Malta vs Vanuatu
Crypto regulation comparison
Malta
Vanuatu
Legal
Legal
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.
Vanuatu has become a popular jurisdiction for crypto businesses due to its tax-free environment. The VFSC has developed a regulatory framework for digital assets.
Tax Type
Capital gains
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0-35%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
Yes
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority)
Regulator
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under MFSA VFA framework and EU MiCA
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- VFSC regulates digital asset businesses
- No income, corporate, or capital gains tax
- Popular jurisdiction for crypto business registration
- Citizenship by investment program exists
- Developing digital asset regulatory framework