United Arab Emirates refutes claims of offering golden visas exclusively to crypto investors.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) have denied a claim circulating on social media suggesting that crypto investors could secure a golden visa for a one-time fee.
The statement urges the public and investors to exercise caution and refer to official government websites and approved communication channels for accurate information. It is important to note that digital currency investments in the UAE are governed by specific regulations and are unrelated to golden visa eligibility.
The UAE Golden Visa programme, which offers 10-year residency with benefits including family sponsorship and work flexibility, currently spans about ten categories. These include investors, entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals, outstanding students and graduates, artists and creative professionals, healthcare professionals, educators, gaming experts and e-sports professionals, specialists in the luxury yacht industry, and humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers.
Eligible categories for golden visas in the UAE, as of 2025, include those making a minimum investment of AED 2 million in the UAE, individuals with startups valued at AED 500,000 or more, highly qualified professionals such as scientists, researchers, executives, and frontline workers, outstanding students and graduates in fields considered strategically important, artists and creative professionals, healthcare professionals, educators, gaming experts and e-sports professionals, specialists in the luxury yacht industry, and humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers recognized for their outstanding contribution.
Golden visa holders in the UAE do not need a local sponsor, providing more autonomy. They also have access to the country's government and private sector services. Additionally, multiple entry into the UAE is allowed for golden visa holders, with no restrictions on traveling in and out of the country.
However, it is essential to clarify that digital currency investors are not included in the eligible categories for golden visas in the UAE. The ICP, SCA, and Vara did not provide any information about the process for obtaining a golden visa for other eligible categories.
Vara also urges investors and consumers to deal only with fully licensed and regulated companies in any engagement with virtual assets. The SCA is committed to internationally recognized standards in regulating the financial sector and securities services in the UAE.
In summary, while the UAE Golden Visa programme offers significant benefits for various professionals and investors, it does not currently include cryptocurrency investors. It is crucial for the public and investors to seek accurate information from official sources to avoid misleading claims.
- The ICP, SCA, and Vara, in a joint statement, have emphasized that digital currency investments do not relate to golden visa eligibility in the UAE.
- Golden visa holders in the UAE enjoy benefits such as no local sponsor requirement, access to government and private sector services, and multiple entries into the country, but digital currency investors are not included in the eligible categories.
- Vara advises investors to engage only with fully licensed and regulated companies in all dealings related to virtual assets, and the SCA is dedicated to adhering to internationally recognized standards in regulating the financial sector and securities services in the UAE.
- It is crucial for the public and investors to verify information from official government websites and approved communication channels, as the UAE Golden Visa programme does not currently extend to cryptocurrency investors.
