Malta vs Tunisia
Crypto regulation comparison
Malta
Tunisia
Legal
Restricted
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.
Tunisia restricts cryptocurrency activities. The Central Bank of Tunisia has not authorized any crypto exchanges, and foreign exchange regulations effectively prohibit crypto transactions. Tunisia's strict capital controls make legal crypto trading very difficult. Despite restrictions, some Tunisians access crypto via P2P platforms and VPNs.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
None
Tax Rate
0-35%
Tax Rate
N/A
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
No
Mining
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Regulator
BCT (Banque Centrale de Tunisie)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
Stablecoin Rules
No regulation; crypto activities restricted
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
- BCT has not authorized or licensed any crypto exchanges
- Foreign exchange regulations effectively prohibit crypto transactions
- Strict capital controls limit the ability to legally purchase crypto
- No specific crypto legislation — restrictions stem from existing financial laws
- Some informal P2P crypto activity exists despite restrictions