Is Bitcoin Legal in Iraq?
No. The Central Bank of Iraq has prohibited crypto dealings since 2017, and authorities, including the Kurdistan Regional Government, treat trading as illegal.
Banned · facts checked November 2026 · some details from secondary sources · bitcoin is $77,616 today
| Status | Banned |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Central Bank of Iraq; KRG Ministry of Interior (enforcement in Kurdistan) |
| Main law | Central Bank of Iraq circular (2017) prohibiting dealing in virtual currencies; AML/CFT Law No. 39 of 2015 |
| Exchanges | No. No crypto company is licensed in Iraq. |
| Paying with bitcoin | No. Not legal tender, and use is prohibited. |
| Banks | No. Banks and payment firms are barred. |
| Tax | Not applicable (activity prohibited). |
| Mining | Banned |
| Recent change | 3 May 2026: the KRG Interior Ministry stated that all crypto and USDT trading is banned and told investors to withdraw funds, warning of business closures. |
Bitcoin in Iraq: FAQ
Is bitcoin legal in Iraq?
No: the Central Bank of Iraq has prohibited crypto dealings since 2017, and authorities, including the Kurdistan Regional Government, treat trading as illegal.
Is bitcoin legal tender in Iraq?
No. Not legal tender, and use is prohibited.
How is bitcoin taxed in Iraq?
Not applicable (activity prohibited).
Who regulates crypto in Iraq?
Central Bank of Iraq; KRG Ministry of Interior (enforcement in Kurdistan). No. No crypto company is licensed in Iraq.
Is bitcoin mining legal in Iraq?
Banned.
Other Countries Where Bitcoin Is Banned
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