UAE slaps TON golden visa, what other reliable options are there for Web3 visas?

2025-07-07 13:01:01

Collection

In some countries, the visa requirements are relatively high, and the digital nomad visa is a viable option.

Author: 1912212.eth, Foresight News

On July 6, market news reported that Toncoin is collaborating with the UAE to offer a 10-year golden visa to TON stakers. The related page shows that TON stakers only need to pay a one-time fee of $35,000 to obtain a 10-year golden visa. The official statement claims that the program aims to attract high-net-worth individuals and crypto investors to support the TON network through long-term staking while enjoying residency and business conveniences in the UAE.

Shortly after the announcement, CZ commented on social media, "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 to CZ on social media, "Absolutely true. DM me."

However, the backlash came swiftly. On July 7, the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) jointly issued a statement declaring that reports circulating on certain websites and social media platforms about the UAE granting golden visas to cryptocurrency investors are false. The issuance of golden visas is based on a clear and officially approved framework and standards, which do not include cryptocurrency investors. VARA also clarified that TON has not obtained permission or regulation from VARA.

In light of this farce, the question of which countries or regions crypto investors, practitioners, or companies can obtain visas from has once again become a focal point in the market.

UAE: The Rumor Behind a Continued Crypto-Friendly Stance

The UAE, especially Dubai, has become a popular destination for global cryptocurrency startups and investors in recent years. Although the "TON golden visa" news was a miscommunication, the UAE does indeed offer the following types of visa conveniences related to crypto:

Free Zone Entrepreneur Visa (Crypto Zone Residency)

Applicable to: Registered cryptocurrency or Web3 companies
Core Areas: Various free zones in Dubai, such as DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), which has a Crypto Centre attracting numerous crypto projects
Visa Types: 1-2 year entrepreneur visas, employee visas, and even extendable to a 10-year golden visa

For individual investors: No clear channels available

Summary: Although there are no special visas for stakers of coins like TON, entrepreneurs, employees, and investors in the crypto industry can obtain legal residency through company establishment and other means.

Saint Kitts, Antigua, Vanuatu, and other Caribbean nations: Passport for Crypto

These countries are known for their Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) and are popular choices for crypto millionaires seeking immigration.

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Accepts cryptocurrency payments for real estate purchases or donations in exchange for passports
Source of funds must be proven compliant
Investment starts at just $150,000

Antigua and Barbuda

Accepts BTC and ETH as payment methods
A donation of $100,000 or more by an individual or family can obtain a passport

Vanuatu

Accepts USDT and BTC for investment immigration programs
Passport can be obtained in 3-4 months

Summary: Although these countries have limited visa value, the acceptance of crypto assets in exchange for passports has become a reality, with many early investors or miners obtaining a "second identity" through such programs.

USA: Crypto Investors Remain "Ordinary Investors," No Special Visa Pathways

The USA currently does not have a dedicated visa pathway for crypto investors or entrepreneurs, but the following visa types may be indirectly applicable:

E-2 Investor Visa

Applicable to citizens of countries with treaties with the USA
No specific investment threshold, but generally recommended to be above $100,000
Can establish a crypto company as an investment target

O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

Applicable to influential or significant contributors in the crypto field (e.g., developers, DeFi protocol founders)
Can be supported by Web3 companies for application

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

Invest $800,000 in a project and create jobs
Does not accept crypto assets directly as a source of funds, but can be converted to fiat for use

El Salvador's "Bitcoin Passport Purchase" Program Goes from Lenient to Near Cancellation

In December 2023, El Salvador legislated the "Freedom Visa/Citizenship by Bitcoin" program:

Investors can donate $1 million (or equivalent BTC/USDT);
No residency requirement;
Citizenship and passport can be obtained in about 4-6 weeks after approval

The implementing government stated that it supports Bitcoin payments for passport fees and investment amounts, which can be paid directly from wallets to the government. However, by January 29, 2025, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan agreement, El Salvador will amend its Bitcoin law, categorizing Bitcoin as "usable but illegal currency," and will cancel the mechanism for the government to accept BTC payments for passport fees or investment amounts. The official statement clearly indicated that the government "will no longer accept BTC for company registration, passport fees, or future investment citizenship programs."

Hong Kong: No "Investor Visa," but Significant Support for Web3 Startups

There is no clear visa pathway specifically for "crypto investors."

Support for entrepreneurs:

The Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Bureau supports the establishment of Web3 enterprises
Visa applications can be made through "Entrepreneur Visa" or "Tech Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)"
Investor or angel investor status can support company registration and serve as executives to obtain visas

Summary: Hong Kong is very friendly to the crypto industry, but more so towards entrepreneurs, developers, and teams establishing businesses.

Singapore: High Barriers, Priority for Tech Immigrants

There is no dedicated visa or immigration pathway for crypto investors. Singapore emphasizes the real economy and financial regulation. Although it was initially friendly to crypto, it is now leaning towards stability and compliance. The following visas may be indirectly applicable:

Tech.Pass High-End Technology Visa
Applicable to those with achievements in AI, blockchain, etc.
Requires at least 5 years of experience + an annual salary exceeding SGD 200,000

Entrepreneur Visa (EntrePass)

Suitable for registering tech companies in Singapore
Crypto projects can fall under the "Innovative Technology" category

Summary: Singapore welcomes compliant blockchain entrepreneurs but does not welcome "purely investment-type" crypto users for entry.

It is evident that some countries or regions are not welcoming to purely investment-type crypto users. They tend to favor technical talent, startup companies, etc. The visa thresholds in these countries or regions are relatively high, prompting some crypto investors and practitioners to turn their attention to digital nomad visas.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad Visa is a special visa type introduced by some countries for remote workers, freelancers, tech practitioners, etc., allowing them to legally reside locally for 6 months to several years without joining the local labor market or local companies.

According to OpenAI statistics, currently, over 20 countries in Europe have introduced related policies, with durations ranging from six months to a maximum of five years. Other countries like Latvia, Norway, and Italy are also gradually launching pilot projects for digital nomad visas.