Belarus vs Estonia
Crypto regulation comparison
Belarus
Estonia
Legal
Legal
Belarus legalized cryptocurrency through Decree No. 8 (2017), creating a favorable environment in the Hi-Tech Park special economic zone. As of 2025, crypto transactions via HTP residents remain tax-exempt, while transactions on foreign platforms are taxed at 13%. A crypto bank framework was introduced in 2026.
Estonia was an early mover in crypto regulation, offering licenses since 2017. However, a 2022 overhaul significantly tightened requirements, revoking hundreds of licenses and imposing stricter capital and compliance standards. Crypto gains are taxed at 20% (rising to 22% from 2025).
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
0% (HTP) / 13% (foreign platforms)
Tax Rate
20-22%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Hi-Tech Park (HTP), National Bank of the Republic of Belarus
Regulator
Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Key Points
- Decree No. 8 'On the Development of the Digital Economy' legalized crypto in 2017
- Income from crypto via HTP residents and mining remains tax-exempt; 13% tax on foreign platform transactions since 2025
- Crypto exchanges and businesses must operate through Hi-Tech Park residency
- Mining is legal and considered a business activity
- HTP preferential regime extended until 2049; crypto bank framework introduced in 2026
Key Points
- Estonia issued crypto licenses since 2017 but drastically tightened rules in 2022
- Hundreds of crypto licenses were revoked in 2020-2022 due to AML concerns
- New requirements include higher share capital (€100,000-€250,000) and local management
- Crypto gains taxed at 20% personal income tax (22% from 2025)
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024