Over the weekend, the TON Foundation, the organization behind the Telegram-based crypto Toncoin, made headlines when its CEO Max Crown announced that investors could now acquire the UAE’s coveted Golden Visa by staking $100,000 worth of TON for three years along with a $35,000 processing fee.
This announcement led to a 12% surge in TON, pushing its price to approximately $2.9. However, the excitement was short-lived.
🚫 UAE Authorities Reject TON-Based Visa Claims
On Monday, three major UAE regulatory bodies issued a joint statement firmly refuting the claim:
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
- Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
All agencies clarified that Toncoin is not licensed or regulated in the UAE and digital currency investments are not currently included in the Golden Visa framework.
“Golden Visa eligibility does not currently include any form of digital asset investment,” clarified ICP.
📢 What the TON Foundation Claimed
Max Crown took to X (formerly Twitter) to share that TON holders could gain a 10-year UAE residency visa by staking the crypto token. The post claimed this initiative was part of a broader effort to make the UAE a hub for blockchain innovation and crypto investors.
However, no such program has been officially endorsed by the UAE government.
🧠 Background on TON and Telegram’s Recent Moves
The TON Foundation oversees the Toncoin ecosystem, which is closely associated with Telegram, the popular messaging app. In May 2025, Telegram founder Pavel Durov revealed a collaboration with Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI—though Musk later clarified that the deal was not yet finalized.
These developments positioned TON as a promising crypto project in the public eye. But the recent visa claim has sparked regulatory backlash, casting doubt on the foundation’s credibility.
📌 Final Takeaway
While Toncoin has gained popularity and institutional attention in recent months, the claim that staking TON grants UAE residency has been officially debunked by the country’s regulators.
Crypto investors and enthusiasts should always verify regulatory support before acting on major announcements—especially those involving immigration or legal status.
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