The article explores the global landscape of crypto tax-free countries in 2025, highlighting destinations such as Malta, Portugal, Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and Puerto Rico, where investors can legally minimize or eliminate taxes on digital assets. It outlines the specific tax policies, residency requirements, and investment programs in each country, emphasizing the benefits for strategic investors seeking to grow and protect their wealth. Additionally, the article provides guidance on securing crypto assets with cold wallets and answers common questions about legal tax avoidance and residency.
In 2025, evolving crypto tax rules are driving relocation and investment strategies across the globe. While many nations still levy substantial capital gains or income taxes on digital assets, many crypto tax-free countries let investors buy, trade, and hold crypto without taxation. For strategic investors, moving to these tax-free crypto countries offers more than a lifestyle upgrade—it provides a powerful way to safeguard profits and accelerate wealth growth. Discover where your crypto grows tax-free in 2025, which countries offer the best policies, and how you can legally benefit from them.
Best Tax-Free Crypto Countries in 2025
Although most countries worldwide impose taxes on cryptocurrency, some apply lower rates—or none at all. The tax-free crypto countries listed below enable investors to realize crypto gains at reduced tax rates, and in some instances, entirely tax-free.
Malta
Malta, often referred to as “Blockchain Island,” is recognized as one of the most crypto-friendly nations in the world. The country does not impose a long-term capital gains tax on cryptocurrency holdings. However, cryptocurrency trading can be classified as income and taxed up to 35%.
While long-term crypto investors in Malta enjoy tax-free profits, professional traders involved in frequent or short-term transactions may be subject to business income tax.
Malta grants permanent residence to foreign investors who meet specific requirements, including:
Renting or purchasing property in the country;
Paying an administration fee of €50,000;
Contributing €60,000 if renting a property, or €30,000 buying a property.
Citizenship in Malta can be obtained through naturalization for exceptional services via direct investment. Eligible applicants must invest a minimum of €690,000 and satisfy all other legal conditions.
Portugal
Once known for its zero crypto tax policy, Portugal changed its regulations on January 1, 2023. Investors now pay a flat 28% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency held for less than a year, while assets held for more than 12 months may still qualify for tax-free gains.
In Portugal, the government does not tax crypto-to-crypto transactions and does not classify NFTs as crypto assets for tax purposes. Foreign nationals have several straightforward residency options. Under the Golden Visa program, investors must contribute at least €250,000 to the national economy, after which authorities grant a two-year residence permit and may extend it for another three years.
After maintaining residency for five years, investors and their families can apply for citizenship. The D7 Passive Income Visa offers another route, allowing financially independent individuals to settle in Portugal.
Switzerland
Switzerland hosts a thriving cluster of blockchain companies known as “Crypto Valley” and offers favorable policies for cryptocurrency investors. This crypto tax-free country does not impose capital gains taxes on individual investors. However, income from activities like staking and mining is subject to income tax rates ranging from 0% to 13.2%.
Financially independent foreigners can obtain Swiss residence by paying a lump-sum tax, which varies by canton and family expenses and typically ranges from 450,000 to 1,000,000 Swiss francs annually. In addition to this tax, investors must contribute 18,000 Swiss francs in social security per adult family member and other expenses such as medical insurance.
Germany
Germany does not offer a complete tax exemption for cryptocurrency, but it maintains relatively favorable tax policies for investors. You are not liable for tax if you sell cryptocurrency after holding it for over 12 months. The country classifies crypto as private money rather than legal tender, making transactions with it tax-free. Additionally, short-term gains under €600 are exempt from taxation.
However, Germany taxes individuals who earn income through cryptocurrency payments or mining. Income tax rates range from 0% to 45%, depending on the taxpayer’s annual income.
Singapore
Singapore does not impose a capital gains tax, allowing individual investors to sell their cryptocurrency tax-free. The country classifies cryptocurrencies as intangible property, which are considered barter transactions rather than traditional payments for goods or services.
In most situations, cryptocurrency is not subject to income tax. However, if you earn it through business activities or receive it as payment for goods or services, it is taxed at a rate of 17%. Additionally, goods purchased with cryptocurrency may be subject to goods and services tax (GST).
Malaysia
Like neighboring Singapore, Malaysia does not tax capital gains or income from cryptocurrency for most investors. The authorities do not classify cryptocurrencies as capital assets or legal tender, which makes crypto transactions tax-free for individual investors.
However, the government states that individuals engaging in short-term, frequent cryptocurrency trading may be liable for income tax.
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates does not impose income or capital gains taxes on individual investors. In early 2023, Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven Emirates, introduced a free zone for digital and virtual asset companies, offering 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate and personal income tax, and no customs duties.
However, goods and services, including those purchased with cryptocurrency, are subject to a 5% value-added tax (VAT), and the country has a high cost of living.
Foreign investors can obtain UAE residency through investment. The UAE Golden Visa, valid for either 2 or 10 years, is available to real estate buyers. A 2-year visa requires a property investment of AED 750,000 (about $204,000), while a 10-year visa requires AED 2,000,000 (about $545,000).
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a territory in the U.S. rather than an independent country, and it sets its tax policies. For many American citizens, relocating to Puerto Rico is simpler than moving abroad. Puerto Rican residents currently pay no capital gains tax on assets acquired and sold while living on the island.
Residents pay territorial income tax rates ranging from 0% to 33%, while certain businesses benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate of just 4%. However, cryptocurrency acquired before moving remains subject to U.S. federal taxes. To qualify for tax benefits, investors must meet strict residency requirements, including spending at least 183 days per year on the island.
Crypto Tax Free Countries by Region
Europe
Several European nations provide favorable or even zero-tax treatment for cryptocurrency. Portugal has long been popular for its tax benefits, though recent changes are narrowing them. Germany exempts capital gains tax on crypto held for more than one year, while Georgia offers simple residency options and a 0% personal crypto tax rate.
Asia
Singapore and Hong Kong remain leading destinations with no capital gains tax on cryptocurrency, drawing investors and blockchain companies. The Philippines and Thailand are working on more favorable tax frameworks to attract digital nomads and crypto entrepreneurs.
Latin America
El Salvador leads the way by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender and exempting BTC from capital gains tax. Panama applies a territorial tax system, so foreign-sourced crypto income remains untaxed.
Caribbean
The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands impose no tax on personal income or capital gains, making them attractive for high-net-worth crypto investors seeking warm weather and a low-bureaucracy environment year-round.
Middle East
The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers a 0% personal income tax and operates crypto-friendly free zones, attracting retail traders and major blockchain companies. Bahrain is also building its reputation as a regional crypto hub with similar tax benefits.
Global Trends – As high-tax countries tighten regulations, more investors are pursuing relocation through digital nomad visas, residency-by-investment programs, and tax treaties. Low-tax jurisdictions use crypto-friendly policies to attract capital, talent, and innovation.
How to Legally Pay 0% Tax on Crypto in 2025
Establish tax residency in a country that imposes no capital gains tax on cryptocurrency.
You can apply for citizenship or residency through crypto-friendly programs like Portugal’s Golden Visa or the UAE’s investor visas.
Move to jurisdictions that exempt crypto transactions from tax and fulfill their residency requirements.
Hold cryptocurrency long-term in countries that offer tax-free gains after a specific holding period, such as Germany.
Secure Your Crypto in a Tax-Friendly World
Tangem cold wallets offer international investors a secure and convenient way to safeguard their digital assets. By storing cryptocurrency entirely offline, they protect holdings from online threats while maintaining worldwide accessibility. Shop Tangem Cold Wallets today and keep your crypto safe wherever you go.
Offline security with global access – Tangem cold wallets keep your assets completely offline, protecting them from online risks while ensuring you can access them anywhere.
Portability for travelers and digital nomads – Compact and durable, Tangem wallets are easy to carry, making them ideal for investors on the move.
Seamless management with the Tangem app – Monitor and manage your assets effortlessly while enjoying top-level security.
Crypto Tax-Free Country FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about countries with zero crypto tax policies. Discover where you can legally grow your digital assets without paying capital gains tax.
What countries have no crypto taxes in 2025?
Several countries, including Portugal, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Germany, Puerto Rico, etc., do not tax cryptocurrency.
Can I legally avoid crypto taxes by moving abroad?
While you cannot legally evade crypto taxes, strategies such as tax-loss harvesting can help reduce your tax burden. Common approaches to minimizing crypto taxes include:
Moving cryptocurrency assets to a jurisdiction that does not tax crypto.
Holding assets for more than one year to avoid short-term capital gains tax.
Trading with utility tokens that fall under a different classification than cryptocurrency or fiat currency.
For the most effective tax optimization, research the tax exemption rules in various countries and select the one that best suits your situation.
Do I need to become a resident to pay 0% crypto tax?
To legally pay 0% crypto tax, you must establish tax residency in a jurisdiction that explicitly exempts cryptocurrency gains. Merely remaining a non-resident or using a foreign address is usually insufficient, as most countries tax residents on their worldwide income, and non-residents may still owe taxes on crypto activity depending on their home country’s rules or the source jurisdiction.
Which country is the best for crypto expats?
Portugal, Malta, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Singapore, and others are among the most crypto-friendly countries. The ideal country for crypto taxation depends on how you manage your assets. Individual investors are exempt from taxes in countries like Malta, while professional traders and miners must pay income tax.
Is my Tangem wallet safe for storing crypto abroad?
Yes — your Tangem wallet provides safe storage for crypto anywhere in the world. As a cold wallet, it keeps your private keys fully offline, protecting your assets from online hacks, malware, and phishing attempts regardless of location. Its durable, travel-ready design and secure asset management through the Tangem app make it an excellent choice for international investors, frequent travelers, and digital nomads.
