Estonia vs Saudi Arabia
Crypto regulation comparison
Estonia
Saudi Arabia
Legal
Restricted
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).
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.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
20-22%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Regulator
SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority), CMA Saudi Arabia
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
No regulation; crypto trading not authorized
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
- 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)