Barbados vs Ireland
Crypto regulation comparison
Barbados
Ireland
Legal
Legal
Barbados has a favorable environment for cryptocurrency. With no income or capital gains tax, crypto activities are not specifically taxed. The Financial Services Commission oversees financial markets. Barbados has been exploring blockchain for government services.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Ireland and subject to a 33% capital gains tax, one of the higher rates in the EU. The Central Bank of Ireland supervises VASPs under AML regulations, and Ireland follows the EU's MiCA framework. Ireland's status as a European tech hub has attracted crypto businesses.
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
33%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Central Bank of Barbados, Financial Services Commission
Regulator
Central Bank of Ireland, Revenue Commissioners
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Key Points
- No income tax or capital gains tax applies to crypto
- Financial Services Commission provides general oversight of financial markets
- Government has explored blockchain for land registry and identity services
- Crypto businesses operate under general financial services regulations
- Growing fintech sector with interest in digital asset innovation
Key Points
- 33% capital gains tax on crypto profits (CGT), with an annual exemption of €1,270
- Income from crypto mining, staking, or airdrops may be treated as income tax
- Central Bank of Ireland registers VASPs under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Act
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
- Ireland hosts European headquarters of several major crypto firms