Iceland vs Maldives
Crypto regulation comparison
Iceland
Maldives
Legal
Restricted
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.
The Maldives Monetary Authority has warned against cryptocurrency and does not recognize it as legal tender. No specific legislation exists but the MMA discourages crypto activities.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
22%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
FME (Fjármálaeftirlitið / Financial Supervisory Authority), Central Bank of Iceland
Regulator
Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation; follows EEA guidelines
Stablecoin Rules
No stablecoin regulation
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
Key Points
- MMA has warned against cryptocurrency use
- Crypto not recognized as legal tender
- No specific cryptocurrency legislation
- Financial institutions discouraged from dealing in crypto
- Limited crypto adoption