---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "africa_east", "esaamlg", "banned"]
aliases: ["BI", "BDI"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2025-01-01
compile_into: ["[[country--burundi]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Banque de la République du Burundi"
    url: "https://www.brb.bi"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇧🇮 [[country--burundi|Burundi]] (BI) — Crypto Regulation

> Burundi has a total ban on all cryptocurrency transactions issued by the BRB in August/September 2019. Virtual currencies are declared to have no legal tender, and no financial institution is authorized to offer services using virtual currencies. The ban remains in effect as of 2026, with no new framework enacted. Underground crypto trading continues illicitly.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Banned |
| Risk Score | 70/100 (High Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | None |
| Region | [[domain--africa|africa east]] |
| Currency | [[entity--bif|BIF]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No specific guidance |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | No specific guidance |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | No specific guidance |
| Airdrop Tax | No specific guidance |

No crypto-specific tax guidance.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | No |
| Regulator | [[entity--brb|BRB]] |
| Framework | No crypto framework |
| Ease | N/A |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

No crypto licensing framework exists.

## AML / KYC

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

## DeFi

**Status:** Unclear

No regulation.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** no_rules

No framework.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No regulation.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.18/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 35% |
| Climate | tropical |
| Infrastructure | poor |

No explicit mining regulations found; electricity cost relatively high; infrastructure limited.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | unstable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 17/100 |
| Ease of Business | difficult |
| Internet Freedom | not_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |

## Enforcement

No known enforcement actions.

## CBDC Status: none

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Burundi?

Burundi has a total ban on all cryptocurrency transactions issued by the BRB in August/September 2019. Virtual currencies are declared to have no legal tender, and no financial institution is authorized to offer services using virtual currencies. The ban remains in effect as of 2026, with no new framework enacted. Underground crypto trading continues illicitly.

### What is the FATF status of Burundi?

Burundi is classified by FATF as: not_listed.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Burundi?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-06-01.*

**Sources:**
- [Banque de la République du Burundi](https://www.brb.bi)