---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "europe", "fatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["IE", "IRL", "Éire / Ireland"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-02-10
compile_into: ["[[country--ireland]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Central Bank of Ireland"
    url: "https://www.centralbank.ie"
    type: "official"
  - name: "EU [[concept--mica|MiCA]] Regulation"
    url: "https://eur-lex.europa.eu"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇮🇪 [[country--ireland|Ireland]] (IE) — Crypto Regulation

> Ireland has a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, aligned with EU regulations such as the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). The Central Bank of Ireland oversees financial stability and consumer protection in crypto-related financial services.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 25/100 (Low Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--europe|europe]] |
| Currency | [[entity--eur|EUR]] |
| Adoption Rank | #24 |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 33% capital gains tax on crypto disposals |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 12.5% (standard) / 15% (Pillar Two minimum for large groups) |
| VAT on Crypto | No |

The regulatory page does not specify detailed crypto tax rates or rules, but VAT does not apply to crypto transactions.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--central-bank-of-ireland|Central Bank of Ireland]] |
| Framework | Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $50,000 - $300,000 |
| Timeline | 6-18 months |

Licensing is governed under EU-wide MiCAR framework, requiring compliance with financial regulations and consumer protections.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Member | Yes |
| FATF Status | compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the broader EU crypto asset regulations, ensuring compliance with AML and consumer protection laws.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under MiCAR, with specific requirements for issuance and transparency.

## NFTs

**Status:** Unclear

MiCA excludes unique NFTs. CBI follows ESMA classification guidance. No additional Irish NFT-specific rules.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.192/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 42% |
| Climate | temperate |
| Infrastructure | good |

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and a significant share of renewable energy. Infrastructure supports crypto operations well.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 74/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | open |

## Enforcement

CBI has enforced AML compliance requirements against registered VASPs and issued public warnings about unlicensed crypto service providers operating in Ireland.

## CBDC Status: exploring

---

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

**Sources:**
- [Central Bank of Ireland](https://www.centralbank.ie)
- [EU MiCA Regulation](https://eur-lex.europa.eu)