Cyprus vs Palau
Crypto regulation comparison
Cyprus
Palau
Cyprus regulates crypto under the EU MiCA framework (fully applicable since December 2024). CySEC authorizes crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) while the Central Bank of Cyprus oversees e-money tokens and asset-referenced tokens. Crypto gains from occasional transactions are currently not taxed; active trading is taxed as income at 0-35%. A proposed 8% flat tax on crypto gains is pending parliamentary approval for 2026.
Palau has explored blockchain technology and launched a stablecoin program in partnership with Ripple. No income or capital gains tax.
Key Points
- CySEC authorizes and supervises crypto-asset service providers under MiCA
- No capital gains tax on crypto for occasional transactions; active trading taxed as income
- EU MiCA regulation applies as an EU member state
- AML/CFT requirements enforced for all crypto businesses
- Proposed 8% flat tax on crypto gains pending parliamentary approval for 2026
Key Points
- Exploring national stablecoin in partnership with Ripple
- No income or capital gains tax
- Uses the US dollar as official currency
- Small but forward-looking approach to digital assets
- Limited domestic crypto infrastructure