Is Crypto Legal in Lebanon?

Lebanon does not explicitly prohibit private ownership, use, or trading of cryptocurrencies, but its legal framework does not recognize them as legal tender. Moreover, licensed financial institutions are barred from issuing or marketing electronic money or cryptocurrencies, creating significant operational restrictions for banks and exchanges (1).

The Banque du Liban has maintained a cautious stance toward digital currencies, exploring a potential Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) while warning of risks associated with private cryptocurrencies. In 2013 the central bank issued an official warning, and by 2018 it had prohibited banks and financial institutions from engaging with digital coins (2).

"The Lebanese government has maintained a hostile position on currency choice by increasingly restricting the use of bitcoin and cryptocurrency. The Banque du Liban issued a warning about cryptocurrency use in 2013, and in 2018 it prohibited banks and financial institutions from using cryptocurrency." (2)

As a result, crypto transactions in Lebanon occupy a legal grey zone: individuals may hold and trade coins privately, but cannot use them for payments within the formal economy. Retail acceptance of cryptocurrencies is effectively treated as barter, and no clear regulatory framework exists for consumer or merchant use (1).

Source:
https://www.loc.gov/item/2021687419/
https://cbdctracker.hrf.org/currency/lebanon

Last updated: 16-05-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.