Crypto Upvotes experts told which jurisdictions are comfortable for cryptocurrency to live and work in. And also told what factors determine the choice to register a crypto project in the chosen region
The regulation of cryptocurrencies around the world ranges from a complete ban on digital tokens to their recognition as legal tender. From time to time, governments pass laws that force crypto-businesses to migrate.
For example, China’s 2021 ban on cryptocurrency mining caused a mass exodus of miners from China. In 2023, due to stricter regulation in Canada and the U.S., many exchanges stop operating there. And now they are moving to countries in Asia and Europe. Binance and Bybit have already announced their departure from the Canadian market, Coinbase plans to open an office in Dublin.
On the other hand, certain regions are adopting clear regulatory rules for the crypto industry. And this also attracts cryptocurrencies. Hong Kong has allowed retail trading of digital assets since June 1. Huobi, Gate.io, OKX and many other exchanges are already entering the local market. Gemini and Bybit are opening offices in Dubai, while Binance has been operating there since last spring.
Most projects choose two simple rules simply and cheaply
Any cryptocurrency startup wants to cut costs as much as possible at the initial stage. This includes legalization of their activities.
For a cryptocurrency company, registration and licenses are primarily needed to interact with the outside world. For example, to place their applications in the App Store or Google Play. Or opening corporate accounts on major exchanges, our expert explains.
The most important criteria for selection are three parameters: – Ease of opening a legal entity (ideally distant registration). – Speed (ideally a few days) – Price, which does not exceed a few thousand dollars.
As a bonus may be the presence in the company’s charter of the prescribed cryptocurrency activity. And especially in jurisdictions where obtaining a cryptolicense is impossible or not required. Because this process usually requires much more time and expenses than the registration itself.
Popular jurisdictions for crypto business registration
It is because of the speed, simplicity and low-cost of doing business that regions such as Georgia or the Seychelles are popular. Because these countries win in comparison with, for example, Dubai or Hong Kong. So there everything is a little bit more complicated, longer and more expensive.
The most favorable jurisdictions are the ones that support the crypto market. And they have special regulation and, in addition, they provide preferential tax treatment for such businesses. The most obvious example of such a region is Dubai. In addition, the Arab Emirates is relatively neutral in the international financial market in terms of various geopolitical aspects.
Our experts point out that Hong Kong, Switzerland and the Netherlands also have a positive attitude to cryptocurrency business. And they have regulation, but their taxation regime is not as favorable.
There are countries that are not against cryptocurrency. But at the level of regulators they warn both businesses and consumers about the high risks of such assets (e.g., Georgia). Such jurisdictions, as a rule, are against the use of cryptocurrency on their territory. And especially use as a means of payment.
Some cryptocurrency exchanges choose Ireland’s capital Dublin for the fact that the country is part of the EU. And has an established reputation as a financial and technological center. It also provides a favorable tax regime for its residents.
Our experts note that Dubai, Hong Kong and Georgia are increasingly in the news as cryptocurrency-friendly regions. But not just because they are somehow particularly favorable to cryptocurrencies. Rather, it is because they are generally friendly to relocating businesses, including cryptocurrency businesses.
There are no special preferences for cryptocurrency projects. As well as there are no prohibitions preventing the activities of cryptocurrency companies. Practice shows that the absence of bans is enough. To attract a significant number of companies in the current situation. Who are looking for their new place to work.
