The UAE government has officially clarified that Golden Visas are not available to cryptocurrency investors. In a joint statement released by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), it was confirmed that investing in digital currencies does not meet the eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Visa.
The authorities emphasized that the Golden Visa program operates under a defined framework that includes specific categories such as skilled professionals, investors in approved sectors, and exceptional talents — but not crypto investments.
Golden Visa Eligibility: What You Need to Know
Here’s a quick breakdown of who really qualifies under the UAE’s Golden Visa program:
Key Facts
-
Public Investors: Must invest AED 2 million in approved funds or businesses, with fully owned capital — not loans.
- Real Estate Investors: Must own property worth AED 2 million, or buy via approved local bank loans.
-
Entrepreneurs: Must own a future-focused project worth AED 500,000+ and secure approvals from a UAE auditor, emirate authority, and business incubator.
-
Exceptional Talents: Including doctors, scientists, artists, inventors, executives, and specialists in fields like AI, genetics, and engineering.
-
Outstanding Students: High school toppers (95%+), UAE university grads (GPA 3.5+), or foreign university grads from top 100 global institutions.
-
Pioneers of Humanitarian Work: Individuals with 5+ years in NGOs or major donors (AED 2M+).
-
Frontline Heroes: Medical professionals who served during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic with official recognition.
-
Crypto Not Included: VARA has confirmed that Toncoin is not licensed or regulated, and digital currency investments do not qualify.
False Claims Trigger Regulatory Response
Over the weekend, Max Crown, CEO of the Ton Foundation, tweeted that Toncoin investors could “secure a 10-year Golden Visa” by staking TON and paying a $35,000 fee. This announcement spread rapidly across social media, drawing attention from both investors and UAE residents.
Big News!
Toncoin has just launched a groundbreaking initiative, offering TON holders the exclusive chance to secure a 10-year Golden Visa! ✨
Stake $100K in $TON for 3 years
Pay a one-time fee of $35K
Unlock funds after 3 yearsThis isn’t just about visas,…
— Max Crown (@crownmax) July 6, 2025
VARA has denied any link between Toncoin and Golden Visa eligibility, confirming that Toncoin is not licensed or regulated in Dubai. All licensed companies are required to follow Dubai’s official visa procedures.
The SCA also made it clear that virtual asset investments do not influence your chances of getting a Golden Visa anywhere in the UAE.
أصدرت الجهات المختصة في دولة الإمارات، ممثلة في الهيئة الاتحادية للهوية والجنسية والجمارك وأمن المنافذ، وهيئة الأوراق المالية والسلع، وهيئة تنظيم الأصول الافتراضية بدبى، بيانًا مشتركًا أكدت فيه أن منح الإقامة الذهبية يخضع لأطر ومعايير محددة لا تشمل مستثمري العملات الرقمية.
وفي… pic.twitter.com/XW3NyCLwfR
— SCA UAE (@sca_uae) July 7, 2025
What Authorities Say
In a unified stance, the UAE’s top regulatory bodies emphasized:
- ICP: Golden Visas are granted only to categories approved by federal law and do not include virtual asset investors.
- SCA: Investors should only act based on credible, government-approved sources to avoid fraud.
- VARA: Urged all investors to work exclusively with licensed platforms.
Why It Matters
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency program aimed at attracting high-value contributors to the UAE economy. Linking it to unregulated crypto investments risks damaging the integrity of the program and confusing potential applicants.
For businesses and investors, this update serves as a cautionary tale about misinformation in the rapidly evolving crypto space. Regulatory compliance and due diligence are more essential than ever.
Conclusion
The UAE’s latest clarification underlines its commitment to regulatory transparency and consumer protection in the financial and immigration sectors. Digital currency investors are not eligible for the Golden Visa, and all official information must be obtained through credible government sources.
For expert assistance with the UAE Golden Visa, visit RIZ & MONA Consultancy.
