---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "middle_east", "menafatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["BH", "BHR", "البحرين"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2025-11-10
compile_into: ["[[country--bahrain]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Central Bank of Bahrain"
    url: "https://www.cbb.gov.bh"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇧🇭 [[country--bahrain|Bahrain]] (BH) — Crypto Regulation

> Bahrain has a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies under the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), with the CBB Rulebook Volume 6 — CRA Module governing crypto assets. The regulatory environment is well-established and supportive of crypto activities.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 20/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--middle-east|middle east]] |
| Currency | [[entity--bhd|BHD]] |
| Adoption Rank | #35 |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 0% (no personal income or capital gains tax) |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 0% (no corporate tax) |
| VAT on Crypto | No |

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--cbb|CBB]] |
| Framework | CBB Rulebook Volume 6 — CRA Module |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $15,000 - $125,000 |
| Timeline | 3-9 months |

Licensing is regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain under Volume 6 of the CBB Rulebook, requiring compliance with capital and operational requirements.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | fsrb_only |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the CBB framework, requiring compliance with AML and licensing rules.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the CBB framework with specific requirements for issuance and operation.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No NFT-specific regulation. The CBB crypto-asset module does not specifically address NFTs. NFTs with investment characteristics could potentially fall under existing securities regulation.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.029/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 1% |
| Climate | arid |
| Infrastructure | good |

Mining is legal with low electricity costs and good infrastructure, but renewable energy usage is minimal.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 45/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | open |

## Enforcement

The CBB has issued warnings about unlicensed crypto platforms but enforcement actions have been limited. The focus has been on licensing and market development rather than punitive enforcement.

## CBDC Status: exploring

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-04-13.*

**Sources:**
- [Central Bank of Bahrain](https://www.cbb.gov.bh)