Cryptocurrency in Belarus
Belarus is among the world's most permissive jurisdictions for cryptocurrency. Since 2017, the country has fully legalized crypto operations — trading, mining, exchange, and ICOs — with zero taxes for individuals. Foreigners can use all platforms without residency or registration requirements.
0%
tax on crypto gains
2017
fully legalized
No
residency required
Yes
state-backed exchanges
Legal Framework
Presidential Decree No. 8 of 21 December 2017 «On the Development of the Digital Economy» made Belarus the first country in the world to comprehensively legalize cryptocurrency at the state level. The decree covered trading, mining, exchange operations, ICOs, and smart contracts.
What Individuals Can Do
- Buy, sell and hold any cryptocurrency
- Exchange crypto for fiat (BYN, USD, EUR, RUB)
- Mine cryptocurrencies
- Participate in ICOs and token sales
- Use crypto for peer-to-peer transfers
- Invest in tokenized securities
- Receive crypto as payment for freelance work
Tax Treatment
- Capital gains from crypto: 0% income tax until 2025 (extended annually)
- Crypto-to-crypto swaps: not a taxable event
- Mining income: not subject to personal income tax
- Non-residents: no tax obligations on crypto profits
- No reporting requirements for individuals
- No KYC above a threshold for small transactions
For Foreigners & Non-Residents
- No residency permit required to use Belarusian exchanges
- No registration with Belarusian authorities
- Profits earned on Belarusian platforms are not taxable by Belarus
- Can invest in Belarusian stocks and ICOs through licensed platforms
- Can receive and send international fiat transfers via Bynex
- Shielded from EU MiCA and ESMA restrictions
Licensed Operators
- National exchanges licensed by the Hi-Tech Park (HTP)
- Banks can offer crypto custody and trading services
- OTC desks and brokerage services legally permitted
- Crypto ATMs operate in Minsk and major cities
- Smart contract platforms and DeFi protocols — no restrictions
- Foreign crypto exchanges accessible without VPN
Bynex – Official State-Backed Exchange
Bynex
Licensed crypto & investment exchange — Hi-Tech Park operator
International transfers
Receive money from abroad and send money abroad — fully legal and KYC-compliant
Fees
0% commission on fiat transfers when using Belarusian bank cards. Standard fees apply for crypto trading.
Belarusian stocks
Invest in companies listed on the Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange (BCSE)
ICOs & token sales
Participate in initial coin offerings including state-owned companies issuing tokens
Languages
Full platform available in Russian and English
Guarantee
Licensed HTP operator, fully regulated, funds insured under Belarusian law
bynex.by — available in Russian and English. No referral link.
Belarus vs. European Union (MiCA)
The EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), fully applicable from December 2024, imposes heavy licensing requirements, reporting obligations and restrictions on crypto service providers and their clients across all 27 EU member states. Retail investors face mandatory identity verification, transaction reporting, and in some jurisdictions additional capital gains taxes.
| Aspect | Belarus | European Union (MiCA) |
|---|---|---|
| Capital gains tax | 0% | Up to 45% depending on country |
| Individual reporting obligations | None | Mandatory from 2026 (DAC8 directive) |
| Access for non-residents | Unrestricted | Restricted — CASP must refuse unverified EU-based users |
| ICO / token issuance | Fully legal, simple process | Requires white paper approval, MiCA authorization |
| Stablecoin usage | No restrictions | USDT de-listed from many EU exchanges (MiCA non-compliant) |
| DeFi protocols | No restrictions | Grey area — regulatory guidance pending |
| Mining | Legal, no special permit | Legal but energy reporting required in some countries |
| Exchange licensing | HTP license — streamlined process | Full CASP license per country, 12–18 month process |
Practical Notes for Foreigners
No Residency Needed
- Open a Bynex account with a passport and email — no Belarusian address required
- Profits from trading on Belarusian platforms are not taxable in Belarus for non-residents
- No obligation to report Belarusian crypto activity to Belarusian tax authorities
- Note: you remain subject to the tax laws of your own country of residence
International Transfers via Bynex
- Receive SWIFT/SEPA transfers from EU, Asia, CIS countries
- Send transfers abroad in USD, EUR and other currencies
- With a Belarusian bank card linked: 0% fee on fiat in/out
- Useful alternative to SWIFT when EU banks block transfers to Belarus
Investment Opportunities
- Belarusian listed companies: Bynex provides access to the BCSE stock exchange
- ICOs by Belarusian private companies — startups and scale-ups
- Token offerings by state-owned companies — an unusual opportunity
- HTP resident company shares and token instruments
Hi-Tech Park Connection
- All licensed crypto operators in Belarus are HTP residents
- HTP residency gives companies 0% income tax and 9% social contributions
- Blockchain and fintech companies can apply for HTP residency
- Learn more about Hi-Tech Park →
Sources:
Decree No. 8 (2017) ·
park.by ·
bynex.by ·
EU MiCA (ESMA)
· This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.