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BTC $96,420 +2.34% ETH $3,280 +1.82% SOL $185.40 -0.92% BNB $642.50 +0.45% XRP $2.18 +3.12% DOGE $0.082 -1.50% ADA $1.05 +0.80% AVAX $42.10 +1.15%
07/07/2025

UAE Rejects "TON Golden Visa" Claims — What Are the Real Options for Web3 Investors?

On July 6, the crypto community was buzzing over reports that Toncoin (TON) had partnered with the UAE government to offer a "10-year Golden Visa" for TON stakers at a one-time fee of $35,000. Just one day later, three UAE regulatory bodies — the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) — jointly issued statements debunking the claim. According to the official statements, the UAE currently has no policy granting "golden visas" based on h

UAE Rejects "TON Golden Visa" Claims — What Are the Real Options for Web3 Investors?

On July 6, the crypto community was buzzing over reports that Toncoin (TON) had partnered with the UAE government to offer a "10-year Golden Visa" for TON stakers at a one-time fee of $35,000. Just one day later, three UAE regulatory bodies — the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) — jointly issued statements debunking the claim.

According to the official statements, the UAE currently has no policy granting "golden visas" based on investment in digital assets, and TON is not a company licensed by VARA to operate in the country. The swift denial left many investors asking: what are the legitimate visa and residency options actually available to Web3 investors and entrepreneurs?

🌍 Real Visa and Passport Options for the Crypto Community

🇦🇪 UAE — A Crypto Startup Hub, Not a Token Staking Destination

Despite rejecting the "TON Golden Visa" program, the UAE remains a top destination for Web3 entrepreneurs:

  • Free Zone Residency: Available to those who incorporate a company in free zones such as DMCC (home to the Crypto Centre).
  • Employee or Entrepreneur Visa: Valid for 1–2 years, extendable up to 10 years if eligibility requirements are met.
  • No dedicated pathway for individual investors who simply hold tokens.

🇰🇳🇻🇺 Caribbean — Trading Crypto for a Second Passport

Countries such as St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, and Vanuatu accept BTC/USDT through their citizenship-by-investment programs:

  • St. Kitts & Nevis: Investment starting at $150,000 in crypto.
  • Antigua: Available to individuals or families, starting at $100,000.
  • Vanuatu: Fast processing (3–4 months), accepts BTC/USDT payments.
Note: Passports from these countries carry limited weight for international travel and commerce.

🇺🇸 United States — No Crypto Visa, But Legal Workarounds Exist

  • E-2 Visa: Available to nationals of countries with a trade treaty with the U.S.; forming a crypto company qualifies.
  • O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary achievements in Web3 (DeFi founders, blockchain developers, etc.).
  • EB-5: Invest $800,000 or more in a job-creating project — crypto cannot be used directly.

🇸🇻 El Salvador — The Bitcoin Passport Plan Is Essentially Dead

Despite once pledging citizenship to anyone who invested $1 million in BTC or USDT, the El Salvador government has since halted BTC payments following its agreement with the IMF.

🇭🇰 Hong Kong — No Visa for Individual Investors, But Extremely Web3 Startup-Friendly

  • Startup visas are available, as is TechTAS (a technology talent immigration program).
  • Supports newly formed businesses in blockchain and decentralized finance.

🇸🇬 Singapore — Tighter Controls, But Still a Path for Tech Talent

  • No visa available for ordinary crypto investors.
  • Options like the Tech.Pass (for blockchain professionals with 5+ years of experience and a salary above SGD 200,000) and the EntrePass (startup visa) remain legitimate routes.

💻 Digital Nomad Visas: The Practical Option for Remote Workers in Web3

With relatively accessible requirements, Digital Nomad visas allow legal residency ranging from 6 months to 5 years across more than 30 countries (in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa) — you simply need to demonstrate a stable income from remote work.

Examples include Portugal, Estonia, Costa Rica, Dubai (for select professions), Thailand, and more.

🔚 Conclusion

The idea of "staking tokens to get a Golden Visa" may sound appealing, but crypto investors need to stay sharp when it comes to unverified marketing claims. Countries that are genuinely open to Web3 consistently emphasize tangible contributions — such as starting a business, creating jobs, or developing technology — rather than simply holding digital assets.

Instead of chasing shortcuts, the Web3 community should pursue options that are sustainable, transparent, and aligned with global immigration policies that are gradually evolving to welcome digital talent.