Qatar vs Seychelles
Crypto regulation comparison
Qatar
Seychelles
Restricted
Legal
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.
The VASP Act 2024 effective Sept 2024 establishes FSA as regulator for virtual asset service providers. Exchanges require licensing. Mining and mixer/tumbler services are prohibited in Seychelles.
Tax Type
None
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
No
Mining
No
Regulator
QCB (Qatar Central Bank), QFCRA
Regulator
Financial Services Authority (FSA)
Stablecoin Rules
Not permitted under current QCB regulations
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under VASP Act 2024
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
- VASP Act 2024 enacted Aug 30, effective Sept 1, 2024
- FSA licenses and supervises all virtual asset service providers
- Mining facilities and mixer/tumbler services prohibited
- VASPs must maintain local office and resident director
- Licensed IBC VASPs taxed at 1.5% on assessable income