Crypto Legal Status: What’s Allowed, Banned, and Regulated Around the World
When we talk about crypto legal status, the varying rules and enforcement levels governments apply to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Also known as cryptocurrency regulation, it’s not just about legality—it’s about taxes, banking access, mining rights, and whether you can even open a wallet without government approval. One country treats crypto like cash. Another treats it like gambling. And some don’t even let you hold it at all.
The crypto tax, the way governments collect revenue from crypto trades, staking, and airdrops. Also known as virtual digital assets taxation, it’s one of the most common ways countries assert control over crypto. India hits you with a flat 30% tax and no loss offsets. Brazil charges 17.5% on gains. The U.S. treats it as property. Meanwhile, places like El Salvador make Bitcoin legal tender. But tax rules don’t exist in a vacuum—they’re tied to broader crypto bans, when governments block exchanges, freeze accounts, or outlaw mining and trading. Also known as crypto restrictions, they often target ordinary users, not just criminals. Russia restricts trading to the ultra-rich. New Brunswick shuts down mining to protect the power grid. Venezuela? It uses crypto to bypass sanctions entirely. These aren’t random policies—they’re responses to economic pressure, financial control, and tech adoption.
Then there’s AML crypto, anti-money laundering rules forcing exchanges to track users and report big transactions. Also known as crypto compliance, it’s the backbone of global regulation. The FATF’s Travel Rule now requires exchanges to share names and addresses for transfers over $1,000. The EU’s MiCA law forces full transparency. Even in places where crypto is legal, you can’t avoid KYC. These rules shape what exchanges you can use, how fast you can trade, and whether your wallet stays open.
What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a real-world map of where crypto stands today. From Venezuela’s shadow networks to Brazil’s strict consumer rules, from India’s heavy-handed taxes to Canada’s mining moratoriums, these stories show how laws are written in response to real behavior—not theory. You won’t find fluff here. Just what’s actually happening, who it affects, and why it matters to you.