TON Foundation Clarifies Digital Residency Initiative Not UAE Backed

The TON Foundation has issued a clarification regarding its digital residency initiative, emphasizing that the project is an independent endeavor and does not have official backing from the UAE government. This clarification comes after widespread confusion on social media about a purported UAE-backed Golden Visa program associated with the blockchain network.

In a statement released on Monday, the TON Foundation explained that while discussions about a potential digital residency concept are ongoing, the initiative is not officially endorsed by the United Arab Emirates government. The foundation clarified that the concept originated from an independent collaboration between TON and a licensed partner with expertise in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized assets. This project has not been developed under any formal arrangement with UAE government bodies.

The foundation stressed that this is an early-stage effort intended to explore how blockchain technology might support compliant, real-world pathways to residency in the future. It is important to note that any applications made under the pilot would not guarantee visa issuance, which remains solely under the authority of UAE government agencies. The foundation also aligned itself with a joint statement issued by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). These entities confirm that no official digital residency or investment visa programs have been approved or launched in collaboration with TON.

The TON Foundation welcomed the clarity provided and appreciated the UAE’s ongoing commitment to regulatory transparency. The foundation stated that should official involvement emerge in the future, it will be communicated transparently and through the appropriate channels. As the crypto sector continues to explore integrations between digital identity, blockchain infrastructure, and global mobility, TON says it remains focused on responsible innovation. The foundation’s focus remains on bringing real-world assets and digital access together on-chain.