🔹 Key Highlights:



  • TON Foundation denies any official partnership with the UAE government regarding a Golden Visa program.


  • UAE's Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of $540,000 in illiquid assets.


  • Over 70,000 applicants have reportedly applied for the U.S. “Golden Card” residency initiative.



🧾 TON Foundation Addresses Misinformation


The TON Foundation, the team behind the Toncoin blockchain, has issued a public clarification to address growing confusion surrounding its alleged involvement in a UAE “Golden Visa” initiative. In an official blog post, the foundation made it clear:



“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.”


According to the Foundation, the concept is still in an exploratory phase and has not received approval from any UAE governmental agency. Any future program would require full regulatory compliance and formal authorization.



⚠️ Misleading Claims and Regulatory Backlash


The confusion stems from an earlier post on the Toncoin website, which claimed that users could obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by locking $100,000 worth of Toncoin for three years, along with a $35,000 processing fee. The announcement gained traction after it was retweeted by Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, fueling further speculation.


However, the proposal quickly drew scrutiny, prompting a joint statement from three key UAE regulatory bodies:



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


  • Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)


  • Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)


The regulators firmly denied the existence of any crypto-based visa program approved by the UAE government.


In response, the TON Foundation issued a follow-up statement, aligning its stance with UAE regulators and officially retracting any claims of a visa-linked investment offering.



🗓️ A History of Premature Announcements


This is not the first time a major announcement associated with Pavel Durov has been met with skepticism. In May, Durov claimed a partnership between Telegram and Elon Musk’s xAI, only for Musk to later deny that any agreement had been finalized. These instances have raised concerns over the reliability of such forward-looking statements.



🇦🇪 Understanding the UAE’s Golden Visa Program


Launched in 2019, the UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency for foreign nationals without requiring a local sponsor. Targeting skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors, the visa is valid for five or ten years.


To qualify under the investment category, applicants must typically:



  • Commit at least $540,000 in illiquid assets (e.g., real estate or private equity)


  • Demonstrate meaningful contributions to the UAE’s economy or business sector


The now-retracted TON proposal had significantly lower financial requirements, raising red flags about its legitimacy and regulatory alignment.



🌍 Crypto-Residency Programs: A Global Overview


While the UAE distances itself from unofficial crypto-visa models, other nations are beginning to explore the intersection of digital assets and immigration policy:




  • United States: Former President Donald Trump has proposed a “Golden Card” offering permanent U.S. residency for a $5 million investment. Over 70,000 applications have been reported by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.



  • Portugal: The country's Golden Residence Permit allows for residency through a $500,000 investment, including eligible crypto assets and funds.



🔍 What’s Next for TON?


As of now, the TON Visa proposal remains unofficial and unapproved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication, regulatory compliance, and due diligence when developing programs that bridge crypto and national immigration policies.


The TON Foundation has reiterated its commitment to working within legal frameworks and encourages the community to rely on official channels for accurate updates.



💡 Stay tuned for reliable insights into crypto regulations, blockchain policy, and digital asset innovation.


#TON #GoldenVisa #CryptoPolicy #BTCPrediction #TrumpTariffs