Is Crypto Legal in Turkmenistan?

Cryptocurrency currently exists in a legal gray area in Turkmenistan without formal regulatory framework or official recognition as of 2025 (1). The government is developing a draft law titled "On Virtual Assets" that aims to regulate legal relations in the digital asset sector, including mining, trading, and fintech services (1). Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Khojamyrat Geldimyradov presented the draft legislation during a government meeting in May 2025 in response to instructions from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov (1).

The proposed legislation includes general provisions, regulations concerning state oversight of virtual asset activities, mining operations, issuance and public offering of digital assets, and service providers operating in this sector (1). The document covers norms of state regulation and organization of activities related to virtual assets, as well as the activities of providers of relevant services (2). The Central Bank of Turkmenistan is expected to oversee compliance once the law is enacted, with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures likely to align with international standards (1).

"President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, having heard the report, emphasized the importance of timely legal regulation of the turnover of virtual assets in the context of rapid digitalization of the economy."

The adoption of this law is expected to attract investment, support the development of financial technologies, and stimulate entrepreneurial activity in the field of digital services (2). President Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of legal regulation in the circulation of virtual assets amid the rapid development of digital technologies and the digital economy (1). Parliamentary approval of the law could formalize crypto use by the end of 2025 or 2026, potentially positioning Turkmenistan as a blockchain hub in Central Asia (1).

Source:
https://turkmenhemrasy.gov.tm/en/news/1418
https://orient.tm/en/post/85576/turkmenistan-preparing-legalize-mining-and-regulate-virtual-assets

Last updated: 19-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.