Cameroon vs Estonia
Crypto regulation comparison
Cameroon
Estonia
Restricted
Legal
Cameroon has no specific national cryptocurrency legislation. As a CEMAC member, COBAC issued a 2022 directive banning financial institutions from facilitating crypto transactions. BEAC opposes crypto regulation and does not recognize cryptocurrencies. Individual ownership is not explicitly banned but access via formal banking is restricted.
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
None
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
20-22%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BEAC (Bank of Central African States), COBAC
Regulator
Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — COBAC bans financial institutions from crypto transactions
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Key Points
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- COBAC 2022 directive bans banks and payment providers from facilitating crypto transactions
- BEAC firmly opposes cryptocurrency regulation in the CEMAC region
- Part of the CEMAC monetary zone with the CFA franc
- Nearly 900,000 crypto users in Cameroon despite restrictive banking environment
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