Azerbaijan vs Netherlands
Crypto regulation comparison
Azerbaijan
Netherlands
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.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's strictest crypto regulatory regimes. DNB has overseen VASP registration since 2020 under the Dutch AML/CFT Act (Wwft), and many applications have been rejected. The Netherlands does not tax realized capital gains directly; instead, crypto holdings are taxed under the Box 3 wealth tax based on a deemed return on net assets. The AFM oversees market conduct. MiCA is now the governing framework.
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
- DNB requires VASP registration under the Wwft (AML Act); rigorous approval process
- Only a limited number of VASPs have obtained DNB registration (many rejected or withdrawn)
- Crypto taxed under Box 3 wealth tax: deemed return on net assets taxed at ~31-36% (effective ~1.2-1.6%)
- AFM regulates crypto advertising and market conduct; banned crypto ads targeting retail in 2022
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024, transitioning from national DNB regime