UAE Denies Golden Visa Eligibility for Crypto Investors, Including TON-Based Staking

The UAE has officially clarified that its Golden Visa program does not extend to cryptocurrency investors, dispelling rumors about eligibility through digital asset investments. A joint statement from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) confirmed the exclusion.

Authorities emphasized that Golden Visa criteria are strictly defined, covering categories such as real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents—but not VIRTUAL asset holders. VARA explicitly warned against unlicensed claims, urging investors to engage only with regulated entities.

The clarification follows misleading promotions, including one suggesting staking $100,000 in TON tokens for three years could fast-track a 10-year visa. Regulatory bodies reaffirmed that digital asset activities remain subject to separate frameworks.