Belarus vs North Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Belarus
North Korea
Legal
Banned
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.
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Tax Type
Varies
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0% (HTP) / 13% (foreign platforms)
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
Hi-Tech Park (HTP), National Bank of the Republic of Belarus
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
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
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians
