Kazakhstan vs Slovakia
Crypto regulation comparison
Kazakhstan
Slovakia
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 Slovakia and regulated under EU MiCA framework since December 2024. A 7% reduced tax rate for long-term holdings was passed in 2023 but repealed by the consolidation package before taking effect. Crypto gains are taxed at standard income tax rates of 19-25%. VASPs must be authorized by NBS under MiCA.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
10%
Tax Rate
19-25%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
AFSA (Astana Financial Services Authority), NBK (National Bank of Kazakhstan)
Regulator
NBS (Národná banka Slovenska)
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
- 7% tax rate for long-term holdings was passed in 2023 but repealed before taking effect
- Crypto gains taxed at 19% (income up to €47,537) or 25% (above threshold)
- VASPs must register with NBS for AML/CFT compliance
- MiCA framework applicable since 30 December 2024; NBS grants authorizations
- MiCA framework applicable from December 2024