Toncoin Drops 6% After UAE Denies Golden Visa Staking Claim

Toncoin (TON) experienced significant volatility following the announcement of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) "Golden Visa" program for TON stakers. The initial excitement was driven by the claim that staking $100,000 worth of TON for three years could grant applicants a 10-year golden visa in the UAE. This news attracted considerable attention, particularly after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov shared related content on social media. However, the UAE authorities swiftly clarified that the offer of a "TON Golden Visa" was unofficial and not endorsed by any official channels. This clarification led to a notable retracement in Toncoin’s price, falling from a 24-hour high of $3.03 to approximately $2.84, reflecting the market’s sensitivity to regulatory announcements in the crypto space.

The UAE government emphasized that golden visas are not issued based on digital asset holdings and that investments in cryptocurrencies fall under distinct regulatory frameworks. The statement urged investors to seek information exclusively from official channels to avoid misinformation or potential fraud. This clarification underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and regulated environment for both digital assets and residency programs. The episode serves as a reminder that speculative claims, especially those linking digital assets to immigration benefits, must be carefully vetted.

Industry observers note that while the initial price surge indicated strong speculative interest, the subsequent correction aligns with typical market behavior when faced with regulatory uncertainty. For investors, this event highlights the necessity of due diligence and the risks associated with relying on unverified claims in the volatile crypto ecosystem. The UAE’s firm rejection of TON staking as a route to golden visa eligibility highlights the importance of regulatory clarity in the crypto sector. While digital assets continue to gain prominence, residency programs like the golden visa remain governed by established criteria focused on skills and substantial economic contributions. Investors should exercise caution and seek verified information to avoid misconceptions. This development reinforces the UAE’s balanced approach to fostering innovation while safeguarding regulatory standards.

Despite the controversy, TON remains one of the most discussed altcoins due to its close integration with Telegram. Its role as a native Layer 1 for Telegram-based applications continues to expand, particularly with the rise of mini-apps and bot-driven DeFi tools. Toncoin has also featured prominently at EthCC 2025, with project developers pushing narratives around cross-chain DeFi, improved validator economics, and real-world payment adoption. The asset remains technically within a long-term downtrend despite recent short-lived relief rallies and trading above its historical launch price. From a technical standpoint, TON is trapped in a large consolidation range between $2.40 and $3.00, showing consistent rejection from the $3.10 resistance level. Price action suggests a higher low formation, but the market has yet to confirm a bullish breakout.