Digital currency investors are not eligible for Golden Visas in the UAE. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), along with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), issued a joint statement clarifying UAE Golden Visa requirements do not include digital currency investment.
The ICP clarified Golden Visas are issued according to clear and officially approved frameworks. The authorities confirmed UAE Golden Visa digital currency investors are not part of the approved framework.
Additionally, the SCA confirmed digital currency investments are governed by specific regulations and are unrelated to Golden Visa eligibility. The authority also urged investors to obtain information from credible, official sources to avoid misinformation or fraud.
The UAE’s Golden Visa programme allows eligible individuals to apply for five- or ten-year long-term residency. Categories include entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, real estate investors, scientists, specialists, humanitarian pioneers and frontline workers.
The UAE recently introduced five new visa eligibility categories, including digital content creation and e-sports, offering 10-year residencies to professionals in these fields. Furthermore, there were discussions on expanding frameworks to attract top tech talent.
