Lithuania vs Kosovo
Crypto regulation comparison
Lithuania
Kosovo
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.
Kosovo banned crypto mining in 2022 due to energy crisis but crypto trading remains legal. The Central Bank has warned about crypto risks.
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
- Crypto mining banned in 2022 due to energy crisis
- Crypto trading and holding remain legal
- Central Bank has warned about crypto risks
- Income from crypto subject to taxation
- Growing crypto adoption despite mining ban