Turkmenistan Legalizes Crypto Mining and Exchanges From 2026

Turkmenistan, a small country with about 7.6 million people and very limited control over the internet, has officially legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges since January 2026.

Mining and Exchanges Under Tight Control

Crypto mining is now legal only for approved operators. Any hidden or unlicensed mining remains illegal and could lead to penalties. This rule is especially strict given the country’s controlled digital environment.

Exchanges must also operate under strict rules. They can offer crypto trading services, but only within the framework set by regulators. Taxes must be paid, and crypto cannot be used for illegal activities.

What Is Allowed, And What Is Not

The new law clearly states that cryptocurrencies will not be treated as legal tender. This means crypto cannot be used for everyday payments, salaries, or official transactions.

Instead, digital assets are classified as digital property that people can legally own, hold, and trade under regulated conditions.

Licensed crypto firms must follow strong anti-money laundering rules, store most assets in cold wallets, and report activity to regulators. Any unlicensed mining or exchange activity is strictly banned. Authorities also have the power to suspend or cancel licenses if rules are broken.

How This Affects Crypto Use in Turkmenistan

While nearby countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan already have clear crypto rules, Turkmenistan is taking a different path. Instead of banning crypto, it is choosing a tightly controlled and regulated approach.

Even though crypto trading and holding are still very limited today, this new law slowly opens the door for adoption under strict government rules.

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