Antigua and Barbuda vs Malta
Crypto regulation comparison
Antigua and Barbuda
Malta
Legal
Legal
Antigua and Barbuda has introduced legislation for digital assets. No income or capital gains tax applies.
Malta positioned itself as the 'Blockchain Island' with the 2018 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, one of the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. The MFSA licenses VFA service providers and oversees ICOs. Long-term crypto holdings are generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals, while trading profits may be taxed as income.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
0-35%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Financial Services Regulatory Commission
Regulator
MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
Key Points
- Digital asset business legislation enacted
- No income or capital gains tax
- ECCB provides regional monetary oversight
- Government has promoted crypto-friendly policies
- Citizenship by investment program accepts crypto
Key Points
- Virtual Financial Assets Act (2018) provides a comprehensive licensing framework
- MFSA licenses VFA exchanges, brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers
- Long-term crypto holdings generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals
- Day trading profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 35%
- Transitioning to EU MiCA framework from December 2024