TON Foundation Offers UAE Golden Visa Through Toncoin Staking

The TON Foundation, led by Max Crown, has introduced a novel pathway for obtaining a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through staking Toncoin (TON). This initiative, announced on July 6, 2025, allows applicants to secure residency by staking $100,000 worth of TON for a period of 36 months. This move bypasses traditional residency investment barriers, which typically require a minimum investment of $540,000 in illiquid assets. The program is managed by TON’s UAE-based partners, who handle the visa processing and residency status confirmation, promising a streamlined process with visas secured in under seven weeks from document submission to the Visa Office.

The staking requirements include a $35,000 processing fee, which rechannels considerable capital into the TON ecosystem and stimulates increased on-chain activity. This initiative is seen as a groundbreaking move, offering a unique residency avenue for toncoin holders. Max Crown, CEO of the TON Foundation, described the program as a "groundbreaking initiative offering toncoin holders a new path to UAE residency."

The program promises that applicants retain control of their assets during the staking period through a decentralized smart contract verifiable on the TON blockchain. Additionally, the program offers estimated annual yields of 3% to 4% on staked assets, providing an additional incentive for crypto investors. The Golden Visa would extend coverage to immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, at no additional cost beyond standard government fees.

However, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued a joint statement clarifying that golden visas are not issued to digital asset holders. The authorities emphasized that digital currency investments are governed by specific regulations and are unrelated to golden visa eligibility. They urged investors to obtain information from credible, official sources to avoid misinformation or fraud.

Despite the potential benefits, some have raised doubts about the significance of TON’s Golden Visa program, noting that it is not an official partnership with the UAE government. Critics argue that the program is being facilitated by a third-party provider using TON as a proxy to help clients obtain golden visas for entrepreneurs. This perspective suggests that the program’s legitimacy and long-term viability may be subject to further scrutiny and validation.

The crypto-based residency program comes as the UAE continues to position itself as a primary destination for blockchain and crypto projects. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) recently approved Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, and Dubai’s crypto regulator updated its guidelines to include provisions for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. These developments, along with the attraction of over 600 crypto companies to the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre free zone, underscore the UAE’s commitment to becoming a leader in digital finance.

Financial experts suggest the initiative could influence future blockchain residency pathways. While early skepticism and excitement pervade discussions, it reinforces the growing acceptance of digital assets in real-world applications. The program's long-term success will likely hinge on future regulatory clarity and broader institutional collaboration with official UAE bodies.