Pakistan vs Portugal
Crypto regulation comparison
Pakistan
Portugal
Pakistan has a hostile regulatory environment for cryptocurrency. The State Bank of Pakistan has prohibited financial institutions from facilitating crypto transactions, and the government has considered outright bans. Despite this, Pakistan has high informal crypto adoption, ranking among the top countries for P2P crypto volume. The SECP has explored blockchain regulation but no licensing framework exists for exchanges.
Portugal was formerly a crypto tax haven with 0% capital gains tax on crypto for individuals, but the 2023 State Budget introduced a 28% capital gains tax on crypto held for less than one year. Crypto held for over 365 days remains tax-free for individuals. Banco de Portugal registers VASPs for AML compliance, and Portugal transitions to MiCA. Portugal attracted many crypto entrepreneurs due to its previously favorable tax regime and NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) program.
Key Points
- SBP prohibits banks and financial institutions from processing crypto transactions
- No licensing framework for crypto exchanges; operating informally is risky
- High P2P crypto adoption despite regulatory hostility
- Government has considered formal banning legislation multiple times
- SECP has explored digital asset regulation but no framework enacted
Key Points
- 28% capital gains tax on crypto sold within 365 days (introduced in 2023 budget)
- Crypto held for more than 365 days is exempt from capital gains tax for individuals
- Banco de Portugal oversees VASP registration for AML/CFT compliance
- CMVM regulates crypto where classified as securities
- Former 0% tax regime attracted crypto entrepreneurs; NHR tax regime phased out in 2024