Kazakhstan vs Romania
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
Romania
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.
Cryptocurrency is legal in Romania. Crypto gains are taxed at 10% as 'income from other sources' under the fiscal code. VASPs must register with the relevant authorities for AML compliance. Romania has a growing crypto community and is transitioning to the EU MiCA framework.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
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
ASF (Autoritatea de Supraveghere Financiară), BNR (National Bank of Romania)
Stablecoin Rules
AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) has its own framework for digital assets including stablecoins
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework
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
- Crypto gains taxed at 10% as 'income from other sources' under Article 114 Fiscal Code
- Annual gains up to RON 600 (~EUR 120) exempt from tax per Article 116 Fiscal Code
- VASPs must register for AML/CFT compliance
- ASF oversees financial market conduct; BNR handles monetary policy
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024