High adoption, late formalisation
Turkey has among the highest rates of crypto ownership in the world, driven substantially by currency conditions rather than by speculation in the sense the term is used elsewhere. Formal licensing arrived comparatively late, which meant a large, active market operated for years under AML supervision alone.
The payments prohibition
Since 2021 the direct use of crypto-assets in payment for goods and services has been prohibited, as has the provision of payment services that involve them. Holding and trading are not prohibited — the restriction is specifically on crypto as a means of payment. This distinction is frequently misreported as a ban.
What the licensing deadline means for a user
A transitional cohort of existing providers was permitted to continue while applications were assessed. That period closed on 30 June 2026. The consequence for a Turkish user is the same as in the EU after MiCA: a platform that was operating lawfully during the transition is not necessarily licensed now, and the Capital Markets Board’s own register is the way to establish which.
Tax
Turkey has not introduced a dedicated capital gains regime for crypto-assets. Proposals have been discussed publicly on more than one occasion. Because the position has been under review, the Revenue Administration’s current guidance is the source to check rather than any secondary summary.
Sources
- Sermaye Piyasası Kurulu (Capital Markets Board), Crypto asset service provider licensing (30 Jun 2026)
Not legal or tax advice. This is a summary of published rules, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the primary sources linked above.
Last reviewed by Conisec Staff. Review cadence: Quarterly.