Israel vs Iceland
Crypto regulation comparison
Israel
Iceland
Legal
Legal
Cryptocurrency is legal in Israel and treated as a taxable asset. The Israel Tax Authority classifies crypto as property, subject to 25% capital gains tax (or up to 50% for significant shareholders or high earners). Israel has a vibrant blockchain ecosystem with many startups and R&D centers.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Iceland and subject to a 22% capital gains tax. Iceland is a major crypto mining destination due to abundant geothermal and hydroelectric energy. As an EEA member, Iceland follows EU financial regulations including MiCA through EEA incorporation.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
25-50%
Tax Rate
22%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
ISA (Israel Securities Authority), ITA (Israel Tax Authority), CTMFA
Regulator
FME (Fjármálaeftirlitið / Financial Supervisory Authority), Central Bank of Iceland
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; ISA exploring digital asset framework
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; follows EEA guidelines
Key Points
- Capital gains tax of 25% on crypto profits (up to 50% including surtax for high earners)
- Israel Tax Authority classifies cryptocurrency as property, not currency
- ISA is developing a regulatory framework for digital asset trading platforms
- AML/KYC requirements apply to crypto service providers under CTMFA supervision
- Israel has one of the highest densities of blockchain startups globally
Key Points
- 22% capital gains tax on crypto profits
- Iceland is one of the world's largest crypto mining locations due to cheap renewable energy
- FME supervises crypto businesses under AML/KYC regulations
- As an EEA member, Iceland incorporates EU financial regulations including MiCA
- Capital controls (imposed 2008-2017) originally complicated crypto usage but have been lifted