Armenia vs Kazakhstan
Crypto regulation comparison
Armenia
Kazakhstan
Legal
Legal
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.
Kazakhstan has a dual approach to crypto regulation. The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) operates as a regulated sandbox where licensed crypto exchanges can operate under AFSA supervision. Outside the AIFC, crypto regulation is more restrictive. Kazakhstan became a major mining hub after China's ban but has since tightened mining regulations.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
0% (non-entrepreneur) / 10-20% (business)
Tax Rate
10%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Central Bank of Armenia
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
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
- AIFC provides a regulatory sandbox for licensed crypto exchanges and businesses
- Mining is legal and licensed, with a specific tax on electricity consumption for miners
- Kazakhstan became the world's second-largest Bitcoin mining country after China's 2021 ban
- 2022 mining crackdown introduced stricter licensing and energy consumption taxes
- Outside AIFC, domestic crypto payments and exchanges face greater restrictions