July 08, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
Imagine investing $100,000 in a cryptocurrency and securing a 10-year residency in the UAE. Sounds futuristic, right? That dream briefly lit up the crypto world when a claim emerged suggesting that investors staking in Toncoin (TON) could secure a prestigious UAE Golden Visa. But now, that dream has officially been shut down.
The excitement began when a program linked to the TON blockchain circulated online, promoting a scheme where individuals could stake $100,000 worth of TON and pay an additional $35,000 to receive a UAE Golden Visa. The campaign gained rapid attention, especially after Telegram’s growing connection to the TON blockchain lent credibility in the eyes of many crypto enthusiasts.
The hype did not last long. Three major UAE authorities stepped in to clarify the facts. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a joint statement refuting the offer. According to them, the advertised TON Golden Visa program was completely false and unapproved.
The statement made it clear that residency visas in the UAE are not available in exchange for crypto investments. The ICP reaffirmed that Golden Visas are granted under specific legal categories. These include investments in real estate or business, exceptional talents in fields such as science or art, frontline heroes, and academic achievers. Cryptocurrencies do not fall under any eligible category at this time.
The SCA warned the public to stay cautious and avoid dealing with unlicensed virtual asset schemes. VARA added that no crypto-related programs offering residency have been registered or licensed within the UAE. This denial sent ripples through the crypto market, as TON briefly dipped in value following the announcement.
Despite its ambition to become a leading hub for digital assets and blockchain innovation, the UAE remains firm on maintaining a clear separation between regulated financial structures and immigration policies. While real estate purchased using crypto may still support visa applications through traditional routes, staking digital tokens alone is not a recognized pathway.
For now, the idea of turning crypto into citizenship is more fiction than fact. Investors hoping for residency will still need to follow the established rules, not online hype.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
