Saudi Arabia vs Vanuatu
Crypto regulation comparison
Saudi Arabia
Vanuatu
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.
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
None
Tax Type
No tax
Tax Rate
0%
Tax Rate
0%
Exchanges
No
Exchanges
Yes
Mining
Yes
Mining
Yes
Regulator
SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority), CMA Saudi Arabia
Regulator
Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC)
Stablecoin Rules
No regulation; crypto trading not authorized
Stablecoin Rules
No specific stablecoin regulation
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
- 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