Turkmenistan Legalizes Bitcoin Mining and Trading Under New National Law

Turkmenistan has formally legalized Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining and trading following the enactment of new legislation that took effect this week.

The legislation, signed by President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets. With its adoption, Turkmenistan joins a growing number of Central Asian states moving to regulate and integrate cryptocurrency activity into their economies.

A Comprehensive Legal Framework for Crypto

Under the new law, cryptocurrency operations are permitted across the entire sector. Legal activities include mining, trading, and operating organized mining pools, all conducted under state oversight.

Moreover, the framework is not limited to domestic participants. Foreign nationals are also eligible to mine cryptocurrencies in Turkmenistan, provided that they complete the required registration procedures outlined in the legislation.

The legalization effort aligns with broader economic objectives. Turkmenistan’s economy remains heavily dependent on natural gas exports, and authorities are seeking ways to diversify revenue streams.

By channeling surplus energy into cryptocurrency mining, the government aims to extract additional value from existing infrastructure, a strategy previously adopted by neighboring Kazakhstan.

Compliance Obligations for Exchanges

While the law opens the door to new opportunities, it also introduces stringent compliance requirements. Cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Turkmenistan must obtain official licenses to operate legally.

Furthermore, exchanges are required to implement Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) controls. The legislation also mandates the use of specific cold storage measures to ensure the security of digital assets.

Nevertheless, despite legalization, the government has drawn clear legal boundaries around the role of digital assets. Cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender or a national currency under current law.

The law also specifies that digital assets are not classified as securities, underscoring the state’s cautious approach to financial innovation and systemic risk.

Part of a Gradual Economic Opening

The policy shift fits into a broader pattern of incremental reform. Turkmenistan is widely regarded as one of the world’s most closed economies, yet in recent years, there has been limited easing of restrictions.

For instance, sectors such as tourism and energy have undergone modest liberalization, and now the crypto industry joins that list as part of a carefully managed opening.

Central Asia’s Expanding Crypto Landscape

Turkmenistan’s decision also mirrors wider regional trends. Cryptocurrency adoption has been steadily expanding across Central Asia in recent years.

For context, Kazakhstan emerged as a major Bitcoin mining hub in 2021 after China’s ban on crypto mining, prompting many operators to relocate.

Elsewhere, Pakistan has advanced more aggressively in crypto regulation. In 2025, it established the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, approved operations for Binance and HTX, built a national Bitcoin reserve, and appointed former Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao as a strategic adviser.

Structural Challenges May Slow Adoption

Despite the new legal framework, crypto adoption in Turkmenistan is likely to proceed at a measured pace. This is because strict government control over internet access remains a significant constraint.

Additionally, continued oversight of financial activity and limited foreign investment pose challenges. Together, these structural factors are expected to shape the scale and pace of crypto sector growth in the country.