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Estonia vs South Africa

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Estonia | South Africa
Estonia

Estonia

South Africa

South Africa

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).

South Africa has embraced crypto regulation. In 2022, the FSCA declared crypto assets as financial products under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act, requiring crypto service providers to obtain FSCA licenses. SARS taxes crypto gains under capital gains tax (up to 18% effective rate for individuals) or income tax depending on trading frequency. South Africa is the largest crypto market in Africa.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 20-22%
Tax Rate 18% (effective max ~18%)
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining No No
Regulator Finantsinspektsioon (EFSA), Rahapesu Andmebüroo (FIU)
Regulator FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority), SARB (South African Reserve Bank)
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Stablecoin Rules Crypto assets declared financial products under FAIS; stablecoins included
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 declared a financial product under FAIS Act (2022); service providers must be FSCA-licensed
  • FSCA began licensing crypto asset service providers (CASPs) in 2023
  • Capital gains taxed at effective rate up to 18% (45% max marginal rate × 40% inclusion)
  • Frequent trading may be classified as income and taxed at marginal rates (up to 45%)
  • SARB regulates cross-border crypto transactions under exchange control regulations
Sources
Sources