Is Bitcoin Legal in Kuwait?
No. Since July 2023 Kuwait has imposed an 'absolute prohibition' on using crypto for payments, investment and mining.
Banned · facts checked November 2026 · bitcoin is $76,800 today
| Status | Banned |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Central Bank of Kuwait; Capital Markets Authority; Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Main law | Joint circulars of 17 July 2023 (CMA Circular No. 10 of 2023; Ministerial Circular No. 1 of 2023; Central Bank of Kuwait circular), under AML/CFT Law No. 106 of 2013 |
| Exchanges | No. Licensing of virtual-asset services is prohibited. |
| Paying with bitcoin | No. Crypto may not be used or recognised as payment. |
| Banks | No. Banks, finance and exchange companies are barred. |
| Tax | Not applicable (activity prohibited); Kuwait has no personal income tax. |
| Mining | Banned |
| Recent change | 2025: authorities raided illegal mining farms (notably in the Al-Wafra area) as power demand rose, enforcing the 2023 ban. |
Sources: blogs.loc.gov · blockworks.com. Crypto rules change quickly; check with the regulator or a qualified adviser before acting. Not legal or tax advice.
Bitcoin in Kuwait: FAQ
Is bitcoin legal in Kuwait?
No: since July 2023 Kuwait has imposed an 'absolute prohibition' on using crypto for payments, investment and mining.
Is bitcoin legal tender in Kuwait?
No. Crypto may not be used or recognised as payment.
How is bitcoin taxed in Kuwait?
Not applicable (activity prohibited); Kuwait has no personal income tax.
Who regulates crypto in Kuwait?
Central Bank of Kuwait; Capital Markets Authority; Ministry of Commerce and Industry. No. Licensing of virtual-asset services is prohibited.
Is bitcoin mining legal in Kuwait?
Banned.
Other Countries Where Bitcoin Is Banned
Related: bitcoin's legal status in every country · bitcoin tax by country · travelling with bitcoin