Different countries hold different stances on cryptocurrency and their regulations. While some countries’ laws single out Bitcoin, it is still rare to find a jurisdiction which created a different set of rules concerning the Ethereum network and its native fuel ether (ETH). In most cases, it just falls under general cryptocurrencies rules.
In some countries, even the mere possession of cryptos can get you to prison, while many of them have not even bothered to regulate it, leaving Ethereum and other cryptos in legal limbo.
Countries where Ethereum is banned
Although Ether and cryptocurrencies are welcomed in many parts of the world, several countries have prohibited their trade or use due to their decentralized nature, perceived threat to current monetary systems, volatility, or alleged use to facilitate illegal activities.
In 2019, countries where Ethereum is banned or its payments are banned alongside other cryptocurrencies (as of March 2019) are:
- Afghanistan
- Pakistan
- Algeria
- Bolivia
- Bangladesh
- Republic of Macedonia
- Saudi Arabia
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
In addition to the countries where ETH is banned, there are more countries in which Ethereum is restricted and cannot be used for payment. In such states, banks and other financial service providers are prohibited from dealing with cryptocurrency exchanges. In more extreme cases, such as China’s, the country has banned crypto exchanges altogether.
- China
- India
- Ecuador
- Indonesia
- Morocco
- Zambia
- Nepal
- Egypt
- American
- Samoa
- Qatar
It’s important to note that despite the bans and restrictions, strict laws have not eradicated Bitcoin, Ether, or other cryptocurrencies, their trades or their usage because it is nearly impossible to ban them.
Besides, people can still make use of sites like Local Bitcoins to trade cryptocurrencies using cash and other methods.
No government has the power of truly banning decentralized cryptocurrencies unless they prohibit the usage of the internet.
Countries where Ethereum is legal
On a positive note, there are at least 111 states where Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies are recognized under the law and have a certain legal status.
For instance, the United States and Canada hold a generally crypto-friendly attitude towards cryptocurrencies while also trying to enforce anti-money laundering policies. According to the European Union laws, the member states cannot launch their currency, but crypto exchanges can be legalized, depending on the individual countries’ regulations.
All things considered, the most crypto-friendly countries that embrace cryptocurrencies and in which Ethereum is legal are:
- Japan
- Gibraltar
- Malta
- Ukraine
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Lithuania
- Estonia
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Bermuda
- Slovenia
- Singapore
- Georgia
- Belarus
- Hong Kong
Countries where Ethereum is neither legal nor illegal
To make matters slightly more complicated, there are countries in which ETH is legal in the sense that you can own it, but there are no clear guidelines concerning its status. These countries are either already considering a specific legal framework, or have taken a wait-and-see approach. These countries are:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Barbados
- Colombia
- French Guiana
- Gabon
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Nigeria
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Tunisia
- United
- Arab
- Emirates
- Tanzania
- Uruguay
Fears of widespread cryptocurrency crackdowns have had a long-standing effect on the fledgling crypto industry.
Despite that, a growing number of countries and governments opt-in to embrace digital innovation and play an important role in the industry’s future.
At the same time jurisdictions that oppose the change are at risk of finding themselves at an overwhelming economic disadvantage.
These are already some of the poorest countries in the world, and cryptocurrency business presents an excellent opportunity to bring in innovation, capital, more tax revenue and better living standard for the whole population.