Estonia vs Equatorial Guinea
Crypto regulation comparison
Estonia
Equatorial Guinea
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).
Equatorial Guinea has no specific cryptocurrency regulation. As a CEMAC member, it falls under BEAC oversight.
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
Key Points
- No specific national cryptocurrency legislation
- BEAC provides regional monetary oversight
- Part of the CEMAC monetary zone with the CFA franc
- Limited crypto adoption
- No licensing framework for crypto businesses