---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "middle_east", "menafatf", "banned"]
aliases: ["IQ", "IRQ", "العراق"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--iraq]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.cbi.iq"
    url: "https://www.cbi.iq"
    type: "official"
---

#  Iraq (IQ) — Crypto Regulation

> Cryptocurrency dealings are banned in Iraq as per the Central Bank of Iraq's 2017 directive. There is no indication of legal frameworks supporting crypto activities.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Banned |
| Risk Score | 90/100 (Very High Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--middle-east|middle east]] |
| Currency | [[entity--iqd|IQD]] |

## Tax

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

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | No |
| Regulator | [[entity--cbi|CBI]] |
| Framework | CBI 2017 directive banning cryptocurrency dealings |
| Ease | very_complex |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

## AML / KYC

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

## DeFi

**Status:** Banned

## Stablecoins

**Status:** Banned

## NFTs

**Status:** Banned

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | No |
| Electricity Cost | $0.018/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 3% |
| Climate | arid |
| Infrastructure | poor |

Mining is banned in Iraq. Electricity costs are very low but infrastructure is poor and renewable energy share is minimal.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | unstable |
| Sanctions | Yes |
| Corruption Index | 20/100 |
| Ease of Business | difficult |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC Status: none

---

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

**Sources:**
- [https://www.cbi.iq](https://www.cbi.iq)