Yeliz Akmaca 
Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies face different levels of bans and restrictions in 18 countries worldwide. Some have imposed full prohibitions, while others only restrict usage through payments or financial institutions. Here’s the current global status of Bitcoin legality.
Bitcoin Bans: Countries with Total Prohibition
Nine countries have completely banned Bitcoin. In these nations, buying, trading, or using Bitcoin for payments is considered a crime.
- Afghanistan – The Taliban has banned all crypto activities since 2022.
- Algeria – A 2018 law criminalized Bitcoin trading and holding.
- Bangladesh – Bans have been in place since 2014, though underground trading persists.
- China – Restrictions began in 2013, escalating to a full ban in 2021, including mining and exchanges.
- Egypt – The Central Bank and religious authorities declared Bitcoin “haram.”
- Kuwait – All crypto transactions and mining were banned in 2023.
- Nepal – Crypto activities have been illegal since 2017.
- North Macedonia – The only European country with an outright Bitcoin ban.
- Tunisia – Enforced a full ban in 2018 due to capital flight concerns.
Legend:
🟧 Legal tender | 🟩 Permissive | 🟨 Restricted | 🩷 Controversial | 🟥 Banned
Payment and Institutional Restrictions
Some countries don’t fully ban Bitcoin but restrict its use for payments or through banking systems.
- Ecuador – Banned as a payment method but trading is allowed.
- Iraq – Banks and financial institutions cannot process crypto transactions.
- Morocco – Banned in 2017, regulatory plans announced in 2024.
- Qatar – Banks prohibited from Bitcoin transactions.
- Turkey – Crypto payments banned since 2021, but holding and trading remain legal.
Regulatory Restrictions and Flexible Approaches
Other nations use regulatory controls rather than outright bans.
- Saudi Arabia – Issues repeated warnings on crypto investments.
- Bolivia – Lifted its 2014 total ban, moving to regulation in 2024.
- Russia – Limited legal use for payments, mining has been legalized.
Countries Where Bitcoin Is Legal
In most regions, buying, holding, and trading cryptocurrencies are legal, though subject to regulations, taxation, and AML laws.
- United States – Legal under SEC and CFTC oversight.
- European Union – Fully regulated under MiCA framework (2024–2025).
- United Kingdom – Trading allowed under FCA supervision.
- Japan – Licensed exchanges, fully legal trading.
- Canada, Australia, Switzerland – Regulated but open crypto markets.
- Turkey – Holding and trading legal, payments prohibited.
- Nigeria – Recognizes crypto as legal securities; banks can service licensed firms.
Countries Accepting Bitcoin Payments
A few countries recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, enabling daily payments.
- El Salvador – Declared Bitcoin an official currency in 2021.
- Central African Republic – Adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2022.
In the comment section, you can freely share your comments and opinions about the topic. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter for the latest news and updates.