Countries Where Bitcoin is Legal in 2020

Since its debut in 2008, Bitcoin has been increasingly grown in popularity and demand across the globe. It provides an excellent investment alternative compared to centralized currencies, which has led to the digital currency gaining many followers. The digital coin is suitable for businesses worldwide without conversion, providing a fast and efficient transaction mode. Furthermore, buying and selling bitcoin is possible, while earning is also an option. The most common way to earn bitcoin is through its mining. Bitcoin ATMs are also a thing now and enable the currency’s withdrawal.

However, in the wake of a digital era, international regulations on bitcoin use are absent. In turn, it limits countries from forming laws on ownership and trade. There are still discussions held by tax regulators and enforcement agencies on the way forward as far as bitcoin legality is concerned. Some countries have openly accepted bitcoin, others with restrictions on its use, a number considering it illegal, and many with no regulations. This article will focus on the countries where bitcoin is legal and its measures in the said jurisdictions.  

USA

The US is considered the most open in terms of bitcoin adoption. In 2013, the US Treasury embraced the digital coin and its technology. Since then, American citizens have the freedom to trade using Bitcoin. However, there have been many trials by different government agencies to instigate the discrediting of the currency. 

Today, many businesses within the country accept bitcoin as a form of payment for goods and services. On top of the list are Amazon, Microsoft Store, Overstock.com, Shopify, and OK Cupid. Business and crypto traders have to register with FinTech to help deal with illegal trading. Businesses and users have a legal obligation to pay taxes from bitcoin and crypto trade proceeds.

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Mexico

Mexico legalized Bitcoin in 2017. Currently, many Mexicans invest in the currency amid worldwide adoption. Transactions, however, come with regulations whereby banks decide digital platforms that will function in the country. Additionally, bitcoin owners have to verify that the currency is from legal sources. 

The country advises citizens to follow guidelines and trade carefully to avoid involvement in illegal undertakings. According to FinTech, bitcoin is a digital asset, like other digital coins, and Mexicans can use it for electronic payment. The regulations give clarity and a reason to trust financial systems in the country.

Germany

In Germany, users require licensing from the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority before taking part in crypto trading. They will also need authorization whenever the user wishes to buy bitcoin over time. 

Bitcoin trading in Germany is legal, although, for a user to open a bitcoin ATM, BaFin has to approve the account. Individuals engaging in financial activities without permission from the federation may end up in the business’s cessation. Single bitcoin purchases by individuals or institutions are devoid of government regulations, unlike continuous currency trade.

Australia

In 2013, the Australian government declared that people were free to use bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies if they chose to. However, in 2017, the government legalized bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies as property subject to capital gains tax. Before, they were subject to double taxation by goods and services tax. Buying goods and services in bitcoin does not incur charges. 

In 2018, the government implemented exchange regulations by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center. Anyone involved in bitcoin and other crypto exchanges must register with AUSTRAC. It further obligates them to indicate and verify users, collect records, and report to the government. They should also include dates, values, purposes, and addresses of the transactions. Failure to do the same will result in criminal charges and penalties. These rules help curb money laundering and any other illegal activities in which bitcoin may be involved.

Zimbabwe

Before 2020, there were no specific regulations on bitcoin and cryptocurrency exchange in the country. Nonetheless, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe introduces a FinTech framework that will formulate guidelines that companies and businesses should follow in terms of crypto and Bitcoin exchange. 

In recent years, Zimbabwe has been recording bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies flooding the markets as an alternative for financial stability. The move opened government officials’ eyes to realize the necessity to lay down rules governing bitcoin and cryptocurrency use in general.

Japan

The Financial Services Agency of Japan legalized Bitcoin as a legal tender in 2017. The Japanese termed Bitcoin as an asset, hence there were no taxes related to cryptocurrencies. The legalization, however, came with a couple of regulations. As a stock company, users register to become a crypto service provider to be legitimate candidates for registration. An individual needs to have approximately $8700 and possess an adequate amount of assets. Later on, the National Tax Agency regulated Bitcoin and crypto proceeds as taxable.

Since cryptos are considered asset values, they can be transferred via electronic data processing and used as an alternative for payments in exchange for different items. Users also provide timely reports on significant law enforcements using forms stipulated under the law. Japanese are highly anticipating using cryptocurrency and lift their economy using Bitcoin technology. Users take responsibility for their systems and would not need to be strained over security issues.

Author’s Note

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Bitcoin’s popularity is still soaring, even in the middle of a global pandemic. The exact number of countries that have legalized Bitcoin is not yet precise. Nonetheless, North America, most of Europe, and Australia have regulations concerning bitcoin and other digital currencies. Others, such as China, Russia, Bolivia, Vietnam, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Ecuador, among a few others, reject the idea of the currency circulating their economy, leading to its ban. Some are neutral, including most African countries. Nevertheless, most have no say on the matter, letting people trade in bitcoin at their own risk. But as bitcoin gains a foothold in many countries, most are looking for ways to regulate digital currencies. Only time will tell which countries will jump on the bandwagon.