UAE confirms no golden visas for digital currency investors

UAE authorities have refuted claims that investors in digital currencies are eligible for the country’s coveted golden visa.

In a joint statement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) dismissed reports circulating on websites and social media suggesting that crypto investments qualify individuals for long-term residency, WAM reported.

The ICP clarified that golden visas are issued under specific, officially sanctioned categories -- none of which include digital asset investors. The eligible groups include real estate investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and graduates, exceptional talent in science and the arts, frontline workers, and humanitarian figures.

The SCA emphasized its adherence to global regulatory standards aimed at ensuring transparency, protecting investor interests, and promoting sustainable growth within the financial sector. It reiterated that while digital currencies fall under specific financial regulations, they are not linked to residency eligibility.

VARA echoed the denial, stressing that no policy exists granting golden visas to virtual asset investors in Dubai. It advised the public to engage only with companies officially licensed and regulated by VARA and warned against misinformation being spread by unofficial platforms. It also clarified that the company “TON” is not licensed or authorized to operate by VARA.

All three authorities urged investors to rely solely on verified government sources for information and to avoid being misled by false advertisements or unauthorized claims circulating online.