---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "middle_east", "menafatf", "restricted"]
aliases: ["KW", "KWT", "الكويت"]
created: 2026-06-01
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--kuwait]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.cbk.gov.kw"
    url: "https://www.cbk.gov.kw"
    type: "official"
---

#  Kuwait (KW) — Crypto Regulation

> Kuwait has no specific cryptocurrency regulation.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Restricted |
| Risk Score | 55/100 (High Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--middle-east|middle east]] |
| Currency | [[entity--kwd|KWD]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 0% - no personal income tax |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 15% CIT applies to foreign entities; Zakat for local companies |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | Mining is banned; no tax framework applies |
| Staking Tax | No personal tax |
| Airdrop Tax | No personal tax |

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | No |
| Regulator | [[entity--cbk|CBK]] / CMA Kuwait |
| Framework | No dedicated crypto licensing framework; absolute prohibition on all virtual asset activities under July 2023 joint regulatory circulars (CBK, CMA Circular No. 10/2023, Insurance Regulatory Unit Circular No. 6/2023, Ministry of Commerce Circular No. 1/2023) |
| Ease | very_complex |
| Cost | N/A - no licensing pathway available |
| Timeline | N/A months |

## AML / KYC

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

## DeFi

**Status:** Banned

## Stablecoins

**Status:** Banned

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | No |
| Electricity Cost | $0.027/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 1% |
| Climate | arid |
| Infrastructure | fair |

Mining is restricted due to regulatory environment and low renewable energy penetration. Electricity costs are low but infrastructure is moderate.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | moderate |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 42/100 |
| Ease of Business | moderate |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC Status: research

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Kuwait?

Kuwait has no specific cryptocurrency regulation.

### What is the FATF status of Kuwait?

Kuwait is classified by FATF as: grey_list.

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

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

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

**Sources:**
- [https://www.cbk.gov.kw](https://www.cbk.gov.kw)