North Korea vs Portugal
Crypto regulation comparison
North Korea
Portugal
Banned
Legal
North Korea does not allow civilian cryptocurrency use. The regime has been accused by the UN and US of using state-sponsored hacking to steal cryptocurrency to fund weapons programs.
Portugal was formerly a crypto tax haven with 0% capital gains tax on crypto for individuals, but the 2023 State Budget introduced a 28% capital gains tax on crypto held for less than one year. Crypto held for over 365 days remains tax-free for individuals. Banco de Portugal registers VASPs for AML compliance, and Portugal transitions to MiCA. Portugal attracted many crypto entrepreneurs due to its previously favorable tax regime and NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
28%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
Yes
Regulator
Central Bank of North Korea
Regulator
Banco de Portugal, CMVM (Securities Market Commission)
Stablecoin Rules
Not applicable — crypto banned
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
Key Points
- No civilian cryptocurrency use permitted
- State-sponsored crypto theft alleged by UN and US
- Lazarus Group linked to major crypto exchange hacks
- International sanctions restrict all financial activities
- Cryptocurrency used by state actors, not civilians
Key Points
- 28% capital gains tax on crypto sold within 365 days (introduced in 2023 budget)
- Crypto held for more than 365 days is exempt from capital gains tax for individuals
- Banco de Portugal oversees VASP registration for AML/CFT compliance
- CMVM regulates crypto where classified as securities
- Former 0% tax regime attracted crypto entrepreneurs; NHR tax regime phased out in 2024