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Japan vs Malta

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Japan | Malta
Japan

Japan

Malta

Malta

Legal
Legal

Japan is one of the world's most comprehensively regulated crypto markets. The Payment Services Act and Financial Instruments and Exchange Act govern crypto exchanges and tokens. Japan classifies crypto as "crypto-assets" and taxes gains as miscellaneous income at rates up to 55%, though reforms to lower this rate are under active discussion.

Malta positioned itself as the 'Blockchain Island' with the 2018 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, one of the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. The MFSA licenses VFA service providers and oversees ICOs. Long-term crypto holdings are generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals, while trading profits may be taxed as income.

Tax Type Income
Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Rate 15-55%
Tax Rate 0-35%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FSA (Financial Services Agency), JVCEA
Regulator MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Stablecoin Rules 2022 stablecoin law requires issuers to be licensed banks, trust companies, or fund transfer agents
Stablecoin Rules Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
Key Points
  • Crypto exchanges must register with the FSA under the Payment Services Act
  • Crypto gains taxed as miscellaneous income at up to 55% (national + local tax)
  • Japan's self-regulatory body JVCEA sets industry standards for exchanges
  • 2022 stablecoin legislation (revised Payment Services Act) regulates stablecoin issuance
  • Government considering tax reform to apply a flat 20% separate taxation on crypto gains
Key Points
  • Virtual Financial Assets Act (2018) provides a comprehensive licensing framework
  • MFSA licenses VFA exchanges, brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers
  • Long-term crypto holdings generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals
  • Day trading profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 35%
  • Transitioning to EU MiCA framework from December 2024
Sources
Sources
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