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Laos vs Qatar

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Laos | Qatar
Laos

Laos

Qatar

Qatar

Legal
Restricted

Laos authorized cryptocurrency mining and trading through a 2021 pilot program (PM Notification No. 1158). Six companies were initially licensed, growing to 15+ by 2023. Mining operations must be 100% Lao-owned and use at least 10MW from Électricité du Laos. Two crypto exchanges (LDX, Bitqik) registered with Bank of Lao PDR.

Qatar has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The Qatar Central Bank banned crypto trading and services in 2018, and the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre. However, Qatar has shown interest in blockchain technology for non-crypto applications and is exploring a potential CBDC. The Qatar Financial Centre issued a Digital Assets Framework in 2024 focused on tokenized real-world assets, not cryptocurrencies.

Tax Type Unclear
Tax Type None
Tax Rate 15% on transaction fees
Tax Rate 0%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges No No
Mining Yes Yes
Mining No No
Regulator Ministry of Technology and Communications, Bank of the Lao PDR
Regulator QCB (Qatar Central Bank), QFCRA
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation; pilot covers BTC, ETH, LTC
Stablecoin Rules Not permitted under current QCB regulations
Key Points
  • PM Notification No. 1158 (2021) authorized pilot crypto mining and trading
  • Two licensed exchanges: LDX and Bitqik, registered with Bank of Lao PDR
  • Mining leverages surplus hydroelectric power from Électricité du Laos
  • Mining must be 100% Lao-owned; trading platforms require 51% Lao ownership
  • 15% tax on transaction fees; M security deposit required for exchanges
Key Points
  • QFCRA prohibited authorized firms from providing virtual asset services (2019 alert, reaffirmed 2024)
  • QFCRA prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre
  • QFC introduced a 2024 Digital Assets Framework for tokenized securities (not crypto)
  • No personal income or capital gains tax in Qatar (but crypto trading is banned)
  • Qatar exploring blockchain and CBDC applications separate from crypto
Sources
Sources