Belarus vs Japan
Crypto regulation comparison
Belarus
Japan
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.
Japan is one of the world's most comprehensively regulated crypto markets. The Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act govern crypto exchanges and tokens. Japan classifies crypto as "crypto-assets" and taxes gains as miscellaneous income at rates up to 55%, though reforms to lower this rate are under active discussion.
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
- Crypto exchanges must register with the FSA under the Payment Services Act
- Crypto gains taxed as miscellaneous income at up to 55% (national + local tax)
- Japan's self-regulatory body JVCEA sets industry standards for exchanges
- 2022 stablecoin legislation (revised Payment Services Act) regulates stablecoin issuance
- Government considering tax reform to apply a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto gains
Sources
- NTA - Crypto Assets Tax Pamphlet
- FSA - Registered Crypto-Asset Exchanges
- FSA - Regulating Crypto Assets in Japan
- NTA - Tax Answer No. 1524 (暗号資産)
- NTA - Income Tax Guide 2025 (English PDF)
- Japanese Law Translation - Payment Services Act
- FSA - Discussion Paper on Cryptoasset Regulatory Systems
- FSA - Registered Electronic Payment Instrument Exchanges