Turkmenistan Crypto Law Legalizes Mining and Exchanges

Turkmenistan officially legalized cryptocurrency mining and crypto exchanges on Jan. 1, 2026. The law, signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow in late November 2025, sets clear rules for the industry.

The legislation allows both individual miners and mining pools to operate. It also permits registered nonresidents to participate in mining activities. This marks a major step for the country, which had previously avoided clear regulations for digital assets.

Rules for Exchanges and Security Measures

Licensed crypto exchanges must follow strict guidelines. They are required to implement KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) procedures. Exchanges also need to store user funds in cold wallets, which adds an extra layer of security.

These rules aim to protect investors while ensuring that Turkmenistan’s crypto industry grows in a safe and regulated way.

Crypto Is Not Legal Tender

The new law makes it clear that cryptocurrency is not legal tender, currency, or a security in Turkmenistan. This means people cannot pay taxes or government fees with crypto. At the same time, the law prevents crypto from being classified as a stock or bond, giving businesses more clarity about how to operate.

By clarifying this, Turkmenistan creates a legal framework that supports innovation while avoiding financial risk.

Implications for Miners and Investors

With this law, Turkmenistan joins a small but growing group of countries that officially regulate crypto. Miners now have a legal path to operate, and investors can use licensed exchanges with more confidence.

Nonresidents can also participate in mining, which could attract international investment and partnerships. At the same time, strict compliance rules signal that the government wants to prevent fraud and financial crime.

The Future of Crypto in Turkmenistan

The new regulations could pave the way for a stronger blockchain ecosystem in Turkmenistan. Miners, exchanges, and investors now have a clear set of rules. This clarity may encourage more projects to enter the country.

While crypto will not replace the national currency, this law shows that Turkmenistan is open to blockchain innovation. If adoption grows steadily, the country could emerge as a small but notable player in Central Asia’s crypto landscape.