Telegram’s Open Network (TON) today announced an interesting initiative: a 10-year UAE Golden Visa to investors who stake $100,000 worth of Toncoin (TON) for three years. The program dramatically lowers the entry threshold for residency in the United Arab Emirates and is the first of its kind within the crypto space.
How the TON golden visa works
Under the new scheme, applicants must stake at least $100,000 in TON tokens for three years through a decentralized smart contract on the TON blockchain. The process is fully transparent and verifiable, ensuring that investors retain control of their funds throughout the lock-up period. It should be noted that, in addition to the staking requirement, there is a one-time government processing fee of $35,000.
Successful applicants and their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, are granted a 10-year renewable UAE Golden Visa, allowing them to live, work, and invest in the country. The entire process can be completed in under seven weeks, which represents a significant improvement over traditional routes that often require at least $540,000 in illiquid assets and lengthier processing times.
Stakers also benefit financially: the program offers an estimated 3–4% annual yield on the staked TON during the three years, and all funds are fully unlocked at the end of the term, regardless of market conditions.
Community reactions and social buzz
The announcement generated significant excitement in the crypto community, which has increasingly been eyeing the UAE, and Dubai, in particular, as the up-and-coming crypto capital of the world. Ash Crypto tweeted:
“Breaking: TON has just partnered with UAE to offer 10 year golden visa to TON stakers. – Stake $100,000 $TON for 3 years – 10 years Dubai golden visa”
CEO of the TON Foundation, Max Crown enthused:
“Big News! Toncoin has just launched a groundbreaking initiative, offering TON holders the exclusive chance to secure a 10-year Golden Visa.”
Why Dubai? Crypto adoption and global appeal
Dubai and the UAE have rapidly become a global hub for digital assets, thanks to progressive regulation, tax incentives, and a thriving blockchain ecosystem. The country’s recent move to exempt crypto transactions from the 5% value-added tax, effective retroactively from January 2018, further cements its appeal for crypto entrepreneurs and investors.
The UAE’s regulatory clarity, driven by authorities like the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and its proactive approach to innovation have attracted major crypto firms, including Binance, Crypto.com, and Bybit.
As CryptoSlate recently reported, Dubai’s combination of clear rules, government engagement, and high-profile blockchain events has made it a magnet for top crypto companies and talent from around the world.
A new era for residency by crypto
TON’s Golden Visa program is an ambitious move in crypto-to-real-world integration, lowering the financial barrier to long-term UAE residency and offering a transparent, blockchain-based process that opens the doors for a new class of global digital nomads and investors.
As the UAE continues to position itself as a leader in blockchain and digital assets, initiatives like this are likely to further accelerate crypto adoption.
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