Recently, the TON Foundation sparked heated discussions in the crypto community with a plan for "staking for UAE golden visas," but it was quickly refuted by UAE officials.
The incident began when the TON Foundation announced a special program, claiming that users could obtain a "golden visa" issued by the UAE government by staking a certain amount of Toncoin. This visa was originally established by the UAE to attract high-net-worth individuals, innovative entrepreneurs, and tech talent, allowing holders to reside, start businesses, and enjoy a range of tax benefits legally for the long term. As a result, the news immediately drew attention in the community, with many in the crypto space inquiring about specific staking amounts, application processes, and operational details.
Shortly after the announcement, former Binance CEO Zhao Changpeng (CZ) commented on social media, saying, "If this is true, we will definitely work to ensure that BNB enjoys the same treatment." Max Crown, CEO of the TON Foundation, quickly responded in the comments, "Absolutely true, DM me." This seemingly casual interaction inadvertently added an air of "official endorsement" to the "staking for visa" plan, leading many to believe it was genuine.
However, UAE officials soon clarified the next day, stating that they had never authorized the TON Foundation or any third-party organization to process golden visas through "staking crypto assets." Local media further investigated and found that the partners claimed by TON were merely ordinary commercial visa agencies with no authority to issue long-term residency permits.
This mix-up reflects the increasing importance of talent mobility, legal identity, and cross-border compliance in the global development of the crypto industry. Whether entrepreneurs, developers, or high-net-worth investors, there is a pressing need to find a legally friendly landing spot for the crypto industry. So, besides the UAE, which other countries or regions are genuinely opening their doors to crypto practitioners, offering legal and feasible visa and residency options?
UAE: Official Refutation Does Not Change Crypto-Friendly Position
Although TON's "staking for golden visa" was a mix-up, Dubai remains very friendly to the crypto industry. Free zones like DMCC, ADGM, and DIFC offer specialized crypto licenses and innovative visas (Golden Visa), facilitating long-term residency for entrepreneurs and investors. After registering a company, one can obtain residency permits, with the whole family enjoying low tax rates and the conveniences of a global financial center.
El Salvador
As the first country in the world to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, El Salvador offers the "Freedom Visa," where applicants can obtain a one-year residency permit and the opportunity to apply for citizenship by donating $1 million in Bitcoin or USDT, along with tax incentives and a high degree of tolerance for crypto assets, attracting some Bitcoin enthusiasts and mining companies to settle.
Caribbean Islands
In addition to traditional dollar investments or donations, several Caribbean nations such as St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Vanuatu have opened their doors to crypto millionaires in recent years. Some projects have begun accepting payments in Bitcoin, USDT, and other cryptocurrencies, making them popular options for crypto practitioners seeking a second identity.
St. Kitts and Nevis: One of the first countries to launch an investment citizenship (CIP) program, with a minimum donation of $125,000 to obtain citizenship. In 2022, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts publicly stated that he was considering supporting Bitcoin payments. Although the details are mostly handled by agencies, some applicants have completed their citizenship through crypto asset payments.
Antigua and Barbuda: Offers a variety of citizenship options, with a minimum donation of $100,000, or through real estate purchase or business investment. Some authorized local agencies accept USDT, BTC, and other cryptocurrencies as payment methods for investments, which are well-received by the crypto community.
Vanuatu: Known for its fast approval speed and simple requirements, citizenship can be obtained with a donation starting at $130,000, with approval in as little as one month. Several local agencies also support Bitcoin for application fees and donations, providing high flexibility and considered a "quick alternative" for high-net-worth individuals in the crypto industry.
Hong Kong: No Crypto Visa, Still a Hotbed for Web3 Entrepreneurship
Hong Kong does not have a "crypto passport" like El Salvador or investment citizenship programs like Caribbean nations, but as an international financial center, it is highly attractive to Web3 entrepreneurs. In recent years, the Hong Kong government has repeatedly expressed support for the development of virtual assets, launching a Web3 ecosystem fund worth hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars, and has an innovative entrepreneur visa (Entrepreneur Investment Scheme). Entrepreneurs who register a company in Hong Kong and have actual operations and hiring plans have the opportunity to obtain residency.
United States
Although the United States is one of the largest crypto asset markets globally, it currently does not have specific visa or residency policies for crypto practitioners or investors. For those looking to start a business or invest in the U.S., they typically still need to apply for identity through traditional investment immigration (EB-5), entrepreneur visas (such as the International Entrepreneur Rule I.E.P.), or work visas (H-1B, O-1, etc.).
Singapore
Singapore has not yet launched a visa specifically for crypto practitioners, but its existing visa system and tax policies provide various options for professionals in the crypto industry.
Main Visa Options:
EntrePass: Aimed at attracting innovative entrepreneurs, suitable for professionals planning to start crypto-related startups in Singapore.
Employment Pass (EP): For high-skilled foreign employees employed by Singapore companies.
Tech.Pass: Designed for experienced tech professionals, founders, and leaders, allowing holders to work in multiple companies, start startups, and mentor emerging talent.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP): For high-income professionals, offering greater career flexibility.
Digital Nomad Visa
The decentralized nature of blockchain technology has significantly enhanced the mobility of practitioners, allowing them to work without being tied to a fixed office location. In response to this trend, many countries have introduced digital nomad visas to provide legal residency for remote workers. Currently, digital nomad visas generally allow for residency periods ranging from 6 months to 2 years, with monthly salary requirements ranging from approximately $2,000 to $6,000. The following table outlines the current status of digital nomad visas in major countries:
Summary:
As the crypto industry continues to develop, the global flow of talent and the demand for legal identity are increasing. Although the TON Foundation's "staking for golden visa" plan was denied by officials, the UAE and several other countries and regions are still actively providing diverse and legal visa and residency options for crypto practitioners. In the future, with the introduction of more innovative visa policies and digital nomad visas, crypto talent will gain broader development space and freedom globally.
Related: TON Foundation: UAE Golden Visa "is being developed independently"
Original: “Staking for Visas? Behind the TON Mix-Up, a Global Guide for Crypto Talent Relocation”
免责声明：本文章仅代表作者个人观点，不代表本平台的立场和观点。本文章仅供信息分享，不构成对任何人的任何投资建议。用户与作者之间的任何争议，与本平台无关。如网页中刊载的文章或图片涉及侵权，请提供相关的权利证明和身份证明发送邮件到support@aicoin.com，本平台相关工作人员将会进行核查。
