Bhutan Migrates National ID System from Polygon to Ethereum, Aiming for Full Rollout by 2026

Market Context

Blockchain‐based identity systems are viewed as among the more mature use cases for public chains. Many national and regional identity pilots have utilized alternative or purpose-built chains. Bhutan’s shift from Polygon to Ethereum suggests confidence in Ethereum’s security, developer ecosystem, and infrastructure robustness. It also may signal an inflection point for more sovereign digital identity adoption on widely used smart contract platforms.

Technical Details with Attribution

• The migration from Polygon to Ethereum has already been initiated, and the integration has “been completed” at a system level. 
• The full credential migration for all residents is projected to finish by the first quarter of 2026. 
• The launch was attended by Ethereum Foundation President Aya Miyaguchi, co-founder Vitalik Buterin, Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Crown Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuk. 
• Bhutan previously used Polygon for its national ID starting August 2024, and before that Hyperledger Indy. 
• The rationale for the move cites Ethereum’s immutability, decentralization, and global recognition, offering better long-term resilience and interoperability. 

Analyst Perspectives 

Observers see Bhutan’s migration as a bold statement of trust in Ethereum’s security and ecosystem. It may encourage other nations or institutions to consider migrating identity systems to high-assurance public chains. Still, critics warn about scalability, gas costs, data privacy, and the burden on state infrastructure. The success of this identity scheme will depend heavily on how well it safeguards personal data, integrates with government services, and preserves user control.

Global Impact Note

Bhutan’s move could accelerate adoption of public blockchains for identity systems globally, especially in smaller nations or jurisdictions seeking trusted infrastructure. If successful, it may become a proof point for building national digital identity layers on Ethereum rather than less secure or permissioned chains—thus influencing global standards in identity, governance, and digital citizenship.