---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "middle_east", "fatf", "restricted"]
aliases: ["SA", "SAU", "المملكة العربية السعودية"]
created: 2026-09-03
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--saudi-arabia]]"]
sources:
  - name: "https://www.sama.gov.sa"
    url: "https://www.sama.gov.sa"
    type: "official"
  - name: "https://www.cma.org.sa"
    url: "https://www.cma.org.sa"
    type: "official"
---

#  Saudi Arabia (SA) — Crypto Regulation

> Saudi Arabia has a restricted regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies with no comprehensive crypto framework yet. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) launched a sandbox for digital assets in 2024 to explore regulatory approaches.

## Overview

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

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 0% - no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 20% corporate income tax (Zakat at 2.5% for Saudi-owned entities); crypto trading gains treated as taxable income for corporate entities |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | No specific guidance |
| Staking Tax | No personal tax; corporate staking income subject to 20% CIT or 2.5% Zakat |
| Airdrop Tax | No personal tax on airdrops; corporate recipients subject to standard CIT |

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--sama|SAMA]] / CMA |
| Framework | Capital Market Authority Sandbox for Digital Assets |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | $50,000 - $200,000 (sandbox participation estimated) |
| Timeline | 6-12 months |

No comprehensive licensing framework yet; sandbox launched in 2024 to test digital asset services under CMA supervision.

## AML / KYC

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

## DeFi

**Status:** Restricted

DeFi activities are restricted due to lack of clear regulatory framework and CMA oversight focusing on centralized digital asset services.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** Restricted

Stablecoins are restricted and subject to regulatory scrutiny under CMA's digital asset sandbox; no specific stablecoin framework yet.

## NFTs

**Status:** unregulated

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | No |
| Electricity Cost | $0.048/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 1% |
| Climate | arid |
| Infrastructure | good |

Crypto mining is restricted in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory and energy policy considerations. Electricity cost is relatively low but renewable energy share is minimal.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 53/100 |
| Ease of Business | moderate |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |
| Sanctions Programs Active | Yes |

## Enforcement

No detailed enforcement information available

## CBDC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | pilot |
| Name | mBridge |
| Authority | Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, People's Bank of China, United Arab Emirates Central Bank, Bank of Thailand |
| Type | wholesale |

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a restricted regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies with no comprehensive crypto framework yet. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) launched a sandbox for digital assets in 2024 to explore regulatory approaches.

### What is the FATF status of Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is classified by FATF as: compliant.

### Are VASPs licensed in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Saudi Arabia?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-09-03.*

**Sources:**
- [https://www.sama.gov.sa](https://www.sama.gov.sa)
- [https://www.cma.org.sa](https://www.cma.org.sa)