Crypto Regulations Saudi Arabia: What’s Legal, What’s Not in 2025

When it comes to crypto regulations Saudi Arabia, the legal framework governing cryptocurrency use, trading, and taxation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Also known as Saudi crypto law, it’s not about banning crypto—it’s about controlling how it moves through the economy. Unlike Turkey or Nigeria, Saudi Arabia never banned crypto outright. Instead, it drew a sharp line: you can trade, hold, and invest—but you can’t use it to pay for coffee, rent, or groceries.

This distinction matters because crypto trading Saudi Arabia, the activity of buying, selling, and holding digital assets through licensed exchanges. Also known as digital asset trading, it’s fully permitted under the supervision of the Capital Market Authority (CMA). In 2024, the CMA started licensing local exchanges and requiring strict KYC. By 2025, only approved platforms like BitOasis and Rain could legally operate. If you’re trading on an unlicensed site, you’re not just taking risk—you’re breaking the law.

Then there’s crypto taxation Saudi Arabia, the upcoming system that will treat crypto gains as taxable income. Also known as digital asset taxation, it’s not yet active, but draft rules leaked in early 2025 show capital gains will be taxed at 20% for high-net-worth individuals and businesses. Ordinary users might get a grace period, but anyone earning income from staking, trading, or mining should start tracking every transaction. The Saudi tax authority (ZATCA) is building a crypto reporting system tied to bank accounts—so hiding activity won’t work.

And don’t forget the payment ban. In 2021, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) outlawed crypto as a payment method. Why? Because they’re rolling out the digital riyal—backed by blockchain, controlled by the state, and designed to replace cash and private crypto entirely. That’s the real target. Crypto isn’t the enemy; it’s the placeholder until the government’s own digital currency takes over.

What does this mean for you? If you’re holding Bitcoin or Ethereum, you’re fine—as long as you bought it through a licensed exchange. If you’re mining, you need a business license. If you’re running a DeFi wallet with no KYC? You’re in a gray zone. No one’s been arrested yet, but audits are coming. The CMA has already flagged over 120 unregistered crypto platforms in 2024.

The posts below cut through the noise. You’ll find clear breakdowns of what’s allowed, what’s risky, and what’s outright fake. No fluff. No hype. Just facts about how Saudi crypto rules affect your wallet, your trades, and your taxes in 2025.