Best Countries For Crypto Businesses – What Are Your Options?

Digital assets have taken the world by storm, with their values soaring and crashing at unprecedented rates. This has led to a surge in the number of people turning to cryptocurrencies as an avenue to explore sustainable wealth.

While cryptocurrency investments may be profitable, they also come with a high amount of risk. This is especially accurate if you are not familiar with the crypto world’s characteristics.

As crypto regulations are still disparate in some areas of the world, one way to ensure that your investments are safe is by setting up your business in a country known for being crypto-friendly.

In this article, we will discuss the best countries to start a crypto business at the moment. Take a look at the pros and cons of launching a crypto business offshore.

Before you go, there’s one thing to be aware of!

Tax rules on crypto are subject to rapid change, which might make it difficult for businesses to keep track of everything. Make sure you are well informed about the latest tax laws in your chosen country before starting your crypto business.

In the case of the U.K., cryptocurrencies are completely legal. The government is taking a regulatory approach to set the bar and inform people about the risks beforehand. Nevertheless, concerns involving crypto assets in the U.K. still exist and should be taken into careful consideration at all times.

The U.S. has by far been the murkiest legal ground for crypto businesses to traverse. Still, the mist began to clear with the IRS’s official designation of cryptocurrency as convertible virtual property, with emphasis on “property”.

As such, crypto-related transactions abide by the same principle as traditional property transactions. To illustrate, if you only buy and hold Bitcoin, it does not count as a taxable event.

However, when you generate profit from the act of selling your Bitcoin or using it to buy another cryptocurrency like Ethereum, the ambit also extends to when you make payments for other goods and services with crypto.

More examples of cryptocurrency taxation in some countries for reference:

In Germany, the taxes that crypto companies are subject to depend on how they use Bitcoin. If Bitcoin is used as a means of payment, you will be subject to VAT (value-added tax) on the value of the Bitcoin, except when it is held as an investment.

Australia, in recognition of its rise in crypto assets usage, recently proposed the Crypto Asset Secondary Providers (CASSPrs) licensing regime. With the focus shifting toward stakeholders involved in the transaction process rather than the product itself.

This is considered the first in a long line of initiatives within the country’s campaign to bring order into its disparate crypto scene. As for now, it is unclear whether crypto companies will be subject to income or capital gains taxes, but will eventually be taxed by one of them.

The specific tax rules on cryptocurrency businesses vary from country to country. It is important to be aware of the tax laws in your chosen country before starting up your crypto business. Otherwise, you may end up paying more taxes than you expected!

In some cases, you are not required to obtain a license to engage in the crypto business. For instance, you can set up an International Business Company (IBC) in an offshore jurisdiction for personal fund-based crypto trading without a need for a license application.

Offshore paradises tend to provide low or no taxes and greater privacy for company owners’ personal information as well.

Then what are the best countries to start a crypto business?

Best countries to start a crypto business

Many countries are considered it to be beneficial for starting a crypto business. However, not all of them are the same. Some countries might be better suited for your crypto business than others.

Here are some offshore countries famous for being crypto-friendly and offering favorable tax laws for businesses:

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a well-known crypto-friendly offshore jurisdiction. BVI is a well-established jurisdiction with a long history of providing offshore services, with the necessary infrastructure in place to support crypto businesses.

Couple this with its well-developed legal system. This is to help your crypto business be well-protected under the law. The BVI also has a good reputation for being tax-friendly as it does not levy any income taxes or capital gains taxes on crypto businesses.

Seychelles

Another promising offshore jurisdiction for crypto businesses is in Seychelles. Seychelles is a well-regulated jurisdiction with a good reputation for being tax-friendly.

Seychelles provides a well-developed legal system and a high level of privacy for company owners along with their personal information.

Binance, with its headquarters in the Cayman Islands, also incorporated Binance Investments in Seychelles. Moreover, BitMEX is a Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a well-known and well-respected jurisdiction for blockchain-related businesses, with plenty of crypto projects on its borders like Polkadot, Solana, Tezos, and Dfinity – to name a few.

It’s considered a crypto-friendly jurisdiction with a regulatory framework that aligns with blockchain developers’ core values: decentralization, inclusivity, and non-profit technological advancement.

Switzerland does not levy any income taxes or capital gains taxes on crypto businesses. For example, if you hold cryptocurrency as an investment in your account and are eligible as an individual trader, you will not be subject to capital gains tax.

In terms of banking, the country is home to some of the most crypto-friendly banking institutions; Maerki Baumann and SEBA being renowned names in the crypto investment community.

Saint Vincent and Grenadines (SVG)

SVG is widely chosen for international trade and investment, intellectual property, or licensing and franchising ownership. The country is also a popular destination for crypto businesses.

No legislation concerning cryptocurrency has been passed by the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The benefits of being a tax-free haven, providing confidentiality, low accounting standards, etc. are all here.

The islands have expressed support for the technology and its underlying blockchain technology. SVG is taking part in the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) pilot program, whose purpose is to test the implementation of cryptocurrency as a fiat currency.

Singapore

Singapore has always been a top destination for businesses because of its stable economy and friendly business environment. It is undoubtedly a global financial hub, which makes it a great place to do business. There is no capital gains tax as well.

In addition, this country has been very welcoming to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, with the government investing in several blockchain projects.

Another reason to pick Singapore is its well-developed infrastructure, being one of the most connected countries in the world. The city-state has a high internet penetration rate, making it convenient for enterprises to access global markets.

Tax exemptions will apply to personal and corporate cryptocurrency funds, which means individuals and businesses that buy cryptocurrencies in Singapore and profit from the appreciation won’t have to pay sales taxes (for investment purposes).

On the occasion of trading bitcoin for a profit, however, you will be taxed at a rate of 17% (for trading purposes).

Malta

Malta is among the crypto-friendly countries in the world. The island nation offers several advantages to crypto businesses, including tax breaks and easy licensing. It was one of the first countries to adopt regulations for blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

Malta is quickly becoming a global center for blockchain and crypto innovation, making it one of the best countries to start your crypto business.

The jurisdiction has approved Malta Digital Innovation Authority Act, Virtual Financial Asset Act, etc., to encourage the island to become a global leader in cryptocurrency.

The country is also an offshore jurisdiction and offers tax benefits for businesses. Malta has many English-speaking professionals, making it easy to do business in the country.

Conclusion

Starting a crypto business in each of these countries comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Do consider the source of your crypto capital and the movements of your funds, since these factors can significantly impact your business’s tax benefits.

Be sure to review the currency regulations in your chosen country as well as any anti-money laundering and terrorist financing requirements (if applicable to your business).

If you have any questions or concerns regarding getting into cryptocurrency in offshore companies, feel free to drop us a message via service@bbcincorp.com or chat directly with one of our friendly consultants for practical advice.