Polkadot to require 10,000 DOT self-stake from validators

Polkadot’s Referendum 1890 requires validators to lock at least 10,000 DOT of their own funds by May 31. If enacted, nominators would be protected from slashing and the unbonding window would shrink from 28 days to 24–48 hours.

OpenGov currently shows unanimous Aye support, with enactment targeted for May 31. The proposal states validators must post the self-stake before the deadline; the OpenGov post warns, “Non-compliant validators will face significant risk of chilling.”

The referendum is presented as a prerequisite for a broader redesign of Polkadot’s staking system. The change would move direct slashing exposure onto validators through larger self-bond levels while allowing nominators to continue receiving staking rewards without risking their principal to slashing.

A second phase is scheduled by mid-June. Under that phase, validators will begin receiving rewards in unlocked DOT tied to their self-stake. After an “issuance buffer” has funded stablecoin payouts, those DOT rewards would be subject to a one-year vesting schedule.

The network plans to use stablecoins to cover operational expenses. Under that model, the current commission system for validators would be removed because commissions would no longer be needed to pay costs.

The proposal summarizes the rationale as “simple” and adds, “If enacted, Polkadot staking would remove its two largest barriers to participation: Lower risk. Faster exits.” The referendum’s passage and the implementation timetable will determine when the new staking rules take effect.

Validators that do not meet the 10,000 DOT self-stake requirement by May 31 may face penalties that restrict their ability to validate. The OpenGov entry for Referendum 1890 contains the full text and the planned schedule for implementation.