Can You Stake tokens to Get a Visa in a Country? Looking at TON
2025-07-07
Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network, recently spiked 10% after a bold claim: that staking $100,000 worth of TON for three years would qualify applicants for the UAE's 10-year golden visa.
Exciting, right? But just as fast as the price rose, it dipped again after UAE regulators denied the claim. This back-and-forth has left many wondering whether staking cryptocurrency could be a path to residency.
Let’s break down what happened, what the rules are, and how this reflects the current relationship between blockchain projects and immigration policies.
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Key Takeaways
1. TON Foundation’s staking claim sparked confusion: The idea of earning a visa by staking tokens excited many but lacked legal confirmation.
2. UAE regulators quickly rejected the claim: Authorities emphasized that golden visa eligibility is unrelated to crypto investments.
3. The story shows crypto’s growing role in real-world systems: But it also reminds users to double-check claims with official sources.
What Did the TON Foundation Announce?
On July 6, 2025, Max Crown, CEO of the TON Foundation, publicly announced that a new option for the UAE golden visa was available through TON staking.
According to the announcement, anyone who staked $100,000 worth of TON for 36 months and paid a $35,000 processing fee could secure a 10-year golden visa in the United Arab Emirates.
It seemed like a streamlined alternative to the standard investor route, which typically requires over $500,000 in qualifying assets.
The idea caught fire on social media, with major crypto influencers reposting it and even Telegram CEO Pavel Durov sharing a post related to the news.
Many users were excited at the possibility of securing residency through blockchain, something that could lower the financial and paperwork barriers.
However, the announcement lacked supporting documentation from any official UAE agency, which led to growing skepticism. For such a significant immigration opportunity, most expected clear government endorsement.
Read Also: XRP Set to Surge as RLUSD Hits $300M, Ripple Gains UAE Backing for Ledger Liquidity
What Did the UAE Authorities Say?
The excitement did not last long. Just a day after the TON Foundation’s announcement, the Emirates News Agency shared an official response from three major government bodies: the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security; the Securities and Commodities Authority; and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
All three denied any relationship between Toncoin staking and the UAE’s golden visa program.
They clarified that:
1. Golden visas are not issued based on digital asset holdings.
2. All residency programs follow strict legal frameworks.
3. Investors should rely only on verified government sources.
This direct refutation immediately cast doubt on the TON Foundation’s announcement. Toncoin dropped by over 6% following the statement, falling from $3.03 to around $2.84. The sharp price reaction showed just how heavily investors were influenced by the residency claim.
The incident also served as a cautionary tale. Even though blockchain is playing a growing role in global finance, it’s not yet a replacement for traditional legal systems and immigration policies.
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What is the Actual Process for Getting a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE golden visa was introduced in 2019 to attract skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to the country. It offers 5 to 10 years of residency with benefits like business freedom, tax advantages, and personal security.
Here’s how you can qualify:
Professional Skills: Doctors, scientists, engineers, researchers, and outstanding students are eligible.
Investment Requirements: Foreign investors must hold at least 2 million AED (around $544,000) in public investments.
Business and Startup Owners: Entrepreneurs must own or partner in a registered UAE startup recognized by an official business incubator.
As of now, digital assets are not part of the official investment categories. While the UAE has been friendly toward crypto and blockchain innovation, golden visa decisions remain tied to traditional financial documentation, business legitimacy, and personal achievements.
So if you’re aiming for UAE residency, staking tokens won’t get you there yet, at least not legally.
Read Also: Ton Blockchain Outage Fixed! What Happened?
Conclusion
The TON Foundation’s announcement tapped into a broader idea that blockchain can open doors beyond just finance. But this episode reminds us that governments still play a central role in matters like immigration and citizenship.
While crypto can support alternative investment paths, those paths still need validation from public institutions.
This situation also shows how quickly hype can move markets, especially when big names get involved. Toncoin’s price rally and pullback are direct results of unclear messaging and assumptions.
If you’re exploring ways to invest, trade, or even find new opportunities globally, always start with credible platforms.
Bitrue, for example, offers a secure environment for trading tokens like TON with full transparency and strong user protections. It’s a reminder that when it comes to real-world decisions, trusted sources matter most.
FAQ
Can staking crypto get me a visa in the UAE?
No. UAE authorities have stated that golden visas are not granted based on cryptocurrency investments or staking.
What caused the price drop in Toncoin?
TON’s price dropped after UAE regulators denied that staking could qualify users for the golden visa, which led to uncertainty.
Is the TON Foundation working with the UAE government?
There is no confirmed partnership between the TON Foundation and the UAE immigration or financial authorities regarding residency.
What are the actual criteria for getting a UAE golden visa?
Applicants must meet specific professional, academic, or investment standards, usually involving traditional business or asset documentation.
How can I safely trade or hold Toncoin?
You can trade and store Toncoin securely on platforms like Bitrue, which supports a variety of tokens and provides strong user security.
Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.
Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.
