The United Arab Emirates has officially debunked widespread online claims suggesting that investors in the Telegram-associated TON (The Open Network) token are now eligible for the country’s coveted Golden Visa program.
The clarification comes after promotional materials and social media posts over the weekend claimed that staking $100,000 worth of TON tokens could unlock a 10-year UAE residency, sparking widespread interest and confusion among the crypto community.
No Visa Privileges for Digital Asset Investors
In a joint statement released on July 7, three of the UAE’s top regulatory bodies—the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)—categorically denied the existence of any such visa initiative tied to cryptocurrency holdings.
The ICP reiterated that eligibility for the Golden Visa remains restricted to defined categories, including real estate investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talent. “Digital asset investors do not currently fall within these criteria,” the authority stated.
The SCA clarified that virtual assets, while regulated in the UAE, operate under an entirely different legal framework that is separate from the nation’s residency programs.
Meanwhile, VARA confirmed that no digital asset—including TON—has been granted authorization to offer services tied to immigration or residency within the UAE. The authority also emphasized that TON is not licensed to operate within the country’s regulatory ecosystem.
Warning Against Misleading Promotions
Regulators urged both residents and potential investors to exercise caution and rely only on information provided through official government platforms. They also advised against engaging with unlicensed intermediaries promoting unauthorized schemes.
The joint statement is a direct response to TON’s own recent marketing campaign, which suggested that investors could stake $100,000 in TON tokens for three years using a smart contract and, upon paying a $35,000 processing fee, secure long-term residency. The initiative claimed token holders would earn up to 4% annually and benefit from a simplified, more affordable path to residency—one purportedly more accessible than traditional routes requiring real estate investments exceeding $500,000.
Industry Pushback
The announcement sparked immediate backlash from industry insiders. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) weighed in, calling the TON promotion an example of “aggressive/misleading marketing.”
“You can pay $1K (in most major cryptos) to an agent to submit an application for a Golden Visa. No guarantees, but if you are worth your salt, there is a high chance you will get it,” CZ commented on social media—suggesting that while visa applications can be facilitated by agents, no crypto token itself guarantees residency rights.
Bottom Line
The UAE’s swift response underscores its commitment to regulatory clarity as it continues to position itself as a forward-thinking hub for digital assets and blockchain innovation—while maintaining strict oversight over immigration and residency frameworks.
As interest in crypto-fueled migration options grows, authorities have made it clear: owning tokens like TON will not grant you a Golden Visa. Investors are urged to steer clear of unverified claims and consult only official sources when seeking residency in the UAE.
