> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vault-finance.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vault-finance.com/long-term-values-alignment-and-staking.md).

# Long-term Values Alignment and Staking

## Long-term Values Alignment and Staking

VaultFi is built for those aligned with long-term ecosystem growth. Our staking system encourages active participation, protocol health, and community incentives — rather than short-term speculation.

## Staking mechanism

VaultFi staking offers flexibility with no minimum lock-up. Users can stake and unstake at any time, with **no waiting period**.

To support treasury sustainability, a **5% unstaking fee** is applied. This helps maintain protocol health while giving users full liquidity access.

### Staking Referral Program

VaultFi features a referral-based staking system to encourage organic user growth. First-time stakers using a referral code receive a **discounted unstaking fee**.

Referrers earn a **staking bonus** based on referred user activity. Bonuses are **locked for 30 days** and only become claimable if the referred user remains staked throughout the period.

For example:

User A refers User B.\
If User B stakes 100 tokens, User A receives 10 tokens.

User B then refers User C, and User C stakes 100 tokens, User B earns 10 tokens, User A earns 5 tokens\
\
Note: Referral rewards are locked up for 30 days before users are able to claim. Referee that unstakes before that 30 days is up will result in a forfeit of referral rewards. 

### Staking Rewards

VaultFi implements a **multi-reward system** for users who stake:

**Protocol-Based Rewards**

Stakers receive protocol incentives in $VFI based on network activity, ecosystem participation, and treasury performance. These are **not fixed**, and fluctuate over time based on project dynamics and available resources.

**Long-Term Multipliers**

Stakers earn **time-based multipliers** as a thank-you for staying involved. The longer a wallet remains staked, the higher its multiplier — up to a cap.

* +0.5% bonus per week staked
* Max cap: 24%
* Unstaking resets the multiplier

This encourages long-term alignment without imposing forced lockups.

**Ecosystem Distribution Opportunities**

From time to time, VaultFi may allocate tokens, rewards, or distributions based on ecosystem activity, including from selected Vaults. Eligibility is subject to future governance proposals and individual Vault configurations.

> These distributions are not guaranteed, not fixed, and depend on project performance and community governance.