Golden Visa Scams: The Claims UAE Authorities Have Officially Denied

Demand for UAE Golden Visas has created a market for misinformation, and sometimes outright fraud. Some claims are sales tactics that stretch the rules. Others have been directly denied by UAE authorities. This guide collects the ones you are most likely to see.

Officially denied: the crypto Golden Visa

In early July 2025, the TON blockchain promoted a 10-year UAE Golden Visa for anyone who staked USD 100,000 of its Toncoin cryptocurrency for three years and paid a USD 35,000 fee. UAE authorities responded quickly. In a joint statement reported by WAM, ICP, the Securities and Commodities Authority and Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority said Golden Visas follow approved frameworks whose criteria "do not include digital currency investors". VARA added that TON is not licensed or regulated in Dubai.

Officially denied: the "lifetime" Golden Visa for AED 100,000

Also in July 2025, reports claimed a lifetime nomination-based Golden Visa was available to Indian and Bangladeshi nationals for AED 100,000. ICP denied it outright, stating that:

• Golden Visas are governed by laws, ministerial decisions and set criteria, not nationality;
• applications are processed only through official government channels;
• no commercial or consultancy entity is an authorised intermediary; and
• legal action would be taken against those spreading the claim.

Unconfirmed: 2026 "rule changes" in circulation

We checked two widely shared 2026 claims against official sources:

• A "20 February 2026 federal circular" said to have removed paid-amount requirements for mortgaged property. We found no such circular on any official website, and Dubai Land Department's September 2026 service page still asks for the amount paid and outstanding.
• A "federal expansion" on 23 April 2026 said to add nurses, teachers, gamers, creators and new salary routes nationwide. We found no Cabinet, WAM or ICP announcement. It appears to merge separate Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah programmes, which we explain in our guide to Golden Visas for teachers, nurses, creators and gamers.

Unconfirmed does not always mean false, but it does mean you should not pay for or plan around it.

Red flags to watch for

• Guaranteed approval. Nobody outside ICP or GDRFA can guarantee a Golden Visa.
• "Special" or "nomination" access for a fee. Nomination routes exist only through named government bodies such as KHDA, Creators HQ or Dubai Culture, not through consultants.
• Crypto, token or NFT schemes. Digital currency investment is not a Golden Visa route. Dubai Land Department's tokenised property platform launched in 2025 made no mention of visa eligibility either.
• Pressure to pay quickly. Real deadlines come from the authorities, not a salesperson's promotion.
• Calls or websites using ICP's name. ICP warns about fake calls and websites misusing its name and logo. Use only its smart services platform and the UAEICP app.

How to apply safely

1. Check your eligibility for free with Gulf Pilot, then read the official criteria in our complete Golden Visa guide.
2. Apply through ICP, GDRFA Dubai, Dubai Land Department or an official AMER or typing centre.
3. Pay only official government fees, and keep every receipt.