Czech Republic vs Saudi Arabia
Crypto regulation comparison
Czech Republic
Saudi Arabia
Cryptocurrency is legal in the Czech Republic with a growing regulatory framework aligned with EU standards. Crypto gains are subject to personal income tax at 15% (or 23% for high earners). A 2024 amendment introduced a tax exemption for crypto held over 3 years, effective from 2025.
Saudi Arabia has an ambiguous but generally restrictive approach to cryptocurrency. SAMA has not licensed any crypto exchanges, and financial institutions are warned against dealing in crypto. However, crypto is not explicitly banned by law, and Saudi Arabia has participated in blockchain initiatives (Project Aber with the UAE central bank). No personal income or capital gains tax exists in Saudi Arabia.
Key Points
- Crypto gains taxed at 15% income tax (23% for income above CZK 1,935,552)
- New exemption from 2025: crypto held over 3 years or gains under CZK 100,000 per year exempt
- VASPs must register with the FAU (trade licensing office) and comply with AML law
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
- Prague is a notable European hub for crypto businesses and blockchain development
Key Points
- SAMA has not authorized or licensed any cryptocurrency exchanges
- Financial institutions warned against crypto transactions
- Crypto not explicitly banned but not regulated; exists in a legal gray area
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia participated in CBDC experiments (Project Aber with UAE)