United Arab Emirates vs Tanzania
Crypto regulation comparison
United Arab Emirates
Tanzania
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.
Tanzania's regulatory stance on crypto is evolving. The Bank of Tanzania warned against crypto in 2019, but the 2024 Finance Act introduced a 3% withholding tax on digital asset transactions — Tanzania's first legal recognition of crypto. A December 2024 High Court ruling held that taxed crypto transactions cannot be deemed unlawful. No comprehensive regulatory framework exists yet.
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
- Bank of Tanzania warned against crypto trading in 2019 public notice
- Finance Act 2024 introduced 3% withholding tax on digital asset transactions
- December 2024 High Court ruled taxed crypto transactions are not unlawful
- An estimated 2.3 million Tanzanians own cryptocurrency
- Bank of Tanzania exploring central bank digital currency (CBDC)