Bhutan too remote?

Bhutan is landlocked, but interconnected with India’s road system and internal waterways. Hundreds of trucks move between Bhutan dry-ports and Dhaka and Kolkata seaports daily.

Isn’t Bhutan too small?

We don’t suggest targeting Bhutan’s population as a market. Rather, take advantage of Bhutan’s unique free trade agreement with India which creates a de facto domestic market of 1.3 billion people. Bhutan has unique advantages which make it more attractive than locating in India to sell to India. There is also the large Bangladeshi market under a preferential trade agreement.

I heard you have to pay $250 a day just to be in Bhutan!

That includes hotel, car, guide and food. Bhutan discourages mass tourism to maintain quality tourism. The policy has proven highly successful at attracting well heeled tourists, including many celebrities. Investors, their family members and employees are exempt from the tourist tariff and receive resident permits and business visas instead

What are the best business ideas to start in Bhutan?

We have a detailed proprietary FDI opportunity overview we can share. Of course, the best business would be in your area of expertise if you’re an entrepreneur. If you are an investor, we can help you minimize your risks and maximize your returns in the South Asian market.

Looking for businesses for sale or a Bhutanese partner?

We have a curated selection of local partners for both new enterprises and established businesses suitable for FDI scaling. 

I need to find a supplier, consultant, lawyer, accountant. Can you help?

Yes, we have our own team - it is difficult to find good people.  Bhutan’s expert market has very limited international exposure, on top of the tiny population to start with.

How can I start a business in Bhutan?

The company registration is straightforward and takes around 1 month, depending on the industry you are in. We’d liaise with the company registrar on your behalf. Special Economic Zone advantages are also available including fast track approval and significant tax incentives. 

Do I need a residence permit to live in Bhutan? What about my family and employees?

We can assist you with business visas and resident permits should you become an investor, or otherwise work in Bhutan. Accompanying visas are also available for dependent children and for parents of those working in Bhutan. 

How much are taxes?

Corporate tax is 30%. However, foreign investors are exempt for 10-20 years (depending on location of the business and industry). There are zero import tariffs and customs duties on inputs and machinery for manufacturing and R&D, as well as SEZ tenant inputs. Personal income tax is 0%-25%, depending on how much you earn. 

What sort of funding is available?

We are able to facilitate low-interest business loans as well as introductions to investors focused on opportunities in Bhutan.