Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) or Gelephu Special Administrative Region (also stylised as GeSAR) is a visionary Special Administrative Region in Bhutan spanning across 2500 sq. Km of land, conceived by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as a groundbreaking model for future urban development. Designed to harmonize economic growth with mindfulness, holistic living, and sustainability, GMC is set to redefine the way cities function. Its prime location at the crossroads of major economic regions—South Asia, ASEAN, and China—coupled with Bhutan’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, cultural preservation, and good governance, positions GMC as a global leader in mindful urban planning. With a unique focus on creating an environment that nurtures both personal well-being and economic prosperity, GMC stands as a beacon of forward-thinking urban growth, setting a new standard for sustainable and holistic living in the modern world.
Gelephu Mindfulness City represents far more than just another urban development project or investment opportunity. It embodies a fundamentally different approach to balancing economic prosperity with human well-being and environmental sustainability—one that creates distinctive opportunities for those aligned with its vision.
Whether as a business founder, investor, professional, or visitor, engaging with GMC Bhutan offers the chance to participate in what could become a globally significant experiment in reimagining urban development for the 21st century. While challenges remain and the project's ambitious scale requires patience, GMC's clear vision, royal patronage, and international partnerships provide a strong foundation for implementation.
As His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck declared, "It is an inflection point, a mandate and opportunity for us all—the King, the government, and the people—to join hands and work tirelessly to pave the road to the future. Gelephu will become a gateway connecting Bhutan to the world and the future."
For those seeking not just financial returns but meaningful participation in creating more balanced, sustainable approaches to development, GMC Bhutan offers a compelling invitation—the chance to help shape a new paradigm that could influence urban development globally, demonstrating that prosperity need not come at the expense of well-being, cultural identity, or environmental health.
Gelephu Mindfulness City is anchored in eight visionary investment clusters: Spiritual spaces that foster inner awakening and mindful living; Health and Wellness centers offering holistic healing, traditional medicine, and preventive care; Education and Knowledge institutions focused on values-based learning, innovation, and global research; Agri-Tech and Forestry promoting sustainable farming, food security, and ecological stewardship; Green Energy and Tech Industries leading the way in renewable power and ethical innovation; Finance and Digital Assets creating a regulated ecosystem for inclusive, impact-driven finance; Aviation and Logistics enhancing global connectivity through a new international airport and smart infrastructure; and Eco-Tourism, inviting conscious travelers to explore Bhutan’s natural beauty and spiritual heritage through low-impact, immersive experiences.
We will be delighted to assist you with establishing your business in the newly founded special administrative region of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Our team of legal experts will guide you through the entire process, from entity selection and registration to compliance with local regulations and securing necessary permits.
Investment in GMC is currently allowed for only a select few investors on invitations. Once allowed, our law firm will offer comprehensive legal services tailored to international investors interested in the Gelephu Mindfulness City, including:
Business entity formation and registration
Regulatory compliance consulting
Investment structure optimization
Intellectual property protection
Contract drafting and negotiation
Immigration and visa support for business owners and employees
Tax planning and compliance
Can you help me liaise with the GMC administration?
Absolutely. We can represent your interests during meetings, assist with documentation submissions, facilitate introductions to key stakeholders, and navigate the bureaucratic processes on your behalf, ensuring smooth communication between you and the GMC authorities.
We offer an initial 30-minute consultation at no cost to discuss your investment goals and outline how we can assist you. For comprehensive services that require our lawyers to visit GMC and communicate with officials, we charge a reasonable fee. We believe in transparent pricing and will provide a detailed fee structure before commencing any billable work.
GMC offers numerous advantages for international investors, including:
Strategic location between South and Southeast Asian markets
Progressive regulatory framework designed to attract foreign investment
Tax incentives and business-friendly policies
Focus on sustainability and mindfulness as core principles
Developing infrastructure with modern technological capabilities
Potential first-mover advantages in an emerging market
The timeframe for business registration in GMC is not yet known. It, once allowed, will be super fast and may also depend on the complexity of your business structure and the specific sector. Our expertise can help streamline this process and avoid common pitfalls that might cause delays.
The GMC administration is currently prioritizing investments in:
Sustainable tourism and hospitality
Wellness and mindfulness services
Clean technology and renewable energy
Digital innovation and smart city solutions
Sustainable agriculture and food production
Education and research facilities
Healthcare and biotechnology
You can schedule a consultation by:
Calling our office at +97517661648
Emailing us at office@basnetl.com
Filling out the contact form on our website
Visiting our offices in Thimphu, Bhutan
Pictures and Video Courtesy: The Gelephu Mindfulness City
