Ireland vs Uganda
Crypto regulation comparison
Ireland
Uganda
Cryptocurrency is legal in Ireland and subject to a 33% capital gains tax, one of the higher rates in the EU. The Central Bank of Ireland supervises VASPs under AML regulations, and Ireland follows the EU's MiCA framework. Ireland's status as a European tech hub has attracted crypto businesses.
Uganda restricts cryptocurrency. The Bank of Uganda issued a 2022 circular (NPSD 306) barring licensed payment service providers from facilitating crypto transactions. A 2023 High Court ruling upheld the circular, declaring cryptocurrencies illegal under the National Payment Systems Act 2020. No crypto exchanges are licensed to operate. Informal P2P crypto activity exists despite restrictions.
Key Points
- 33% capital gains tax on crypto profits (CGT), with an annual exemption of €1,270
- Income from crypto mining, staking, or airdrops may be treated as income tax
- Central Bank of Ireland registers VASPs under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Act
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024
- Ireland hosts European headquarters of several major crypto firms
Key Points
- BOU Circular NPSD 306 (April 2022) bars licensed entities from facilitating crypto
- 2023 High Court ruled cryptocurrencies illegal under National Payment Systems Act 2020
- Growing crypto adoption, particularly for cross-border transactions
- No specific crypto taxation rules
- Financial Intelligence Authority requires VASPs to comply with AML laws