Malta vs Serbia
Crypto regulation comparison
Malta
Serbia
Malta positioned itself as the 'Blockchain Island' with the 2018 Virtual Financial Assets (VFA) Act, one of the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks. The MFSA licenses VFA service providers and oversees ICOs. Long-term crypto holdings are generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals, while trading profits may be taxed as income.
Serbia's Law on Digital Assets, enacted in December 2020 and effective June 2021, created one of the first comprehensive crypto regulatory frameworks in the Western Balkans. The NBS oversees virtual currencies while the Securities Commission handles digital tokens. Service providers must obtain licenses and comply with AML/KYC requirements. Capital gains taxed at 15%.
Key Points
- Virtual Financial Assets Act (2018) provides a comprehensive licensing framework
- MFSA licenses VFA exchanges, brokers, custodians, and portfolio managers
- Long-term crypto holdings generally not subject to capital gains tax for individuals
- Day trading profits may be taxed as business income at progressive rates up to 35%
- Transitioning to EU MiCA framework from December 2024
Key Points
- Law on Digital Assets enacted December 2020, effective June 2021
- NBS regulates virtual currencies; Securities Commission regulates digital tokens
- Capital gains on crypto taxed at 15%
- Service providers must obtain licenses and maintain physical offices in Serbia
- Transfer/conversion of digital assets exempt from VAT