Kazakhstan vs North Macedonia
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
North Macedonia
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.
North Macedonia has no dedicated cryptocurrency legislation. Crypto is not prohibited and operates in a regulatory gray area. The general flat 10% income tax rate may apply to crypto profits. The government is working toward EU MiCA alignment and plans to license crypto exchanges by 2025-2026.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Income
Tax Rate
10%
Tax Rate
10%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator
National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia
Stablecoin Rules
AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- No dedicated cryptocurrency legislation
- Central bank has acknowledged crypto without banning it
- General flat 10% personal income tax rate may apply to crypto profits
- Government working toward licensing crypto exchanges by 2025-2026
- Working toward EU candidacy and alignment with MiCA regulation