Estonia vs Kosovo
Crypto regulation comparison
Estonia
Kosovo
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).
Kosovo banned crypto mining in 2022 due to energy crisis but crypto trading remains legal. The Central Bank has warned about crypto risks.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
20-22%
Tax Rate
0-10%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Regulator
Central Bank of Kosovo
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- Crypto mining banned in 2022 due to energy crisis
- Crypto trading and holding remain legal
- Central Bank has warned about crypto risks
- Income from crypto subject to taxation
- Growing crypto adoption despite mining ban