UAE Authorities Debunk TON Foundation’s Claims on Golden Visas for Crypto Users
The golden visa applies to individuals like real estate investors, entrepreneurs etc, but not crypto investors.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities have issued a joint statement denying claims by TON foundation that the country grants golden visas to crypto-asset investors.
As reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) in a Monday press release, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) refuted the ongoing claims.
The bodies also warned the public to confirm correct information from authorized government websites and communication channels to avoid falling for unverified online promotions.
According to the authorities, the golden visa is only for certain professions and individuals, including real estate investors, entrepreneurs, top talent, scientists, students, humanitarians, and essential workers.
“The ICP clarified that golden visas are issued according to clear and officially approved frameworks and criteria, which do not include digital currency investors.”
TON to Launch Crypto-Based Golden Visa Program
The UAE’s decision to deny reports circulating online about granting golden visas to cryptocurrency investors largely stems from a recent tweet by Max Crown, CEO of the TON Foundation, which oversees the Telegram-based cryptocurrency ecosystem.
According to the tweet, the TON Foundation will launch a Golden Visa program that allows TON holders to secure long-term residency (up to ten years) in the UAE by staking $100,000 worth of Toncoin (TON) for three years and paying a one-time processing fee of $35,000.
🚀 Big News! 🚀
Toncoin has just launched a groundbreaking initiative, offering TON holders the exclusive chance to secure a 10-year Golden Visa! 🇦🇪✨
🔹 Stake $100K in $TON for 3 years
🔹 Pay a one-time fee of $35K
🔓 Unlock funds after 3 yearsThis isn’t just about visas,…
— Max Crown (@crownmax) July 6, 2025
After the platform made the announcement, the price of Toncoin surged 10-13% to over $3, but this increase was brief, as the token fell by about 6% to $2.83 after the UAE authorities debunked the claims.
Not Regulated by VARA
As part of the announcement debunking the claims, VARA also refuted claims of granting golden visas to virtual asset investors, while cautioning the public to only engage with fully licensed and regulated companies for virtual asset services and investments. Additionally, VARA clarified that TON received no license or regulation by the authority.
In a report detailing the UAE’s progress in the digital assets industry, the country’s central bank gave the green light to a company to issue an AED stablecoin, a digital currency pegged to the UAE dirham.
