Cyprus vs Turkey
Crypto regulation comparison
Cyprus
Turkey
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.
Turkey has one of the highest crypto adoption rates globally, driven by lira depreciation and high inflation. While crypto ownership is legal, the CBRT banned crypto payments in April 2021. In 2024, Turkey passed comprehensive crypto legislation under the Capital Markets Law amendment, giving the CMB authority to license and regulate crypto asset service providers. No crypto-specific tax exists yet, though legislation is under consideration. MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) oversees AML compliance.
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
- 2024 Capital Markets Law amendment gives CMB authority to license crypto platforms
- CBRT banned the use of crypto assets for payments in April 2021
- No crypto-specific tax currently; capital gains tax legislation under discussion
- MASAK enforces AML/KYC requirements on crypto platforms
- Turkey ranks among top 5 globally for crypto adoption (driven by lira depreciation)