Countries which Allow Cryptocurrency as Legal Tender in the Market

Countries which allow cryptocurrency as legal tender in the market

The digital currency used between users of Decentralised crypto money was first introduced to the globe in 2009 when Bitcoin made its debut. Many people question if they may use Bitcoin lawfully, even though tax authorities, law enforcement institutions, and regulators around the world are still arguing how to govern it.

Cryptocurrency can be used to make transactions amongst any account holders globally in an anonymous manner. Governments now have some new worries regarding currency. Many lawmakers and government representatives have proposed legislation under their nation’s financial crime and counter-financing of terrorist activity laws (AML/CFT) in an effort to lessen its usage for these reasons, even though some may oppose it due to the lack of control and unlawful linkages.

Depending on the country and its rules you are visiting, you may or may not be able to use your cryptocurrencies. Learn more about the countries which allow cryptocurrency as legal tender here in this article. 

Read Also: Crypto Adoption in Developing Countries 2023

  • USA : Since 2013, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the U.S. The Department of Treasury has published a set of rules on the usage of Bitcoin or other crypto currencies.. According to the Treasury, Bitcoin is a digital currency with a real-world comparable value or an alternative that can be used in its place. Any organization that manages or marketplaces Bitcoin, which includes cryptocurrency trading platforms and payment processors, is considered a money services business (MSB) under current U.S. legislation. As a result, an MSB must file paperwork with the U.S. Treasury, comply with the Bank Secrecy Act, and submit transaction reports. In addition, the U.S. Treasury as well as FinCEN have developed strategies, are supporting legislative efforts to adopt laws, and have established national objectives for tracking and reporting bitcoin activity.
  • Canada : In general, Canada maintains the same pro-bitcoin position as its southern neighbor, the United States. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regards bitcoin as an asset for income tax reasons. Any revenue from a Bitcoin transaction is regarded as business revenue or a gain on capital and needs to be recorded as such. Majority of cryptocurrency exchanges in Canada are regarded as money service businesses that happen in Canada. They now fall under the Proceeds of Crime Act’s jurisdiction. As a result, bitcoin exchanges are required to register with FINTRAC, report unusual transactions, follow compliance strategies, and even maintain certain records.
  • Australia : Just as Canada, the Australian Taxation Office considers crypto as a financial asset. Meaning that an asset with value that can be taxed in case of certain circumstances prevailing. A capital gains tax may be triggered by certain actions, such as trading, exchanging, selling, giving, converting it to a monetary asset, or using bitcoin for purchases. Additionally, you must maintain track of all the crypto transactions you do that are to make registrations for tax purposes.
  • France : The Monetary and Financial Code (MFC), which identifies cryptocurrencies and crypto assets, has been introduced in France. The terms “utility tokens,” “payment tokens,” and “security tokens” are used by the government to define digital assets. Tokens that are not fungible are not governed by the MFC. The code also regulates companies that buy, sell, exchange, operate as an agent for another person, or give advice. This includes companies who offer digital asset services.
  • Belgium : Northern European nation the Kingdom of Belgium has a comparatively high GDP per person. Belgium does not forbid the use of cryptocurrencies, therefore there are no major obstacles to processing Bitcoin or alternative cryptocurrencies or carrying out transactions utilizing them. However, the nation does not recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. Belgian law taxes profits made from trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and officials have frequently cautioned citizens about their speculative character.
  • Ireland : The Republic of Ireland is a wealthy sovereign state in Europe that receives criticism frequently for its lax tax regulations. The only laws that apply to Bitcoin correspond to those that are in existence throughout the entire European Union; neither Bitcoin nor other cryptocurrencies are outlawed in the nation. Bitcoin transactions are governed by taxes, which vary depending on how frequently or infrequently they are used.
  • Netherlands : The Netherlands is a nation in Northern Europe and one of the richest areas of the globe. The nation lacks any particular rules governing cryptocurrencies, therefore Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies must typically adhere to the same legal framework as traditional financial instruments. The Dutch authorities also mandated that the tax on capital gains be levied on Bitcoin gains and that they be revealed on annual tax returns. Businesses must also translate bitcoin payments into Euros and report them on their income statements.
  • Qatar: Qatar is a state in Western Asia that is situated in the Middle East. The nation’s Qatar Financial Center (QFC) entirely forbids the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Qatar claims that lax adherence to knowing your customer – KYC and anti-money laundering (AML) legislation is the cause of the ban. The Financial Action Task Force – FATF is responsible for enforcing these rules throughout the world, and they call for banks and other financial service providers to confirm the identities of their clients and identify the sources of any funds they are transferring domestically and internationally.

Read Also: Top 10 Countries Where Cryptocurrency Is Legal

Conclusion

Although Cryptocurrency is accepted in many nations throughout the world, some are scared of it due to its volatility and decentralized nature. While many are worried about its use to assist illegal activities like drug dealing, money laundering, and terrorist activity, others see it as an imminent danger to their current monetary systems as well. Several countries have utterly outlawed digital money, while others have attempted to sever all ties to the banking and financial systems that are necessary for its exchange and use.

FAQ’s

Q1: Which countries still have an absolute ban over cryptocurrency?

Countries such as Qatar, China and Saudi Arabia have an absolute ban over all the crypto currencies.

Q2: Does India allow trading in crypto currencies?

Yes, India allows trending in crypto. However you need to abide by the rules decided by the commission. 

Q3: Which are the upcoming countries to make crypto currency as legal tender?

Ukraine, Venezuela, US and Russia are said to be the upcoming countries to make crypto currency a legal tender.

Q4: Is crypto taxable?

Depending on the rules of every country, you can say that crypto is taxable.

Q5: Can  you use cryptocurrency at restaurants?

Yes, you can use cryptocurrency at any place if they accept it.

For the Latest Crypto News follow the Coinography and Subscribe our YouTube channel or follow us on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin. 

You Might Also Like

About Maria Morgan

Maria Morgan is a full-time cryptocurrency journalist at Coinography. She is graduate in Political Science and Journalism from London, her writing is centered around cryptocurrency news, regulation and policy-making across the glob.

View all posts by Maria Morgan →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *