🇹🇷 Istanbul City

Turkey has a clear legal framework for cryptocurrency under Law No. 7518 on Crypto Assets (2024), providing regulated status for crypto activities.

Overview

StatusLegal
Risk Score25/100 (Low Risk)
Regioneurope
CurrencyTRY

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)30% capital gains tax
Capital Gains (Corporate)22% corporate tax on crypto gains
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxTaxed as income
Airdrop TaxTaxed as income

Turkey taxes personal capital gains from crypto at 30%, corporate gains at 22%, and treats staking, mining, and airdrops as taxable income. VAT does not apply to crypto transactions.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorCMB (Capital Markets Board / SPK — Sermaye Piyasası Kurulu) is the primary licensing regulator. MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) enforces AML/KYC obligations. BDDK (Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency) is not the primary crypto regulator.
FrameworkLaw No. 7518 on Amendment of the Capital Markets Law (2024) — enacted July 2, 2024, Official Gazette No. 32590. Secondary: CMB Communiqués III-35/B.1 and III-35/B.2 (March 13, 2025, Official Gazette No. 32840).
Easemedium

Licensing under Law No. 7518 requires compliance with AML and operational standards; process is moderately complex.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

Enforcement focused on unlicensed operators and consumer protection

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberYes
FATF Statuscompliant
FATF BodyFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the same framework as other crypto assets, requiring compliance with AML and licensing rules.

Stablecoins

Status: specific_framework

Stablecoins are regulated under Law No. 7518 with specific provisions for issuance and custody.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No specific NFT regulation

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.15/kWh
Renewable Energy30%
Infrastructuregood

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and good infrastructure, benefiting from 30% renewable energy share.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitymoderate
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index40/100
Banking Accessmoderate

Risk Factors

Turkey has moderate political stability with some regional risks and inflation concerns. Banking access for crypto firms is moderate, and internet freedom is partly free.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Istanbul?

Turkey has a clear legal framework for cryptocurrency under Law No. 7518 on Crypto Assets (2024), providing regulated status for crypto activities.

What is the FATF status of Istanbul?

Istanbul is classified by FATF as: compliant.

Are VASPs licensed in Istanbul?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Istanbul?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-01 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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