Azerbaijan vs Malta

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Azerbaijan | Malta
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan

Malta

Malta

Partially Regulated
Legal

Azerbaijan has no specific cryptocurrency legislation but crypto is not banned. Crypto profits are taxable at 14% income tax. The Central Bank is drafting a comprehensive digital asset framework expected by end of 2025, modeled on international best practices. A regulatory sandbox is being developed.

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 Income
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 14%
Tax Rate 0-35%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator Central Bank of Azerbaijan
Regulator MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Stablecoin Rules No stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
Key Points
  • No specific crypto legislation; operates in legal gray area
  • Crypto profits taxable at 14% income tax
  • Central Bank drafting comprehensive digital asset framework
  • Manat is the only legal tender per 1995 Constitution
  • Regulatory sandbox being developed for virtual assets
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
Sources
Sources