The Open Network (TON), a blockchain platform developed from Telegram, has introduced a new route to UAE residency by offering 10-year Golden Visas. Applicants can secure this visa by staking $100,000 in Toncoin (TON) for three years and paying a one-time processing fee of $35,000. The process, managed by UAE-based partners, promises visa approval within seven weeks. During the staking period, applicants maintain control of their assets through a decentralized smart contract on the TON blockchain, with expected annual yields of 3% to 4%. The Golden Visa also covers immediate family members without extra costs beyond standard fees. Unlike traditional UAE Golden Visa options that require a minimum investment of $540,000, TON's program presents a significantly lower entry point. Following the announcement, Toncoin's price surged over 10%. However, some critics question the program's legitimacy, noting it lacks an official partnership with the UAE government. The initiative aligns with the UAE's goal to become a hub for blockchain and crypto projects.
