Dubai, UAE – In a landmark move blending digital finance with immigration reform, the United Arab Emirates has partnered with Toncoin, a blockchain platform, to offer a 10-year Golden Visa to investors who stake a set amount of cryptocurrency. This is the first blockchain-integrated residency initiative in the country, and it aims to redefine how high-net-worth individuals can obtain long-term residency in the UAE.
A New Path to Residency Through Crypto Staking
Under this innovative program, applicants must stake a minimum of $100,000 worth of TON tokens via a decentralized smart contract on the TON blockchain for a period of three years. In addition to the crypto stake, participants are required to pay a one-time fee of $35,000 for visa processing.
What sets this program apart is its speed and simplicity. Visa approvals can reportedly be completed in as little as seven weeks, a significantly faster turnaround than most conventional investor visa schemes.
No Real Estate, No Income Threshold
Unlike traditional UAE Golden Visa routes that often demand real estate investments exceeding $500,000 or proof of substantial income, the Toncoin-backed visa has no such requirement. Applicants will undergo a merit-based selection process, with no need for property ownership or fixed deposits. This opens the door to a broader range of global investors, especially those active in the crypto economy.
Once granted, the 10-year Golden Visa is renewable and extends to immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents. While standard government fees apply for dependents, no additional investment is required.
Financial Incentives for Crypto Investors
Aside from long-term residency, the program offers tangible financial incentives. Investors who stake TON tokens are expected to earn an estimated annual yield of 3–4% APY during the lock-in period, although returns may fluctuate based on TON’s market performance.
One of the most appealing aspects of the initiative is that the staked cryptocurrency remains under the investor’s control throughout the term. Unlike property investments, which may be subject to liquidity issues or market swings, TON tokens can be fully withdrawn after three years.
UAE Joins Growing List of Crypto-Friendly Residency Programs
While the UAE’s partnership with Toncoin is being hailed as a bold first in the region, other countries have already experimented with crypto-linked citizenship or residency programs.
For instance, Vanuatu offers a Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) program that accepts crypto indirectly. The program requires a $130,000 minimum donation, with the caveat that all crypto payments must be converted to fiat and verified. Vanuatu’s CBI comes with attractive benefits, including visa-free travel to over 130 countries and zero income or capital gains tax.
Dominica and St. Lucia also offer similar schemes, with Dominica’s requiring a $100,000 donation or $200,000 in real estate investment. These programs typically necessitate documentation of crypto assets to prove both legality and liquidity.
However, the UAE’s TON-backed offering stands out for its lower financial barrier, family inclusion, and return of full capital after the staking period—features not commonly found in other CBI programs.
A Vision for Digital-First Residency
The UAE has consistently positioned itself as a leader in blockchain innovation and crypto adoption. From establishing regulatory frameworks for digital assets to attracting blockchain-based businesses, this latest move reflects the nation’s ongoing push to integrate modern technology into its policy ecosystem.
The Toncoin Golden Visa program not only provides a new route to long-term residency but also symbolizes the country’s commitment to creating a future-ready economy, where digital assets and smart contracts become tools for national development.
For eligible investors, the UAE’s new program offers more than just a visa—it presents a visionary lifestyle proposition that merges financial freedom, family stability, and a crypto-empowered future.
