United Kingdom

Bitcoin Countries

The United Kingdom has developed a comprehensive Bitcoin regulatory framework under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with crypto asset firms required to register for AML compliance. Bitcoin ETPs were approved for professional investors on the London Stock Exchange in 2024, and the government has signaled intent to become a global crypto hub. The UK is home to major Bitcoin exchanges and a thriving fintech sector.

Details

Since: 2024
Status: regulated_hub
Notable: Bitcoin ETPs on London Stock Exchange (2024); FCA regulation
Regulator: FCA
Mining Legal: Yes
Notable Policy: FCA approved Bitcoin and Ether ETNs for professional investors in 2024; crypto firms must register with FCA
Btc Etf Approved: Yes
Regulatory Stance: cautious_friendly
Bitcoin Legal Status: Legal; regulated as commodity/property under FCA oversight

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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.