Qatar vs Serbia
Crypto regulation comparison
Qatar
Serbia
Qatar has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The Qatar Central Bank banned crypto trading and services in 2018, and the QFC Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre. However, Qatar has shown interest in blockchain technology for non-crypto applications and is exploring a potential CBDC. The Qatar Financial Centre issued a Digital Assets Framework in 2024 focused on tokenized real-world assets, not cryptocurrencies.
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
- QFCRA prohibited authorized firms from providing virtual asset services (2019 alert, reaffirmed 2024)
- QFCRA prohibits virtual asset services within the Qatar Financial Centre
- QFC introduced a 2024 Digital Assets Framework for tokenized securities (not crypto)
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Qatar (but crypto trading is banned)
- Qatar exploring blockchain and CBDC applications separate from crypto
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