UAE Introduces Crypto-Based Residency Program With 10-Year Golden Visa

The United Arab Emirates has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Toncoin, introducing a blockchain-based residency program that integrates crypto investment with immigration policy. This initiative, the first of its kind in the UAE, offers a 10-year Golden Visa to investors who stake a specific amount of TON tokens for at least three years. The program is designed to be more accessible and cost-effective compared to traditional investor visas.

To qualify for the Golden Visa, investors must stake at least $100,000 in TON tokens through a decentralized smart contract on the TON blockchain. Additionally, a one-time fee of $35,000 is required for visa processing, which is reported to be completed within seven weeks. This processing time is significantly faster than traditional alternatives. The program is merit-based, with candidates selected through a selective review process. Unlike traditional UAE Golden Visa pathways, there are no real estate or minimum income thresholds, making it a more flexible option for investors.

Successful applicants will receive a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, which is renewable and covers spouses, children, and parents at no extra cost, except for standard government fees. Financial incentives include the potential to earn an estimated 3-4% annual percentage yield (APY) during the staking period, although returns may vary based on TON’s market volatility. Unlike current property-based visa programs, the staked TON tokens will remain under the investor’s control, and they will have the option to fully withdraw them after the lock-in period.

This partnership between Toncoin and the UAE represents a significant innovation in the integration of cryptocurrencies with immigration policies. While other countries and platforms offer similar programs that accept cryptocurrencies in their citizenship-by-investment (CBI) or residency programs, the UAE’s initiative stands out due to its unique benefits. For instance, Vanuatu’s CBI program requires a minimum investment of around $130,000 for a single applicant, typically in the form of a donation to the government’s development funds. Dominica’s program has similar requirements, with a minimum investment of $100,000 in the form of a donation or $200,000 in real estate. Both programs demand that all payments be converted to fiat if an investor pays in crypto, with verified proof of funds and due diligence done.

The UAE’s partnership with Toncoin offers more than just visa-free travel and a crypto-friendly tax regime. The perks extend to family members, and investors get all their staked TON back at the end of the three years. This makes the UAE’s program a more attractive option for those looking to invest in cryptocurrencies while also securing residency in a stable and prosperous region. The initiative is expected to attract a new wave of investors, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation and investment.