Crypto-funded debit card in Tunisia

Cryptocurrencies are not recognized as legal tender in Tunisia.

Transactions involving cryptocurrencies are not authorized by the BCT.

Exchanges: There is no legal framework allowing the operation of crypto exchanges. Any attempt to operate one would be in violation of the BCT's stance and existing financial laws.

Custody Providers: Similarly, no specific license exists. Providing custody for virtual assets would fall into the same regulatory void/prohibition.

Payment Processors: Companies processing payments in or with cryptocurrencies would face the same regulatory hurdles as exchanges. Traditional payment service provider licenses (issued by the BCT for fiat currencies) would not extend to virtual assets given their non-recognition.

Banque Centrale de Tunisie (BCT) Official Website:

Loi n° 2016-71 du 30 septembre 2016, relative aux établissements de paiement (Law No. 2016-71 of September 30, 2016, on Payment Institutions). This law defines electronic money and regulates the issuance of electronic money by authorized payment institutions. Stablecoins, particularly fiat-backed ones, could conceptually fit some aspects of this definition if they were recognized and licensed, but currently, they are not.

BCT Authorization: Under Law 2016-71, any entity providing payment services or issuing electronic money requires explicit authorization from the BCT. It is highly improbable that the BCT would grant such authorization for stablecoin issuance.

No explicit classification: Tunisian law does not explicitly classify stablecoins as e-money, payment tokens, or securities.

Law No. 2022-77 of December 26, 2022, on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Loi n° 2022-77 du 26 décembre 2022, relative à la lutte contre le blanchiment d'argent et le financement du terrorisme).

Definition of Virtual Assets: The law generally adopts a broad definition consistent with FATF standards, recognizing them as a digital representation of value that can be digitally traded or transferred and used for payment or investment purposes.

Definition of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs): It explicitly includes VASPs as "reporting entities" (or "obliged entities" / "personnes assujetties"). While the law itself may not define all types of VASPs exhaustively, it typically covers entities that conduct one or more of the following activities for or on behalf of another natural or legal person:

Entity Targeted: Iskander Najar (also sometimes reported as Islem Najar), a young Tunisian individual. Violation Type: Illegally using cryptocurrency to transfer money abroad, violating Tunisian foreign exchange laws (specifically, the prohibition on non-authorized transfers of foreign currency) and potentially money laundering charges. Penalty Amount: Initial sentence of two years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Tunisian Dinars (TND) (approximately $1,700 at the time). This sentence was later reduced on appeal. Specific details of the reduced fine are less widely reported than the prison sentence reduction.

Outcome: Najar was convicted and served time in prison. The case garnered significant international attention, with many advocating for his release and highlighting the severity of Tunisia's stance on crypto. His sentence was ultimately reduced on appeal, and he was released after serving part of his term. The outcome reinforced Tunisia's strict interpretation of its foreign exchange laws concerning digital assets.

There are no specific capital gains tax rates for cryptocurrencies in Tunisia.

Local Presence: A physical presence in Tunisia, including a local registered office, and potentially local management and staff.