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 indicates that TON stakers only need to pay a one-time fee of $35,000 to obtain the 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 this news was released, 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 Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the 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 focus of the market has shifted back to which countries or regions crypto investors, practitioners, or companies can obtain visas from.
UAE: The Rumor Refuted but Still a 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 misunderstanding, the UAE does offer several 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 10-year golden visas
For individual investors: No clear channels available
Summary: While there are no special visas for stakers of currencies 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 crypto 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 from 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 for passport exchange has become a reality, allowing many early investors or miners to obtain a "second identity" through such programs.
USA: Crypto Investors Still Considered "Regular Investors," No Special Visa Pathway
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 clear 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 Investment Immigration
- 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 currency 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 approximately 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 revised its Bitcoin law to classify Bitcoin as "available but illegal currency," and canceled the mechanism for the government to accept BTC payments for passport fees or investment amounts. The government clearly stated that it "will no longer accept BTC for company registration, passport fees, or future investment immigration 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
- Visas can be applied for through "Entrepreneur Visa" or "Tech Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)"
- Investor status or angel investors can support company registration and serve as executives to obtain visas
Summary: Hong Kong is very friendly to the crypto industry, but more focused on entrepreneurs, developers, and teams establishing businesses.
Singapore: High Threshold, 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 + 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, leaning more towards technical talent and startup companies. 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, and tech practitioners, 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, 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.
In the Americas, especially in South American countries, the maximum duration for digital nomad visas ranges from 9 months to 4 years.
In Asia, only 5 countries support digital nomad visas.
In Africa and the Middle East, there are 5 countries that support digital nomad visas.
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