In April 2025, the investment immigration market marked a significant milestone: TON Foundation reached an agreement with UAE authorities to launch a new long-term residency program tailored specifically for Toncoin holders — the native token of The Open Network (TON). This is the first such initiative in the region, allowing investors to obtain a 10-year UAE residency visa through cryptocurrency, bypassing traditional requirements linked to real estate or business investments.
A Viable Alternative to the Traditional Golden Visa
Under the new program, an investor is required to place a $100,000 Toncoin investment for a three-year term and pay an administrative fee of $35,000. Seven weeks after application submission, the main applicant and their immediate family — spouse, children, and parents — are eligible to receive a 10-year UAE Golden Visa.
In comparison, the conventional golden visa program requires a minimum investment of $540,000, typically allocated to real estate, venture capital, or business activity. The new model offers a significantly lower entry point while delivering the same legal and tax residency benefits.
Market Response: Growing Confidence in Toncoin
Following the official announcement, Toncoin surged by 12%, exceeding the $3 mark, reflecting strong interest from the crypto community and a positive market outlook. This development reinforces Dubai’s position as a global crypto hub, one that actively integrates digital assets into its broader economic strategy.
Implications for Investors and Real Estate Markets
The new visa pathway not only broadens access to UAE residency but also introduces a competitive alternative to traditional investment products, including real estate. Nevertheless, property continues to offer a critical advantage — a tangible asset with the potential to generate stable income and long-term capital growth.
More importantly, this announcement signals a broader message: the UAE remains committed to innovation, financial openness, and regulatory progress, enhancing its appeal to global capital, whether in digital assets, venture funding, or real estate.
Summer Capital’s Perspective: A Strategic Outlook
Our long-term roadmap,
Road to 2030, emphasizes asset preservation, capital appreciation, and geographic diversification, with the UAE playing a central role.
Our recent entry into the Dubai real estate market through an investment in the GATE 11 project reflects this approach. We continue to monitor opportunities across the region, including emerging crypto-backed structures, while maintaining a disciplined focus on quality, resilience, and long-term value creation.