Lebanon vs Luxembourg
Crypto regulation comparison
Lebanon
Luxembourg
No Regulation
Legal
Lebanon has no specific cryptocurrency legislation. The Banque du Liban issued a 2014 circular warning financial institutions against dealing with digital currencies, but crypto itself is not banned. Amid the severe economic crisis and banking collapse since 2019, crypto adoption has surged as citizens seek alternatives to the devalued Lebanese pound.
Luxembourg is a major European hub for crypto and blockchain financial services. The CSSF regulates VASPs and crypto-related investment funds. Crypto held for more than 6 months is generally exempt from capital gains tax for individuals, making it attractive for long-term holders. Luxembourg hosts several prominent crypto exchanges and fund administrators.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Rate
N/A
Tax Rate
0-42%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
BDL (Banque du Liban)
Regulator
CSSF (Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier)
Stablecoin Rules
No regulation
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under EU MiCA framework; Luxembourg hosts major stablecoin issuers
Key Points
- BDL Circular 318 (2014) warned banks against dealing in crypto but did not ban it outright
- No dedicated crypto regulatory framework or licensing regime
- Severe banking crisis and capital controls have driven crypto adoption
- Crypto used as a store of value and remittance channel during economic collapse
- No specific crypto taxation rules in place
Key Points
- CSSF oversees VASPs under the Luxembourg AML/CFT framework
- Individuals holding crypto for 6+ months are generally exempt from capital gains tax
- Short-term gains taxed at progressive income tax rates up to 42%
- Major hub for crypto investment funds and blockchain companies
- MiCA framework fully applicable from December 2024