The Open Network (TON), the blockchain ecosystem originally developed by Telegram, has introduced a new residency pathway allowing investors to secure a UAE Golden Visa by staking Toncoin.
Under the initiative announced Saturday, applicants can qualify for a 10-year residency visa by locking up $100,000 worth of TON tokens for three years and paying a one-time processing fee of $35,000. The program significantly lowers the financial barrier compared to traditional routes, which typically require more than half a million dollars in real estate or fixed deposits.
“Secure your Golden Visa in under seven weeks from document submission,” TON said in the announcement.
It also emphasizes that participants maintain full custody of their assets through a decentralized smart contract visible on the blockchain.
In addition to residency, the program covers spouses, children, and parents at no extra charge aside from standard government fees. TON is also marketing an estimated annual yield between 3% and 4% on the staked tokens, making the offer potentially attractive to long-term crypto holders seeking both returns and lifestyle benefits.
Discounted Entry Sparks Investor Interest and Market Reaction
The launch of the crypto-powered residency option quickly generated buzz within digital asset circles.
“Entry is five times lower than an equivalent real estate or fixed deposit investment,” noted Bobby Ong, co-founder of analytics platform CoinGecko.
He added that the program could appeal to large investors evaluating residency options.
Following the announcement, Toncoin’s price surged over 10% in 24 hours, trading around $2.98 at the time of writing. Although the token has struggled over the past year—down more than 60%—the residency news provided a short-term boost in sentiment and trading volumes.
Still, some industry observers cautioned that the residency scheme is not an official government program. Instead, it operates through TON’s UAE-based partners who handle document submission and liaise with immigration offices on behalf of applicants.
Critics have questioned whether the arrangement offers any special privileges beyond existing residency pathways. Nonetheless, proponents argue that combining blockchain transparency with a streamlined process could appeal to a growing class of crypto-native investors exploring lifestyle diversification.
UAE Reinforces Its Role as a Blockchain and Crypto Hub
TON’s initiative aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ broader strategy to cement its status as a global center for blockchain innovation and digital finance.
In recent months, regulators have accelerated efforts to attract major crypto projects and institutional investors. In May, Dubai’s crypto regulator introduced updated guidelines supporting the tokenization of real-world assets. The following month, the Dubai Financial Services Authority approved Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin for operations within the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre free zone has emerged as a magnet for crypto firms, now hosting more than 600 blockchain companies. Other areas like the Dubai International Financial Centre and the One Central business district have also seen steady inflows of fintech startups and digital asset funds.
Industry analysts say the UAE’s combination of forward-looking regulations, tax incentives, and strategic location has positioned it as a serious rival to other crypto hubs, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
While TON’s residency program is still in its early days, the offering underscores how digital assets are increasingly merging with conventional economic incentives—from cross-border payments to migration and wealth management.
Quick Facts
- TON will allow applicants to secure a 10-year UAE Golden Visa by staking $100,000 in Toncoin.
- Traditional residency routes often require a $540,000 minimum investment.
- The UAE continues to expand its role as a global blockchain hub with new regulations and approvals.
