The world is gradually tightening control over cryptocurrencies and introducing new taxes on digital assets. Find out in which countries around the world cryptocurrency investors can legally keep most of their profits

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More and more countries around the world are tightening their grip on cryptocurrencies and introducing taxes on profits from digital assets. For example, the Netherlands is considering a 36% tax on unrealized crypto profits, while Brazil has already introduced a flat rate of 17.5% on digital asset income.

At the same time, there are jurisdictions where crypto investors can keep most of their profits. Some countries have no capital gains tax, others operate a territorial taxation system or have special exemptions for long-term asset ownership.

We tell you about 20 countries where cryptocurrency income may remain tax-free in 2026 and what residency opportunities the state offers to foreigners.

Doing business abroad often involves legal and tax issues that require professional support. A personal lawyer for business will help you correctly register a company, choose the optimal taxation system, organize document flow and minimize possible risks. A specialist can also accompany notarial procedures, resolve disputes with partners and assist in matters of international activity.

Get advice from a personal lawyer now and protect your business from legal risks!

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is one of the most popular jurisdictions among crypto investors. The country has no personal income tax and capital gains tax, so profits from trading, mining or staking cryptocurrency for individuals are not taxed.

At the same time, if crypto transactions are carried out in a business format, a 9% corporate tax may apply. Foreigners can obtain long-term residence through a “golden visa” by investing at least 2 million dirhams in real estate or investment funds.

Singapore

Singapore does not charge capital gains tax, so investors’ cryptocurrency profits are generally tax-free. However, if the tax authorities determine that cryptocurrency trading is a business, the income can be taxed at up to 22%.

You can obtain residency status through a work visa or the Global Investment Program, which requires an investment of at least S$10 million.

Read here about the business visas available in Singapore, from short-term business visas to EntrePass and the GIP program for investors.

Germany

In Germany, cryptocurrencies are classified as private assets. If the owner holds them for more than 12 months, the profit from the sale is completely tax-free, regardless of the amount.

Short-term transactions within a year can be taxed at up to 45%. A business visa or investment in a local business is often used to obtain a residence permit.

Portugal

Portugal introduced new rules in 2023. If cryptocurrency is held for less than a year, the profit is taxed at a rate of 28%. After 12 months of ownership, the profit is tax-free.

A popular immigration visa is the D7 visa, which is suitable for people with passive income.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, cryptocurrency profits of private investors are not taxed. However, there is an annual wealth tax that applies to all assets, including cryptocurrency.

The rate varies by canton and is usually between 0.1% and 1% of the value of the assets.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a territorial tax system and does not charge a capital gains tax. Therefore, cryptocurrency investments by individuals are usually not taxed.

If crypto trading is considered a business, a corporate income tax of 16.5% applies.

Monaco

Monaco is one of the few jurisdictions without a personal income tax. This means that profits from cryptocurrencies are also not taxed.

However, to obtain residency, you need to prove your financial capacity and usually make a bank deposit of at least 500,000 euros.

Malaysia

Malaysia does not have a general capital gains tax on investment assets. Profits from cryptocurrencies for private investors are generally not taxed.

However, active trading can be considered a business and taxed as income.

Thailand

Thailand has temporarily exempted cryptocurrency transactions from capital gains tax until 2029, if the transactions are made through licensed local exchanges.

The country is actively developing the digital asset sector and offers a long-term LTR visa for investors.

El Salvador

El Salvador became the first country to recognize Bitcoin as a legal tender. The country has tax breaks for crypto transactions, and foreign-sourced income is not taxed.

Foreigners can obtain citizenship through investment or through special programs for digital nomads.

Georgia

Georgia is considered one of the best countries for crypto investors. Profits from the sale of cryptocurrency for individuals are not taxed.

In addition, the country has a low cost of living and a simple system for obtaining tax residency.

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Panama

Panama uses a territorial taxation system. Income earned outside the country is not subject to tax.

This means that profits from cryptocurrency on international exchanges can be tax-free.

Paraguay

Paraguay also applies the territorial principle. Profits from cryptocurrency earned outside the country are usually not taxed.

The country offers a relatively simple procedure for obtaining a residence permit and has a low cost of living.

In our previous article, we discussed how to get a residence permit in Paraguay: options through investments, pensions, or passive income.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not tax foreign income, including cryptocurrency earnings.

Foreigners can obtain residency through the rentista program or by investing $150,000 or more in a business or real estate.

Mauritius

There is no capital gains tax in Mauritius. Therefore, cryptocurrency investments are generally not taxed unless they are classified as a business activity.

The country offers investors the opportunity to obtain permanent residency through the purchase of real estate.

Malta

Malta does not tax long-term cryptocurrency investments. However, active trading can be considered a business and subject to tax of up to 35%.

The country also offers residency and citizenship by investment programs.

Mauritius’ updated immigration policy in 2025 increases requirements for investors and workers. Learn about the current rules for obtaining work and residence permits in Mauritius at the link.

Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, cryptocurrency profits are exempt from tax if the asset is held for more than six months.

Profits from short-term transactions may be taxed at personal income tax rates.

Czech Republic

From 2025, the Czech Republic will exempt cryptocurrency profits from tax after a three-year holding period.

The country has an active technology ecosystem and a growing blockchain sector.

South Korea

South Korea plans to introduce a cryptocurrency tax, but it has been postponed several times. As of 2026, the tax is effectively not applied.

At the same time, the authorities are tightening control over cryptocurrency transactions.

Turkey

Turkey does not yet have a specific legislation on cryptocurrency taxation. As a result, profits from crypto transactions are currently not taxed.

However, the authorities are working on new rules that may change the situation in the coming years.

What should you consider before moving?

Despite attractive tax conditions, moving to another country solely for the sake of crypto taxes requires careful planning. The world is witnessing an increase in the exchange of financial information between states, and international transparency standards are gradually expanding.

Therefore, before changing your tax residency, you should consult with an international tax expert and choose a country that is suitable not only from a financial but also from a life perspective.

If you plan to work with cryptocurrency or start a business in countries with a favorable tax regime, it is important to go through all legal procedures correctly.

A personal lawyer for business will help you choose the optimal jurisdiction, register a company, organize document flow, and avoid tax risks. The specialist also supports the process of relocating a business abroad, launching a representative office remotely, and obtaining work visas. If necessary, a lawyer will help resolve disputes with counterparties and provide legal support in international transactions.

Such support allows entrepreneurs to focus on business development without worrying about legal nuances.

Consult a personal lawyer for advice and get professional support for your business today.

Recall! In a world where digital assets are increasingly influencing global mobility, more and more countries are opening programs for obtaining citizenship or residence permits through investments in cryptocurrency. We have already told you which states allow the use of cryptocurrency as an investment tool, what minimum amounts must be invested, and what benefits and risks await applicants.

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