Life in Próspera: Inside the Digital City

This small city on the tropical island of Roatán, off the coast of Honduras, stands apart from typical Latin American towns. 

Próspera is a special economic zone. Alongside investor incentives, it serves as a testing ground for reimagining urban infrastructure, exploring how laws, taxes, and governance can function in the digital age. Inspired by libertarian principles, the project brings together developers, crypto enthusiasts, technologists, and investors.

Inside Próspera: Laws, Technology, and Ideology

Legal Flexibility and ZEDE

As of 2024, Próspera counted just over 1,800 residents and 235 companies registered under its jurisdiction.

At the heart of its governance is a flexible “choose your jurisdiction” system: companies can operate under common law, adopt external legal frameworks, or propose their own, subject to approval by the ZEDE Council (Zone for Employment and Economic Development).

Unlike other cities in Honduras, residents in Próspera can submit legal statutes for consideration. Once approved by the Council, they become part of the local legal system. 

One such example is the Coral Reef Protection Statute, which outlines rules on environmental protection and sustainable construction. Financial oversight is handled by an independent authority, separate from the central bank of Honduras, with broad autonomous powers. This setup allows laws to be adapted to startup needs without compromising legal clarity.

Digital Infrastructure

Since 2022, Próspera has been implementing digital IDs, DAOs, and smart contracts. Companies and residents can register online, offering a quick entry point for startups aiming to launch without getting bogged down in bureaucracy.

In 2025, the city authorized businesses to list prices in BTC. Here, crypto is not just allowed; it’s integrated into the economy. Flexibility, clear rules, and backing from major investors have turned Próspera into a live experiment in next-generation governance.

Legal stability is supported by an agreement with the state that guarantees the city’s autonomy for 50 years.

A 50-year agreement with the Honduran government secures the city’s legal autonomy.

The People Powering Próspera

Projects in Próspera can choose their legal framework: British common law, Honduran law, or a custom set of rules. This setup works well for teams launching innovative services, from DAOs to blockchain-based land registries.

Moreover, Próspera lets companies test new ideas in real-world conditions without navigating complex bureaucracy. That’s why it attracts teams looking not just for tax benefits but for operational and governance flexibility.

Deel, Infinita VC, and Instituto Atlántida have opened offices and tech labs in the city, drawn by its straightforward and adaptable jurisdiction.

From the beginning, Próspera attracted attention from crypto investors. For many of them, this Caribbean enclave became a true tax haven: 

1. Erick Brimen, co-founder and CEO of Próspera. He views the city as a way to put ideas of economic freedom into practice.
2. Balaji Srinivasan, former CTO of Coinbase and an active advocate of network states. His ideas shaped the city’s digital framework.
3. Marc Andreessen, venture capitalist and founder of Andreessen Horowitz, supports the project through his fund as a major backer.
4. Peter Thiel, entrepreneur and co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, sees Próspera as a model for private governance and alternative sovereignty. 

Each of them backed the launch. But more importantly, they use the city as a testing ground for building a new urban model.

Where Crypto Pays for Everything—from Rent to Coffee

Próspera continues to build out its crypto infrastructure, but residents already use BTC, USDT, and ETH in both residential and commercial zones. Locals pay with crypto at cafés, for rent, consultations, and real estate. Private businesses and the city administration alike accept digital assets.

Here, crypto functions as part of everyday life. For example, Erick Brimen points to El Salvador, specifically the town of El Zonte, as a reference for this approach.

Additionally, the ZEDE Council plans to move government services, from ID issuance to licensing, onto decentralized platforms by the end of 2025.

Meetups and Conferences in Próspera

Próspera values conversation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. The city hosts events focused on Web3, decentralization, and the future of urban life. Alongside in-person gatherings, the Próspera City Builders Network offers a metaverse space for meetups, discussions, and presentations. Participants join through https://community.prospera.co.

Recent events include:

• Roatán Blockchain Summit – a regional conference that brings together participants from across the region.
• Future Cities Forum – discussions on autonomy and digital rights.
• Crypto Residents Weekend – small-scale meetups with NFT and DAO project presentations.
• Crypto Cities Summit – an event hosted by Infinita City, featuring conversations on how blockchain technology shapes urban development.

Many events follow a hybrid format, combining live sessions in Roatán with online participation.

Where to Stay and Work in Próspera

Próspera offers several distinct districts:

• Bayview

An upscale coastal area with spacious villas, private pools, and views of the Caribbean Sea. Residents choose Bayview for its privacy, security, and quiet surroundings. The district resembles a resort, supported by full digital infrastructure.

• Mariposa

A more affordable neighborhood with a mix of housing, townhouses, and coworking spaces. Residents combine work and leisure with access to cafés, startup clusters, and budget-friendly rentals. The district attracts freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startup teams.

• Zona Verde

A district designed for innovation-focused companies. Modular workspaces, registration hubs, and consulting offices support fast-paced development. Labs and pilot projects settle here to maximize every working minute.

Yes, housing in Próspera costs more than in the rest of Honduras, but the rate covers security, fiber-optic internet, and crypto ATMs.

Rental prices for 2025:

• Studio (31–42 m²) in Duna: $500–$800
• One-bedroom (~46 m²): around $880
• Two-bedroom (~66 m²): up to $1,350

More affordable rentals are available in nearby areas, though they come with fewer security guarantees and limited access to the special zone’s benefits.

Must-See Spots in Próspera

When it’s time to unplug, breathe in the salt air, and step away from the screen, Próspera offers more than digital infrastructure. Nature plays an active role in the city’s digital rhythm.

Beyond conferences, the city delivers plenty of memorable escapes:

• Sandy Bay 

A quiet, scenic cove with mangrove trails, snorkeling spots, and birdwatching. Ideal for those who want to slow down and disconnect.

• West Bay Beach 

The island’s busiest beach, with white sand, beachfront bars, and crypto-friendly venues. Parties fill the evenings, digital nomads meet during the day, and project discussions unfold to the sound of the surf. The setting offers a natural space for networking and informal meetings.

• Open-Loop Farms

Experimental farms grow food without waste and use blockchain to track resources. Some sites open their gates to visitors and offer tours, showing how sustainable agriculture operates and how digital tools support the system.

Próspera is a fit if you:

• Launch a Web3 project and need flexible conditions
• Reject government interference in business
• Explore the intersection of technology and governance

Próspera might not fit if you:

• Rely on established state protections
• Prefer familiar and predictable legal systems
• Look for fully developed, time-tested urban infrastructure