Is Bitcoin Legal in Saudi Arabia?
Partly. Owning bitcoin is not explicitly illegal in Saudi Arabia, but no crypto exchange is licensed and banks are told not to deal in it, so access is only through foreign platforms at your own risk.
Restricted · facts checked November 2026 · some details from secondary sources · bitcoin is $77,613 today
| Status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Saudi Central Bank (SAMA); Capital Market Authority (CMA) |
| Main law | No crypto-specific law; 2018 standing-committee warning that virtual currencies are unlicensed; Anti-Money Laundering Law (Royal Decree M/20, 2017) |
| Exchanges | No licensing regime; no entity is licensed to offer crypto trading. |
| Paying with bitcoin | Not legal tender; the government does not recognise crypto as a means of payment. |
| Banks | No. SAMA directs banks and financial institutions not to deal in virtual currencies. |
| Tax | There is no personal income tax and no crypto-specific tax for individuals; companies follow general zakat and income tax rules. |
| Mining | Not specifically regulated |
| Recent change | No formal change through 2026 as far as found; the 2018 warnings and bank restriction still apply (Library of Congress survey, Jan 2025). |
Bitcoin in Saudi Arabia: FAQ
Is bitcoin legal in Saudi Arabia?
Partly: owning bitcoin is not explicitly illegal in Saudi Arabia, but no crypto exchange is licensed and banks are told not to deal in it, so access is only through foreign platforms at your own risk.
Is bitcoin legal tender in Saudi Arabia?
Not legal tender; the government does not recognise crypto as a means of payment.
How is bitcoin taxed in Saudi Arabia?
There is no personal income tax and no crypto-specific tax for individuals; companies follow general zakat and income tax rules.
Who regulates crypto in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Central Bank (SAMA); Capital Market Authority (CMA). No licensing regime; no entity is licensed to offer crypto trading.
Is bitcoin mining legal in Saudi Arabia?
Not specifically regulated.
Other Countries Where Bitcoin Is Restricted
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