United Arab Emirates vs Uruguay
Crypto regulation comparison
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
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.
Uruguay has a generally favorable stance toward cryptocurrency. The BCU has not banned crypto and in 2024 introduced regulations for virtual asset service providers. Crypto income may be taxed at 12% under the IRPF (personal income tax) as capital income. Uruguay has a stable economy and is positioning itself as a fintech hub in Latin America.
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
- BCU introduced VASP regulations in 2024
- Crypto income taxed at 12% as capital income under IRPF
- Crypto not classified as legal tender; peso remains the national currency
- Uruguay has a relatively stable economy and favorable fintech environment
- AML/KYC requirements apply to registered VASPs