Key Highlights:



  • TON Foundation confirms there is no official partnership with the UAE government regarding a Golden Visa initiative.


  • The UAE’s official Golden Visa program requires a minimum investment of $540,000 in illiquid assets.


  • Over 70,000 applications have reportedly been submitted for the new U.S. “Golden Card” program.



TON Foundation Responds to Miscommunication


The Open Network (TON) Foundation, the organization behind the Toncoin (TON) blockchain, has released a formal statement addressing confusion surrounding its alleged involvement in a UAE “Golden Visa” initiative. The Foundation firmly clarified that no such program has been approved or endorsed by the UAE government.



“TON is aware of the premature announcement that appeared on X regarding the UAE Golden Visa initiative offered by TON. We appreciate the community’s interest and enthusiasm, but it is important to clarify the facts,” the Foundation noted in an official blog post.


The Foundation emphasized that while discussions and ideas around such a program exist, the concept remains preliminary and unofficial. Any such offering would require comprehensive review and regulatory approval from UAE authorities before any formal steps could be taken.



Regulatory Backlash and Misleading Claims


The confusion began when an announcement appeared on the Toncoin website, claiming users could obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by depositing $100,000 in Toncoin for three years, along with a one-time $35,000 processing fee. This post gained traction after it was shared by Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, drawing widespread attention from the crypto community.


In response, three major UAE regulatory bodies issued a joint statement rejecting the claims:



  • Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)


  • Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)


  • Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)


All three entities affirmed that no digital asset-based visa program has been approved, and any statements to the contrary are unfounded. Following the response, TON issued a clarification aligning its stance with UAE regulators and confirmed that the proposed initiative lacks official sanction.



Concerns Over Premature Announcements


This is not the first time a premature announcement has drawn criticism. In May, Pavel Durov publicly claimed that Telegram had formed a partnership with Elon Musk’s xAI project. However, Musk later denied the existence of any such agreement, calling attention to a pattern of unconfirmed or early disclosures linked to the Telegram founder.


These instances have raised concerns over communication practices within the TON and Telegram ecosystems, particularly when announcements pertain to sensitive matters such as immigration policy and government partnerships.



The Official UAE Golden Visa Program: Requirements and Regulations


The UAE's Golden Visa, launched in 2019, offers foreign nationals long-term residency—valid for 5 to 10 years—without the need for a national sponsor. The visa is intended for:



  • Investors


  • Entrepreneurs


  • Highly skilled professionals


  • Scientific and creative talent


To qualify under the investment category, applicants must typically commit a minimum of $540,000 in illiquid assets and demonstrate a proven track record of contribution to the local economy.


In contrast, the now-retracted Toncoin proposal proposed far lower financial entry requirements, raising concerns about its legitimacy and alignment with regulatory frameworks.



Global Momentum for Crypto-Linked Residency Programs


While the UAE has publicly distanced itself from unofficial crypto-residency schemes, other jurisdictions are exploring similar pathways:




  • United States: Former President Donald Trump recently introduced a “Golden Card” program, offering permanent residency for a $5 million minimum investment. According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, over 70,000 applications have been received as of mid-June.



  • Portugal: The Golden Residence Permit enables non-EU nationals to apply for residency through a five-year program, accepting various forms of investment—including cryptocurrency holdings—with a threshold starting at $500,000.


These developments illustrate a growing global interest in integrating blockchain finance into immigration frameworks, though success depends heavily on clear regulation and government backing.



Looking Ahead: TON’s Responsibility and the Path Forward


As it stands, the TON Foundation’s proposed visa initiative is neither approved nor in cooperation with the UAE government. This incident underscores the importance of regulatory compliance, accurate public communication, and the risks of premature announcements—especially when national policies and investor capital are involved.


The TON Foundation has reiterated its commitment to working within legal frameworks and continues to explore ways to integrate blockchain innovations responsibly into real-world systems.



Stay updated with us for the latest developments in blockchain policy, crypto regulation, and digital asset governance.


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