United Arab Emirates vs Georgia
Crypto regulation comparison
United Arab Emirates
Georgia
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.
Georgia is one of the most crypto-friendly countries globally. There is no capital gains tax for individuals on cryptocurrency, and the country has a significant crypto mining industry due to low electricity costs. The National Bank has taken a cautious but permissive approach, issuing guidance rather than strict regulation.
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
- No capital gains tax on crypto for individuals
- Businesses dealing in crypto are taxed under standard corporate tax rules (15% CIT)
- Georgia is a major crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power
- NBG does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not prohibited it
- The Free Industrial Zone offers additional tax advantages for crypto businesses