🇮🇸 Iceland

Iceland maintains a legal and regulated environment for cryptocurrencies, aligned with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) through the EEA Agreement. Transitional VASP registration rules are in place pending full MiCA implementation.

Overview

StatusLegal
Risk Score25/100 (Low Risk)
Regioneurope
CurrencyISK
Adoption Rank#44

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)Taxed as capital income at progressive rates up to 31.8%
Capital Gains (Corporate)Corporate tax rate of 20% applies to crypto gains
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxTaxed as income at personal or corporate rates
Airdrop TaxTaxed as income upon receipt

Cryptocurrency gains are taxed as capital income for individuals and corporate income for businesses, with no VAT applied to crypto transactions.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorSeðlabanki Íslands (Central Bank of Iceland)
FrameworkVASP Rules No. 151/2023 and 152/2023 (transitional pre-MiCA)
Easemedium
Cost (USD)$20,000 - $100,000

Iceland follows EEA regulations and requires VASP registration under transitional rules pending full MiCA enforcement.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Low

FME has focused on AML compliance and consumer protection warnings.

CBDC

StatusResearch
NameRafkrona
Issuing AuthorityCentral Bank of Iceland
Modelretail

AML / KYC

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

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: regulated

DeFi activities are subject to existing financial regulations and oversight under the MiCA framework and national laws.

Stablecoins

Status: regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the MiCA framework as financial instruments with specific compliance requirements.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No specific NFT regulation

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.048/kWh
Renewable Energy100%
Infrastructuregood

Iceland offers abundant renewable energy and favorable conditions for crypto mining with stable infrastructure and low electricity costs.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilityvery_stable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index74/100
Banking Accessopen
Sanctions Program ActiveNo

Risk Factors

Iceland is politically stable with strong rule of law, no international sanctions, high internet freedom, and accessible banking for crypto businesses.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Iceland?

Iceland maintains a legal and regulated environment for cryptocurrencies, aligned with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) through the EEA Agreement. Transitional VASP registration rules are in place pending full MiCA implementation.

What is the FATF status of Iceland?

Iceland is classified by FATF as: compliant.

Are VASPs licensed in Iceland?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Iceland?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-09-16 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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