Lithuania vs Uzbekistan
Crypto regulation comparison
Lithuania
Uzbekistan
Cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in Lithuania. The Bank of Lithuania oversees VASPs under AML regulations and has been an early mover in crypto regulation within the EU. Lithuania attracted a large number of VASP registrations due to initially favorable conditions, though it tightened requirements significantly in 2022-2023. The MiCA framework now applies.
Uzbekistan has actively regulated crypto since 2018, when it established the NAPM (initially NAPCI) to oversee virtual assets. Licensed crypto exchanges operate in a regulatory sandbox. Individual crypto trading profits are exempt from tax. Uzbekistan has also established a state-backed mining pool and licensing regime for miners, leveraging its energy resources.
Key Points
- VASPs must register with the Bank of Lithuania under AML/CFT law
- Capital gains from crypto taxed at 15% personal income tax rate
- Lithuania became a major EU hub for crypto companies; over 500 VASPs registered by 2022
- Tightened VASP requirements in 2022-2023, including local substance and capital requirements
- MiCA transition underway from December 2024
Key Points
- NAPM oversees virtual asset regulation and licensing
- Licensed exchanges operate under regulatory framework since 2018
- Individual crypto trading exempt from income tax
- State-backed mining pool and licensing for crypto miners
- Only licensed platforms can offer crypto services; unlicensed platforms blocked