Authorities within the United Arab Emirates have formally refuted claims that digital asset buyers now qualify for the nation’s long-term Golden Visa.
The clarification comes after social media studies instructed a brand new residency pathway had emerged for crypto customers, notably these concerned with the Telegram-related TON token.
UAE rejects TON’s golden visa
In a joint assertion launched on July 7, three main regulatory our bodies, together with the Federal Authority for Id, Citizenship, Customs and Port Safety (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Digital Property Regulatory Authority (VARA), denied any such initiative.
The ICP clarified that the Golden Visa is restricted to people who meet particular eligibility standards, reminiscent of actual property buyers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and distinctive skills. Digital asset holders don’t presently fall inside that framework.
The SCA added that digital property are regulated beneath a separate authorized construction unrelated to the Golden Visa program.
VARA echoed this, stating that no digital asset initiative grants visa privileges within the nation. It additionally confirmed that TON just isn’t licensed or licensed to function inside the UAE’s regulatory surroundings.
The authorities urged residents and potential candidates to rely solely on licensed companies and to seek the advice of official authorities portals for correct and up-to-date program info.
‘Aggressive advertising’
The information generated vital on-line dialogue. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) described the preliminary TON announcement as “aggressive/deceptive advertising.”
In response to him:
“You possibly can pay $1k (in most main cryptos) to an agent to submit an utility for a golden visa. No ensures, however in case you are value your salt, there’s a excessive likelihood you’re going to get it.”
The controversy stems from TON’s announcement of a brand new Golden Visa pathway for crypto buyers over the weekend.
In response to its promotion, people may achieve a 10-year residency within the UAE by staking $100,000 value of TON tokens and paying a one-time processing price of $35,000.
The undertaking claimed that tokens can be locked for 3 years utilizing a clear, non-custodial good contract. This might permit customers to retain possession and earn between 3% and 4% yearly.
TON framed this as a extra accessible route in comparison with conventional choices, which regularly require actual property investments exceeding $500,000.
