New Zealand
Bitcoin Countries
New Zealand was an early mover in Bitcoin regulation, with the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and Reserve Bank overseeing digital assets. Bitcoin is legal and taxed as property under income tax rules. New Zealand passed crypto exchange registration requirements and the country is noted for Satoshi Nakamoto connection speculation.
Details
- Known For
- Early Bitcoin regulation, FMA oversight, Satoshi speculation connection
- Legal Status
- legal
- Mining Legal
- Yes
- Tax Treatment
- income tax on disposal (no dedicated CGT)
- Notable Policy
- New Zealand treats crypto as property for tax purposes; IRD requires reporting of crypto gains; no specific Bitcoin legislation yet
- Regulatory Body
- FMA (Financial Markets Authority)
- Btc Etf Approved
- No
- Capital Gains Tax
- Yes
- Regulatory Stance
- cautious_friendly
- Bitcoin Legal Status
- Legal; FMA (Financial Markets Authority) regulates; no specific crypto law
- Bitcoin Etf Available
- No
More Bitcoin Countries
El Salvador
El Salvador made history on June 9, 2021, as the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender under President Nayib Bukele. The government continues to buy approximately 1 BTC per day, with its national treasury holding approximately 7,565 BTC as of February 2026. El Salvador built the state-sponsored Chivo wallet, launched volcanic geothermal Bitcoin mining operations, and proposed Bitcoin City — a special economic zone powered by a volcano. In 2025, El Salvador reached an IMF agreement that modified Bitcoin's legal tender status while maintaining its Bitcoin treasury strategy.
Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the most Bitcoin-friendly countries in the world, with the canton of Zug (dubbed "Crypto Valley") accepting Bitcoin for government services since 2016. Several Swiss cantons accept Bitcoin for tax payments, the country has clear digital asset property rights, and Switzerland is home to dozens of major Bitcoin and blockchain companies. Swiss banks like SEBA and Sygnum Bank offer institutional Bitcoin services, and the Swiss National Bank has explored digital asset frameworks.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global hub for Bitcoin and crypto businesses, with dedicated regulatory regimes in Dubai (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — VARA) and Abu Dhabi (ADGM). Abu Dhabi holds Bitcoin through the Phoenix Group, a publicly listed Bitcoin mining company. Major crypto exchanges including Binance have received licenses to operate in the UAE. The country's zero income tax, strategic location, and regulatory clarity have attracted significant Bitcoin institutional and mining infrastructure.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Free Beginners Guide to Buying Bitcoin
New to Bitcoin? Get our complete beginner's guide.