Kazakhstan vs Liechtenstein
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
Liechtenstein
Legal
Legal
Kazakhstan has a dual approach to crypto regulation. The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) operates as a regulated sandbox where licensed crypto exchanges can operate under AFSA supervision. Outside the AIFC, crypto regulation is more restrictive. Kazakhstan became a major mining hub after China's ban but has since tightened mining regulations.
Liechtenstein's Blockchain Act (TVTG) effective since 2020 is among the world's most comprehensive crypto frameworks. The FMA supervises registered TT service providers. Adapted for EU MiCAR in 2025.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
10%
Tax Rate
1-8%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator
Financial Market Authority (FMA)
Stablecoin Rules
AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under TVTG and MiCAR
Key Points
- AIFC provides a regulatory sandbox for licensed crypto exchanges and businesses
- Mining is legal and licensed, with a specific tax on electricity consumption for miners
- Kazakhstan became the world's second-largest Bitcoin mining country after China's 2021 ban
- 2022 mining crackdown introduced stricter licensing and energy consumption taxes
- Outside AIFC, domestic crypto payments and exchanges face greater restrictions
Key Points
- Blockchain Act (TVTG) adopted unanimously in 2019, effective Jan 2020
- Token Container Model enables tokenization of any asset or right
- FMA registers and supervises all TT service providers
- EEA MiCAR Implementation Act entered into force Feb 2025
- First country with comprehensive blockchain-specific legislation