Saudi Arabia vs Seychelles
Crypto regulation comparison
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Restricted
Legal
Saudi Arabia has an ambiguous but generally restrictive approach to cryptocurrency. SAMA has not licensed any crypto exchanges, and financial institutions are warned against dealing in crypto. However, crypto is not explicitly banned by law, and Saudi Arabia has participated in blockchain initiatives (Project Aber with the UAE central bank). No personal income or capital gains tax exists in Saudi Arabia.
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
Yes
Mining
No
Regulator
SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority), CMA Saudi Arabia
Regulator
Financial Services Authority (FSA)
Stablecoin Rules
No regulation; crypto trading not authorized
Stablecoin Rules
Regulated under VASP Act 2024
Key Points
- SAMA has not authorized or licensed any cryptocurrency exchanges
- Financial institutions warned against crypto transactions
- Crypto not explicitly banned but not regulated; exists in a legal gray area
- No personal income or capital gains tax in Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Arabia participated in CBDC experiments (Project Aber with UAE)
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