Polkadot Plans Major Staking Overhaul With New Validator Rules

Polkadot (DOT) is preparing for a significant upgrade to its staking system aimed at making participation safer and more accessible for users. The proposed on-chain change, Referendum 1890, would require all validators to maintain a minimum self-stake of 10,000 DOT, a move designed to strengthen network security and support the next phase of Polkadot’s staking redesign.

According to the Polkadot team, the referendum currently holds 100% Aye support on OpenGov, with implementation expected on May 31. Validators who fail to meet the new self-stake requirement risk being “chilled,” meaning they could lose active participation status within the network.

The update introduces several major changes to Polkadot staking. Once the proposal goes live, nominators will become unslashable, allowing them to earn staking rewards without the risk of losing their principal due to validator penalties. In addition, the current 28-day unbonding period will be significantly reduced to between 24 and 48 hours, giving users faster access to their funds.

Polkadot also plans to roll out a new validator reward structure by mid-June. Validators will begin receiving rewards in unlocked DOT tied directly to their self-stake holdings. After the network’s issuance buffer begins supporting stablecoin payouts, those DOT rewards will be subject to a one-year vesting period. Stablecoins are expected to cover validator operational costs, reducing the need for the existing commission model, which the team says will eventually be phased out.

The network believes these changes will remove two of the biggest barriers to staking participation: high risk and long withdrawal times. While the redesign marks one of Polkadot’s most ambitious staking upgrades, validators must secure the required 10,000 DOT self-stake before the May 31 deadline to remain compliant.