TON Foundation ( The Open Network) has issued a clarification regarding its UAE Golden Visa initiative, saying that the announcement was published prematurely and that the initiatives stems from a collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specialized in blockchain and tokenized assets and has nothing to do with UAE governmental entities.

As per the medium post, TON noted, ” With regards to premature announcement that circulated on X regarding a UAE Golden Visa initiative offered by TON. While we understand the community’s interest and enthusiasm, it’s necessary to provide clarity. The initiative in question stems from an independent collaboration between TON and a licensed partner specializing in blockchain infrastructure and tokenized assets. This exploratory effort is developing outside of any formal arrangement with the UAE government entities.”

TON assets that there are no official Golden Visa program launched in partnership with the government of the United Arab Emirates, nor has any governmental endorsement been granted to TON.

Collaboration with Blockchain entity for Golden Visa initiative is in early stages

TON explained that the collaboration is in the early stages of development and is part of a broader effort to explore how compliant, blockchain-based frameworks might eventually support real-world access to residency pathways.

TON assets that any offering would be subject to all applicable laws and regulations and that application alone does not guarantee visa issuance, the authority for which remains at the discretion of the relevant UAE government bodies.

TON Supports UAE government statement

In the post TON also expressed their support for the joint statement issued by by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which confirms that no digital residency or investment visa initiatives have been formally approved or launched in partnership with the UAE government.

TON notes that this aligns with their position as the initiative is being developed independently by TON and their blockchain partner.

TON states, “We welcome the clarity provided and appreciate the UAE’s ongoing commitment to regulatory transparency. Should official involvement emerge in the future, it will be communicated transparently and through the appropriate channels.”

The clarification comes after TON spun out of Telegram, unveiled what it described as a new pathway to United Arab Emirates residency, offering 10-year golden visas to applicants who stake $100,000 worth of Toncoin for three years and pay a one-time $35,000 processing fee.

“Secure your Golden Visa in under 7 weeks from document submission to the Visa Office,” TON announced, detailing that its UAE-based partners will manage the visa processing and residency status confirmation.

However, the Emirates News Agency said later in a press release that the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, the Securities and Commodities Authority, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority have issued a joint statement that golden visas are not issued to digital asset holders.