Estonia vs Lithuania
Crypto regulation comparison
Estonia
Lithuania
Legal
Legal
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).
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Lithuania. The Bank of Lithuania oversees VASPs under AML regulations and has been an early mover in crypto regulation within the EU. Lithuania attracted a large number of VASP registrations due to initially favorable conditions, though it tightened requirements significantly in 2022-2023. The MiCA framework now applies.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
20-22%
Tax Rate
15%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Regulator
Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos Bankas)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
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
- VASPs must register with the Bank of Lithuania under AML/CFT law
- Capital gains from crypto taxed at 15% personal income tax rate
- Lithuania became a major EU hub for crypto companies; over 500 VASPs registered by 2022
- Tightened VASP requirements in 2022-2023, including local substance and capital requirements
- MiCA transition underway from December 2024