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United Arab Emirates vs Afghanistan

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | United Arab Emirates | Afghanistan
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Afghanistan

Afghanistan

Legal
Banned

The UAE has become a global crypto hub with multiple regulatory frameworks. Dubai's VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), established in 2022, is the world's first dedicated crypto regulator and licenses exchanges, brokers, and other VASPs. Abu Dhabi's ADGM regulates crypto through the FSRA. The federal SCA also oversees crypto at the national level. The UAE has no personal income or capital gains tax. Major global exchanges (Binance, Bybit, OKX, Crypto.com) have obtained UAE licenses.

Afghanistan effectively banned cryptocurrency in August 2022 under Taliban rule, declaring crypto 'haram' (forbidden). Authorities shut down 16 crypto exchanges in Herat and arrested traders. In 2024, enforcement intensified with provincial bans and public denouncements. Underground P2P trading persists despite the crackdown.

Tax Type None
Tax Type None
Tax Rate 0%
Tax Rate N/A
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges No No
Mining Yes Yes
Mining No No
Regulator VARA (Dubai), ADGM/FSRA (Abu Dhabi), SCA (Federal), CBUAE
Regulator Da Afghanistan Bank (Taliban administration)
Stablecoin Rules VARA regulates stablecoins in Dubai; ADGM has separate framework
Stablecoin Rules Not applicable — crypto banned
Key Points
  • VARA (Dubai) — world's first standalone virtual asset regulator; comprehensive licensing framework
  • ADGM/FSRA (Abu Dhabi) — separate regulatory framework for digital assets in the financial free zone
  • No personal income tax or capital gains tax in the UAE
  • 9% corporate tax (from 2023) may apply to crypto businesses but not individual investors
  • Major exchanges licensed: Binance, Bybit, OKX, Crypto.com, BitOasis
Key Points
  • Taliban banned crypto in August 2022, declaring it haram (forbidden)
  • 16 crypto exchanges shut down in Herat; traders arrested
  • 2024 provincial bans with public loudspeaker campaigns against crypto
  • Crypto was used during the 2021 transition period for fund transfers
  • Underground P2P trading persists for remittances despite ban
Sources
Sources