Armenia vs Bahrain
Crypto regulation comparison
Armenia
Bahrain
Armenia adopted a comprehensive Law on Crypto Assets in May 2025, effective July 2025, modeled on the EU's MiCA. The Central Bank of Armenia licenses crypto service providers. Non-entrepreneur crypto gains are tax-free (0%); ECOS Free Economic Zone offers incentives for blockchain startups. Licensing enforcement begins January 2026.
Bahrain is one of the most crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Middle East. The Central Bank of Bahrain introduced a comprehensive crypto-asset regulatory framework in 2019, and there is no personal income or capital gains tax. Several major exchanges including Binance have obtained licenses.
Key Points
- Law on Crypto Assets adopted May 2025, effective July 2025
- Central Bank of Armenia licenses all crypto service providers
- 0% capital gains tax for non-entrepreneur crypto transactions
- Framework modeled on EU MiCA regulation
- Licensing enforcement begins January 31, 2026
Key Points
- CBB Crypto-Asset Module provides a full regulatory framework for exchanges, custodians, and brokers
- No personal income tax or capital gains tax in Bahrain
- Licensed exchanges include Binance (CoinMENA), Rain, and others
- VASPs must meet AML/CFT requirements and obtain CBB licensing
- Bahrain positions itself as a regional fintech and crypto hub